Steam cleaning your oven can eliminate burning and odors from the baking process.
As important as it is, oven cleaning is one of those tasks that many homeowners would rather put off. Elbow deep in grease and clinging grime, it’s not a way most people are willing to spend what little free time they have. Oven cleaners can help loosen the mess, but many contain toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, ethylene glycol and methylene chloride.
In terms of safety and effectiveness, steam cleaning is often considered the best way to clean an oven. Read on to learn how to steam clean your oven using a griddle, handheld steamer or built-in steam cleaning setup.
How to Steam Clean an Oven with a Griddle
There are several ways to clean your oven using the power of steam, but some methods don’t require special tools or high-end oven settings. You can steam clean your oven using a wide oven-compatible baking sheet.
What you’ll need.
- Casserole dish
- water
- Vinegar
- Sponge
- Scrubbing brush
- Baking soda
Step 1: Fill the casserole with water and vinegar and place it in the oven
The first step in using a casserole dish to clean your oven is to fill the casserole dish with water and vinegar. You should fill the casserole dish with about 1 cup of vinegar and the rest of the casserole dish with tap water. Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven and close the oven door.
Step 2: Turn the oven down to 450 degrees F and wait 45 minutes.
Next, turn on the oven and set it to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. As the water and vinegar mixture heats, steam is created, which helps loosen grease and bake spills. Leave the oven on for about 45 minutes to create enough steam.
Step 3: Turn off the oven and remove the casserole.
After 45 minutes, turn off the oven. Remove the casserole and carefully pour in any remaining liquid. Allow the oven to cool before attempting to wipe it clean.
Step 4: Wipe down the inside of the oven with a sponge or scouring pad.
Once the oven has cooled completely, wipe off any grease or grime with a damp sponge. The steam should have removed the dirt, but you may need to use a scrubbing pad in some areas. Putting some baking soda on the scrubbing pad may also help clean up difficult spots.
How to Clean Your Oven with a Handheld Steamer
If you have a handheld steamer, you probably already know how versatile this tool can be. In addition to using a steamer to clean grout, toilets and mattresses, you can also use it to clean your oven. Read on to learn how to clean the inside of your oven with a handheld steamer.
What you’ll need.
- Handheld Steamer
- Distilled water
- Sponge
- Cleaning Cloth
Step 1: Fill a convenient steamer with distilled water and install the correct attachments.
First, make sure the steamer is ready for use. To do this, fill the tank with distilled water and select the correct attachment to clean the oven. Depending on the steamer, look for a scraper or brush attachment specifically designed for cleaning hard surfaces. Before you begin cleaning the oven, you will also need to remove the racks to clear the workspace. These can be cleaned separately.
Step 2: Adjust the heat and pressure to open the steamer and move it into the oven.
Consult the steamer’s instruction manual to determine the ideal heat and pressure settings. Then open the steamer and move it slowly inside the oven (it should be closed and completely cooled). The hot steam should loosen the baked-on dirt.
Step 3: Pause while working to wipe away any loose dirt and moisture.
Periodically stop the steamer and wipe down the inside of the cabinet with a sponge or cleaning cloth to remove any condensation from the steamer. This will also help you determine how much steam is still needed. Continue steam cleaning and wiping the oven until you are satisfied with the results.
How to Steam Clean an Oven with Built-in Settings
You may be familiar with self-cleaning ovens, but did you know that some appliances have steam clean oven settings? The steam clean setting on an oven is usually recommended for light soiling, while the high heat, self-cleaning setting may work better for tough jobs. While specific procedures may vary from oven to oven, the following steps will guide you through how to clean your oven using the built-in steam cleaning settings.
What you need.
- Oven with built-in steam cleaning setting
- Cleaning cloth
- Sponge
- Distilled water
Step 1: Empty the oven to remove grease and food.
Before using the steam clean feature, the oven must be emptied while it is still cool. Remove the cookware and pans and the baking sheet. Next, use a cleaning cloth or sponge to loosen any food that is stuck inside the oven.
Step 2: Add distilled water and begin steam cleaning.
Ovens with a self-cleaning feature have a water tank somewhere in the bottom of the oven. If you are not sure where the water tank is located, refer to your oven’s operating instructions. Pour approximately 1 cup (or the manufacturer’s recommended amount) of distilled water into the water tank. Select the steam clean setting, which usually takes 10-30 minutes, depending on the model.
Step 3: Allow the oven to cool, then wipe off any liquid and dirt.
Once the steam cleaning is complete, allow the oven to cool completely. Then use a sponge or rag to wipe away any loose debris and water.
Final Thoughts.
Steam cleaning your oven is an effective way to remove dirt and stains without exposing yourself or others to harmful chemicals. The methods described above are viable options for anyone who wants to steam clean their oven, regardless of the tools and specific appliances they have. When steam cleaning an oven, always remember to allow the oven to cool completely before attempting to wipe it down to avoid burns or injuries.
