There is more than one way to clean an oven. In past decades, you could clean it with elbow grease and some harsh chemicals or with the incinerating power of the self-cleaning feature. Now, you also have the option to steam clean your oven. Here’s how to steam clean an oven and how it compares with the self-cleaning feature.
Using the Steam Cleaning Feature on Your Oven
Does your oven have a steam-cleaning feature? If so, then you don’t have to put much elbow grease into your oven cleaning routine. All you need is the manufacturer’s recommended amount of distilled or filtered water.
General guidance in using this cleaning feature is to first remove the oven racks and then press the steam-cleaning button to start the process. When the range signals, add the water to the bottom of your oven. The steam cleaning should take about 20 minutes. Once the job is complete, turn the function off and remove the softened grime and remaining water with a sponge.
For the best results, follow your range manufacturer’s directions on how to steam clean the oven.
How to Steam Clean an Oven Manually
If your oven does not have a button you can push to do it for you, you can still steam clean your oven safely!
Remove the oven racks and place about 10 oz. of water at the bottom of your oven. If you cannot put water on the oven floor, use a bowl of water instead. If you want a deeper clean, add white vinegar and baking soda or use pure white vinegar.
Set the temperature to 450 degrees and the time for 20 minutes. Once it is over, allow the oven to cool and wipe down the interior.
Self-Cleaning vs. Steam-Cleaning Feature
Many ranges traditionally have a self-cleaning setting. This setting locks the oven door and heats the oven to a very high temperature over the course of 1.5 to 6 hours. The heat incinerates stuck-on grime so that it turns into ash and becomes easy to remove or non-existent. This oven cleaning method is great for deep cleaning; the downside is that it could wear out your range.
The steam-cleaning method is best for minor stains and spills. Adding baking soda and white vinegar can make it more potent, but it could still take some elbow grease to get rid of the most stuck-on stains.
