How to Steam Clean an Oven in 5 Steps

How to Steam Clean an Oven

1. Fill an Oven-Proof Bowl With Water

   Choose a large, oven-proof bowl or baking dish that holds at least 2 quarts of water. Fill the container with cool water.

   Avoid using Pyrex or other types of glass bowls or baking dishes, given the high temperatures involved.

   Tip

   To prevent spills, place the container on the oven rack first. Then use a pitcher or teapot to add the water.

2. Set the Oven to 450° F.

   Be sure the oven is empty except for the container. Close the oven door with the water-filled bowl inside. Set the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.

3. Set the Oven Timer

   Depending on the level of soil in your oven, set the oven timer for 30 to 60 minutes. The heavier the grime, the longer the container should remain in the oven.

4. Turn Off and Cool the Oven

   Turn off the oven. Leave the door closed until the oven has cooled down completely. This allows the steam that has accumulated in the oven to loosen the grime. It is also a safety precaution so you will not be handling a bowl of scalding hot water.

5. Wipe Out the Grime

   When the oven is cool, open the door and remove the container. Use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away the grime. Rinse the cloth often to prevent transferring the soil back onto oven surfaces.

   If the oven is not sufficiently clean, use one of the traditional oven cleaning methods to complete the job.

How to Use the Steam-Cleaning Setting on an Oven

Take these simple steps to use your oven's steam-cleaning setting. Always read your owner's manual for specific instructions for your model which may slightly differ from the steps below.

• Remove oven racks or accessories from the cavity.
• Pour a little more than a cup of plain water into the oven's steam-cleaning reservoir or directly into the bottom of the oven's cavity per your model's instructions. Use distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral deposits left behind by tap water.
• Close the oven door and press the steam-cleaning setting.
• Let the cycle run; a steam-cleaning cycle may take up to 30 minutes, depending on your oven.
• Listen for the oven's signal that the cycle is complete and the oven has cooled down. Cancel the setting when the cycle is done.
• Open the door and remove any remaining water left in the cavity.
• Wipe down the interior to remove more grime.
  

Deep Cleaning an Oven After Steam Cleaning

• Use a commercial cleaner to coat the oven cavity and door. Do not spray the cleaner on electric heating elements or gas vents. Close the door and ventilate the kitchen. Read the label for instructions but most cleaners take 20 to 30 minutes to work. Wear gloves and safety glasses when wiping out the oven.
• Alternatively, cleaning an oven with baking soda paste can be done by combining 1/2 cup of baking soda with about two tablespoons of water in a bowl. Wearing gloves, spread the paste with a sponge on the oven cavity and door, except for electrical heating elements and gas vents. Close the door, allow the paste to work for eight to 10 hours, and wipe surfaces clean with a damp sponge.
• Clean oven racks by placing them in your bathtub or a heavy-duty garbage bag and spray them with distilled white vinegar, then sprinkle dry baking soda on them. Submerge racks in a tub or bag of hot water and allow them to soak for eight to 10 hours. Rinse and wipe clean.

Tips to Keep Your Oven Clean When Using Steam Cleaning

• Wipe up spills as soon as the oven is cool enough to clean safely.
• Clean the oven before soil levels are heavy. It is nearly impossible for steam cleaning alone to remove thick layers of burnt-on food.
• Be sure the oven is empty of additional bakeware, oven liners, or utensils during the steam cleaning.