When it’s time to clean the oven, many of us really don’t like doing it. The built-up dirt, tough grease, and the need to scrub make cleaning ovens a task that is often put off. What if I told you there’s a trick that can make this difficult task easier, faster, and without using chemicals?
I recently found a new way to clean my oven that has made a big difference: using steam. After testing it, I can say with certainty that I will not use any other method in the future. Here’s why using steam to clean your oven is the best trick you should try.
How Steam Cleaning Works Steam cleaning is a method that uses hot water vapor to clean surfaces. This process involves heating water to a high temperature to produce steam, which is then applied to the surface being cleaned. The heat from the steam helps to loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to remove. Additionally, the high temperature of the steam can help
Cleaning your oven with steam is an easy and efficient method that uses hot water vapor to remove dirt and grease. The main idea is simple: you put a container of water in the oven, turn up the temperature, and allow the steam to work its wonders. The hot temperature changes the water into steam, which helps to remove tough stains, food that is hard to clean, and grease. After the hot steam treatment, you can easily clean off the leftover dirt without having to scrub hard or use strong chemicals.
Here is a simple guide to cleaning your oven with steam:
Step 1: Get everything you need.
Water: The most important element! Tap water is suitable.
A heat-resistant container: A big dish or pan that can be used in the oven and filled with water.
Vinegar (if you want): To make it easier to remove grease, you can add a cup of vinegar to the water.
A gentle cloth or sponge: Use it to clean dirt once the steam has finished its work.
A spatula or scraper (if you have one): If there are very tough spots, a gentle scraper can help loosen them.
Step 2: Heat up the oven.
Begin by heating your oven to about 400°F (200°C). The goal is to make a very hot space to change the water into steam effectively.
Step 3: Get the water bowl ready.
Fill your heat-resistant dish or baking pan with approximately one to two inches of water. If your oven is very greasy, try adding a cup of vinegar to the water. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that boosts the steam’s cleaning ability.
Step 4: Put the food in the oven.
Once the oven is hot, put the water dish on a middle rack. Ensure that it is placed securely to prevent any spills. Shut the oven door and allow the water to steam for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Allow the steam to do its job.
During this period, the steam will move around the oven, making it easier to remove any stuck-on food, grease, and dirt. The warmth and dampness help to loosen even the toughest dirt, making it easier to clean.
Step 6: Switch off the oven and let it cool down a bit.
After 20 to 30 minutes, switch off the oven and gently open the door. Let the oven cool down until it is safe to touch. You don’t want to get burned, but you also don’t want the oven to cool down too much before you begin cleaning it.
Step 7: Clean the inside.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the inside of the oven. You will see that the dirt comes off easily without having to scrub hard. If there are still difficult areas, you can use a spatula or scraper to carefully get rid of them. For very tough spots, soak your cloth in the remaining warm vinegar solution to increase its cleaning effectiveness.
Step 8: Look at Your Clean Oven
After cleaning the inside, your oven should look like it’s brand new. What’s the best thing? You have just cleaned your oven using safe products, and it likely only took you half the time compared to usual methods!
The Benefits of Steam Cleaning
There are many reasons why I prefer using steam cleaning to clean my oven:
No harmful substances.
A lot of old-fashioned oven cleaners use strong chemicals to remove grease and dirt. These cleaning products can work well, but they may leave strong smells and could be harmful if not used correctly. Steam cleaning is a natural and chemical-free way to clean using only water and vinegar if desired. It’s great for homes with children, pets, or individuals who are sensitive to strong cleaning products.
Easy Cleaning
One of the most annoying things about cleaning an oven is scrubbing it. Food that is stuck and hard to remove can be very difficult to clean with normal products, but steam makes it easy to remove dirt effortlessly. Once the steam has loosened the dirt, you just need to wipe a few times to make your oven shine. No more tired arms from scrubbing for hours!
Fast and easy.
Cleaning with steam is very quick. Once the oven is hot and the water is steaming, it will take around 20 to 30 minutes for the dirt to become soft. After that, just a quick cleaning is all that is necessary. Steam cleaning is faster than using chemical cleaners because it doesn’t need to be applied multiple times and scrubbed.
Keeps Your Oven Safe
Strong chemicals can damage the surfaces of your oven as time goes by. Steam is a gentle method that will not harm the enamel or metal parts of your oven. By using steam, you can make your oven last longer and keep it in excellent condition.
Safe and not harmful.
For those concerned about harmful fumes from oven cleaners, using steam cleaning is a completely safe option. You can clean your oven without using harmful chemicals that could stay in the air or affect your food after you’re done cleaning. All you have left is the nice smell of cleanliness!
Expert Advice for Great Outcomes
Clean your oven regularly to prevent a lot of dirt from accumulating. Steam clean it every few weeks or after cooking very messy meals.
Use vinegar to make your oven cleaning more powerful. If your oven gets greasy a lot, adding vinegar to the steam cleaning can make it work much better.
Remember to clean the oven racks too. Steam cleans the inside of the oven well, but the racks might need extra care. You can take them out and wash them with soapy water or put them in the oven while steaming to make scrubbing easier.
Be cautious with electrical parts: Do not allow steam or moisture to build up around the oven’s electrical components such as heating elements or fans. Although steam won’t harm the oven, too much water could create problems with these parts.
Reasons I Won’t Return
After using steam cleaning, I have completely stopped using the strong chemical cleaners I used before. This technique works well, is safe, and most importantly, it’s simple. Using only water and heat, I can easily clean my oven in less than an hour, and it’s very easy to do. Also, I enjoy knowing that I am using a method that is good for the environment and safe for my house and my loved ones.
If you want to clean your oven in a new and easier way without scrubbing for hours or using harmful fumes, you should consider trying steam cleaning. Believe me, you won’t want to use anything else after this!
