Saw this hack for oven cleaning and I won’t do anything else again
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!
Why Steam Cleaning Is a Game Changer
There are plenty of reasons why steam cleaning has become my go-to method for oven cleaning:
1. No Harsh Chemicals
Many traditional oven cleaners rely on powerful chemicals to break down grease and grime. These cleaners can be effective, but they often leave behind strong odors and can even pose health risks if not used properly. Steam cleaning uses only water and optional vinegar, making it an eco-friendly and chemical-free option. It’s perfect for households with kids, pets, or people sensitive to chemical cleaners.
2. Effortless Cleaning
One of the most frustrating parts of cleaning an oven is the scrubbing. Baked-on food can be nearly impossible to remove with regular cleaners, but steam loosens grime effortlessly. Once the steam has softened the debris, it takes only a few wipes to make your oven sparkle. No more sore arms from hours of scrubbing!
3. Quick and Convenient
Steam cleaning is surprisingly fast. Once the oven is preheated and the water starts to steam, it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the grime to soften. After that, a quick wipe-down is all that’s needed. Compared to chemical cleaners, which often require multiple rounds of application and scrubbing, steam cleaning is much quicker.
4. Protects Your Oven
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