Instructions:
Empty the Oven:
- Before you start, make sure your oven is empty. Remove any oven racks, trays, and thermometers, as well as any food crumbs or loose debris. You may want to place the racks in the sink to clean separately using hot, soapy water.
Prepare the Water Mixture:
- Fill the oven-safe dish with about 2-3 cups of water. For extra cleaning power, you can add 1 cup of white vinegar or the juice of a lemon to the water. Both vinegar and lemon are natural degreasers and disinfectants, which will enhance the cleaning effect of the steam.
Heat the Oven:
- Place the dish with water on the middle rack of the oven. Close the oven door and set the temperature to 250°F (120°C). Let the oven heat up with the water inside for about 20-30 minutes. This will generate steam that circulates throughout the oven, loosening any stuck-on grime on the walls, floor, and door.
Turn Off the Oven and Let It Cool Slightly:
- After 20-30 minutes, turn off the oven and open the door slightly. Allow the steam to cool down for a few minutes, but don’t let the oven get completely cold—the steam works best when the oven is still warm.
Wipe Down the Interior:
- Carefully remove the dish with water using oven mitts. Take a microfiber cloth or sponge and begin wiping down the inside of the oven. The grease and grime should come off easily. Pay attention to any areas with heavy build-up, as these should be significantly softened by the steam.
Tackle Stubborn Spots:
- For any areas that still have stubborn spots, dip your cloth in the leftover warm vinegar or lemon water and give those spots a little extra attention. You can also sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on your damp cloth to gently scrub without scratching.
Clean the Oven Door:
- Wipe down the interior side of the oven door. This area often collects a lot of grease and splatter, but the steam will have loosened most of it, making it easy to clean. You can use the vinegar or lemon water solution for a final polish, giving the door a streak-free shine.
Dry and Replace Oven Racks:
- After wiping down all surfaces, use a dry cloth or towel to remove any excess moisture from the oven. This prevents any rust or mildew. Once everything is dry, replace the racks and any other accessories.
Optional: Deep Clean the Oven Racks Separately
While the oven is steaming, you can also deep-clean the racks. Place them in a large sink or bathtub filled with hot, soapy water. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes, then use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining grime. Rinse them thoroughly and dry before placing them back in the oven.
Benefits of This Oven Cleaning Hack
- Chemical-Free: Avoid the strong, often toxic fumes from store-bought oven cleaners.
- Easy on Elbow Grease: No heavy scrubbing required! The steam does most of the work for you.
- Eco-Friendly: Using water, vinegar, and lemon is much kinder to the environment.
- Cost-Effective: This method uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Safe for You and Your Family: Without harsh chemicals, it’s safe for you, your family, and even pets.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven
- Wipe Up Spills Quickly: The sooner you wipe up spills, the less time they have to bake onto the oven surfaces.
- Use a Baking Sheet: When cooking messy dishes, place them on a baking sheet to catch drips.
- Steam Clean Regularly: Try using this steam method every few months to prevent heavy build-up.
In Summary
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a hassle. With this easy steam-cleaning method, you can make oven cleaning a simple, chemical-free process that leaves your oven looking fresh and spotless. The combination of steam and natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon helps loosen even the toughest grime, so all you need is a cloth to wipe it away. Try this hack today, and you’ll see why so many people are making the switch to steam cleaning!!
