Steaming cleaning an oven is an effective and environmentally-friendly method to remove stubborn grease, grime, and baked-on residues without the use of harsh chemicals. Here's a step-by-step guide to steam clean your oven:
Remove racks and accessories: Take out all the oven racks, trays, and any other removable accessories. Cleaning them separately will make the process more efficient.
Make a cleaning solution: In a heat-resistant bowl or a spray bottle, mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water. You can also add a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice instead of vinegar, as it also has natural cleaning properties.
Apply the cleaning solution: If using a spray bottle, generously spray the interior of the oven, especially focusing on the areas with the most buildup. If using a bowl, dip a clean cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and apply it to the oven's interior surfaces.
Boil water: Fill a heat-resistant oven-safe dish or a baking tray with water and place it on the bottom rack of the oven. Make sure not to overfill the container.
Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to around 250°F to 300°F (120°C to 150°C). Allow the oven to preheat until you see steam forming on the interior walls and door.
Let it steam: Once steam is visible, turn off the oven and leave the oven door closed. Let the steam work its magic for about 30 minutes to an hour. The steam will help loosen the baked-on residues and make them easier to wipe away.
Wipe down the interior: After the steaming process, open the oven door and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the softened grease and grime. You may need to scrub a bit in areas with stubborn buildup.
Clean the racks and accessories: While the oven is cooling down, clean the racks and accessories using the same vinegar and water solution, or you can place them in the sink and soak them in hot, soapy water.
Rinse and dry: Rinse out the cloth or sponge thoroughly, and wipe down the oven interior again to remove any remaining cleaning solution or residue. Also, make sure to dry the interior thoroughly to prevent rusting.
It's important to note that steam cleaning is suitable for light to moderate cleaning tasks. If your oven is heavily soiled or hasn't been cleaned for a long time, you might need to consider other methods like using oven-specific cleaners or consult a professional oven cleaning service. Additionally, always refer to your oven's user manual for any specific cleaning instructions or warnings.