Steam cleaning an oven is a more eco-friendly and less harsh method than using chemical oven cleaners. Many modern ovens come equipped with a steam cleaning function. If your oven has this feature, follow these general steps:
Prepare the oven: Remove all racks, trays, and other removable components from the oven. This will ensure that the steam can penetrate all areas effectively.
Check the manual: Consult your oven's user manual to find out if it has a specific steam cleaning function and to understand the manufacturer's recommendations for using it. The manual will provide detailed instructions specific to your oven model.
Add water: Pour water into the water reservoir or designated water container in your oven. The manual should indicate where the water container is located and the appropriate amount of water to use.
Close the oven door: Ensure the oven door is securely closed to create a sealed environment for steam cleaning.
Select the steam cleaning function: If your oven has a dedicated steam cleaning setting, choose that option from the oven's control panel. Some ovens may have a combination steam and self-cleaning function, so make sure you select the correct setting.
Start the cleaning process: Follow the on-screen prompts or manual instructions to start the steam cleaning cycle.
Allow the steam cleaning cycle to complete: The steam cleaning process typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, during which the oven will heat the water to produce steam. The steam helps to soften and loosen baked-on food and grease for easier cleaning.
Wipe down the oven interior: After the steam cleaning cycle is complete and the oven has cooled down, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away the loosened debris and residue from the interior surfaces. The grime should come off more easily after the steam treatment.
Clean the oven racks and accessories: While the oven interior is cooling, you can clean the oven racks and other removable parts. You can use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to clean them, or you may choose to let them soak in soapy water to help loosen any remaining grime.
Finish cleaning: Once you've wiped down the oven interior and cleaned the racks, reassemble the oven by placing the racks and accessories back in their original positions.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for steam cleaning your specific oven model, as some ovens may have slight variations in the cleaning process. Additionally, if your oven doesn't have a dedicated steam cleaning function, it's best to avoid attempting steam cleaning with external methods, as it may not be safe or effective for all oven types. In such cases, using a traditional oven cleaner or employing natural cleaning methods may be more suitable.