One of the more difficult things that we may have to do around the home is to clean the oven. None of us want to dig in and get it done but on occasion, it’s absolutely necessary to do it.
More than likely, you have tried your fair share of options when it comes to cleaning the stove. We have the ability to use elbow grease and some people use a spray, which is both dangerous and toxic.
Did you realize that there is a very easy way to clean the stove and you can do it without the use of chemicals? In fact, this method is one that will make it easy to clean and it will save you hours of time in the process.
After you try this cleaning process for yourself, you will never go back to cleaning it in any other way. I’m talking about steam cleaning, and here’s how it’s done.
It is easy to steam clean the oven but it is often overlooked. Quite simply, you use a pot of hot water to steam away the grime and dirt that is on the inside of the oven. It softens the hard layer and makes it easy to wipe away.
The easiest way to do this is to put a dish of water in the oven and then turn on the heat. Eventually, the water is going to heat up and turn into steam and it will touch every surface on the inside of the oven.
After you are done, you just wipe away the dirt.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Water: The most crucial ingredient! Tap water works perfectly.
A heatproof dish: A large, oven-safe dish or baking pan that can hold water.
Vinegar (optional): For added grease-cutting power, you can add a cup of vinegar to the water.
A soft cloth or sponge: For wiping away grime after the steam has done its job.
A spatula or scraper (optional): If there are extremely stubborn spots, a gentle scraper can help loosen them.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to around 400°F (200°C). The idea is to create a hot environment to turn the water into steam efficiently.
Step 3: Prepare the Water Dish
Fill your heatproof dish or baking pan with about an inch or two of water. If you’re dealing with a particularly greasy oven, consider adding a cup of vinegar to the water. Vinegar is a natural degreaser and will enhance the cleaning power of the steam.
Step 4: Place the Dish in the Oven
Once the oven has preheated, place the dish of water on one of the middle racks. Make sure it’s securely positioned so it doesn’t spill. Close the oven door and let the water steam for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Let the Steam Work Its Magic
During this time, the steam will circulate throughout the oven, softening any baked-on food, grease, and grime. The heat and moisture work together to loosen even the most stubborn debris, making it easier to wipe away.
Step 6: Turn Off the Oven and Cool Slightly
After 20 to 30 minutes, turn off the oven and carefully open the door. Allow the oven to cool just enough so it’s safe to handle. You don’t want to burn yourself, but you also don’t want the oven to get too cool before you start wiping it down.
Step 7: Wipe Down the Interior
With a soft cloth or sponge, start wiping down the interior of the oven. You’ll notice that the grime comes off easily without the need for vigorous scrubbing. If there are any tough spots left, you can use a spatula or scraper to gently remove them. For really stubborn areas, dip your cloth in the leftover warm vinegar water for some extra cleaning power
Step 8: Admire Your Clean Oven
Once you’ve wiped down the interior, your oven should look as good as new. The best part? You’ve just cleaned your oven without exposing yourself to toxic chemicals, and it probably took you half the time as traditional methods!
