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
continued on next page