Steam is a natural substance that is suitable for cleaning many things, including the interior of the oven. There are two main methods you can use to steam clean your oven. You can put a pot of water in the oven and heat it for 20 to 30 minutes or use a steamer that is usually used to clean furniture. Both methods will make your oven look like new again.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Heating Water to Produce Steam
Step 1. Remove grease and dust from the oven when it is cool
Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the oven. Focus on removing dust and oil that is easily lost. The evaporation process will later help facilitate the cleaning of sticky and stubborn piles of dirt.
- Make sure you wait until the oven is completely cool before starting to clean it.
- You can also use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hose attachment to suck up the stuck dust.
Step 2. Put 240 ml of distilled or filtered water into the oven
If you have an oven that has a steam cleaning setting, you can pour water directly into the bottom of the oven. If that doesn't work, put the water in a non-heat pan or bowl, such as a casserole bowl, and place it on the oven rack.
- Refer to the user manual for information on the amount of water that can be used to steam clean the oven.
- Using distilled or purified water instead of tap water will keep the oven clean and free of mineral buildup. You can buy distilled water at many shopping centers.
- If you put water in a heatproof container, you can also add 120 ml of vinegar for a cleaner result. If the oven is very dirty, you can use 240 ml of vinegar without adding water.
Step 3. Press the “Steam Clean” button on the oven if there is one
Some oven models, especially newer models, have a separate setting for performing the steam cleaning process which is usually installed near the self-clean button. If this feature exists, consult the user manual to find out how to use it. Otherwise, preheat the oven to 232 °C for 20 minutes.
- For some oven models with a separate steam cleaning setting, you may have to press the Steam Clean button first, then add water when the screen on the oven instructs you to.
- In most ovens equipped with a steam cleaning feature, this process can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4. Wipe the inside of the oven once it cools down
The oven will sound after the steam cleaning process is complete. After hearing the sound, or after 20 to 30 minutes, turn off the oven. Allow the oven to cool, then use a sponge or cloth to remove any excess water or food particles.
- Use a rag or sponge that can be soiled.
- This step will usually make a mess. Line the area around it with used clothes and have a trash can near you.
- Make sure you also clean any racks or pans that are in the oven.
Step 5. Remove stubborn stains with a non-abrasive cleaner
Follow the directions on the cleaner you are using to wipe off the stain you want to remove with a sponge or rag. Bar Keepers Friend brand cleaners or the like are perfect for this purpose.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Steam Cleaner
Step 1. Fill the steam cleaner with purified water
Remove the water tank cover on the purifier, then pour the purified water into it.
- Use a funnel to prevent water from spilling out when pouring.
- You can buy purified water at shopping malls.
Step 2. Attach the wire brush attachment to the steam cleaner
Rough wire attachments can help scrape off stubborn grease and stains. If this attachment is not strong enough to scrape off the stain buildup in the oven, try installing a special stain remover attachment.
- Steam cleaners designed for cleaning household furniture can be used to clean the oven.
- Be careful when using a steam cleaner as the hot steam can injure you or those in the vicinity.
Step 3. Select the high temperature and pressure settings, then let the water heat up
The high temperature and pressure will help soften the stains that have been stuck in the oven for years. You can start this process on a low temperature setting to see the effect, then gradually increase the temperature and pressure as needed.
- If you are using a cheap steam cleaner, you may need to use the maximum setting.
- If you are using an expensive cleaning tool designed for commercial use, you can start the cleaning process from a low temperature setting.
Step 4. Start the engine and scrub the oven with attached attachments
Rub a wire brush over the interior surface of the oven. You don't need to press too hard as the steam will wash away stubborn stains. Start by cleaning the inside of the oven door, then work your way deeper.
- Wipe the stain that has started to fade with a rag or sponge.
- Steam is safe for use in all parts of the oven, including enamel, glass and stainless steel.
- Make sure you read the manual for the steam cleaning machine before using it.
Step 5. Rub vinegar and baking soda to clean the oven
If you want to use a natural method to remove stubborn stains, spray vinegar on the interior of the oven. After that, sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar-soaked area. After letting the mixture sit for 30 minutes, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the soiled area clean.
- You can also use products like Bar Keepers Friend, if you prefer.
- If you don't like the smell of vinegar, use lemon water instead.
