Steam cleaning is a brilliant way to get the oven sparkling easily. It’s all about using superheated vapour to disintegrate stubborn grease and stains, so there’s no need for costly chemicals.
The hot steam works wonders, breaking down grime so it wipes away like a dream, all while being quite gentle on the oven’s surfaces.
Here’s a comprehensive guide through seven incredibly easy steps to steam clean your oven, keeping the kitchen spick and span with barely any bother. Ready to make the cooker gleam?
Let’s get to it!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Starting on a steam clean means rounding up the right gear first. Having everything at hand makes the whole process smooth as silk, with no pesky interruptions.
Going for natural materials keeps things nice and gentle, with no harsh chemicals in sight. If you have sensitive hands, gloves are a smart move when mixing cleaning cocktails.
A quick peek at the oven’s manual for any quirky cleaning tips keeps things safe and sound. The following supplies are everything you need:
- Sturdy bowl. Get a bowl that’s not perturbed by high heat and fits nicely into the oven. It’s the main piece for whipping up proper steam.
- Natural ingredients. Gather some water, vinegar, and baking soda in your arsenal. These wholesome ingredients tackle filthy grime without any harmful effects.
- Clean cloth. Keep a spotless cloth nearby to swab away softened muck once the steam has done its part.
Having gathered the essentials, here’s how to clean an oven with steam.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven
Start by turfing out all the racks and odds and ends from the oven’s internal space. This gives the steam room to move about, making the job a breeze.
Next, sweep up any stray crumbs or bits, as they’ll only burn and produce an awful smell during steaming.
A tidy oven is the secret to a proper clean. Soak the racks in a tub of warm, soapy water to loosen the grime while you tackle the oven’s inner surfaces. If you spot any persistent messes, clear them out to avert smoky disasters.
Make sure the oven is off and cool before diving in, for safety and smashing results. Do these preparations right, and it’s clear sailing from there on.
Step 3: Mix the Cleaning Solution
For the perfect cleaning mix, get a heat-proof bowl that withstands high temperatures. Pour in a cup of water and another of vinegar. This pair is brilliant for steam cleaning, as the acidic material slices through grease with real ease.
Sprinkle in two tablespoons of baking soda and enjoy the fizzy show. It’s brilliant at shifting stubborn gunk. Give it a gentle stir to stop it from foaming over. Use a measuring cup to keep things spot on.
Mix this potion fresh for maximum impact against the oven mess. The good news is that you don’t need to worry; it’s safe for every oven, even the posh self-cleaning ones.
Step 4: Steam Clean the Oven
Put the bowl with the mixture on the oven’s bottom shelf and set it to a gentle 100°C. This low heat teases out steam from the water and vinegar, loosening even the most clingy grime.
Let it steam away for 20-30 minutes, and don’t go poking the door open—the steam needs to work its magic undisturbed.
The low temperature stops the mix from drying out too fast. Keep an eye on the time to avoid overdoing it and vexing the oven’s bits. While that’s bubbling, let the oven racks soak in their soapy bath for easier scrubbing later.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Oven Interior
Once the steam has done its job, it’s time to spruce up the oven’s interior. Carefully fish out the hot bowl, minding the scalding vapour.
Use a clean cloth or sponge and wipe from top to bottom. The steam will have softened the grease, so it will come off like a charm. Rinse the cloth often to avoid smearing grime about.
If you still have stubborn spots, a toothbrush or a little brush sorts them out nicely. As much as possible, don’t skip the corners and crevices; grime loves hiding there. Go easy to avoid scratching anything.
If any oily bits linger, let the oven cool and have another try. This keeps the oven sparkly and cooking tastier than ever.
Step 6: Clean the Oven Racks
With the steam cleaning sorted, it’s time to give the oven racks some love. Fish them out of their soapy soak and scrub with a sponge or brush till they’re as good as new.
Got tricky stains? A dab of vinegar and baking soda paste works a treat. Rinse them thoroughly—leftover soap can make the oven pong when it’s next fired up.
Spread the racks on a clean towel to dry properly, keeping rust at bay. Sparkling racks mean no greasy nasties on your grub and a tidy cooking setup.
The best part is that you can do that while the oven cools, making the whole job quick as a flash. The oven’s ready for your next kitchen endeavour.
Step 7: Final Touches
To have the oven totally sparkling, whip out a damp cloth and give the door and handle a swift once-over to send smudges and fingerprints packing.
For a glass door that gleams like a polished gem, a quick dab of vinegar or a spritz of glass cleaner works like a charm—vinegar’s rather effective at slicing through greasy smears.
Don’t overlook the oven’s outer parts, where accidental spills can dim its allure. If it’s clad in stainless steel, a microfibre cloth is your trusty weapon, keeping things glossy without a scratch in sight.
Lavish a bit of extra care on the door’s edges, where grime often hides unnoticed. Steer clear of harsh chemicals on the handle to keep it looking smart. Regular sprucing here ensures the oven stays a stunner and keeps going strong for years.
With these clever little tricks up your sleeve, the oven will shine like the centrepiece of the kitchen, making the whole place look utterly amazing.
Conclusion
Steam cleaning is a green, stress-free way to keep the oven impeccable. With just five easy-peasy steps, the cooker can shine brighter than a new penny.
Regular steam cleaning saves time, keeps the kitchen spotless, and makes sure dishes taste as exquisite as they should.
A clean oven cooks better and makes whipping up meals a real joy. Give this method a try, and the kitchen will stay as tidy as ever, and cooking will be tons of fun!
