We’re sharing a few simple, eco-friendly ways to deep clean your oven using steam and everyday household items—no toxic cleaners or chemicals required!
ALSO READ: Why you need to deep clean your appliances
Choose from these three easy steam cleaning methods shared by Martha Stewart:
The simplest oven steam cleaning method
The most basic approach uses just water and heat for a thorough clean in under an hour. This natural method uses the power of steam to soften stubborn messes, making them a breeze to wipe away. Not only is it effective, but it’s also gentle on your home and the environment.
This trick won’t work for ovens that have built up grease and grime for longer periods of time.
Use a white vinegar and baking soda mixture
This no-fuss method uses basic kitchen staples and works with any oven—no special gadgets needed. It is best to use this method between professional cleanings to keep your oven in good shape:
What you’ll need:
- Oven-safe container
- Water
- White vinegar
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Baking soda
Steps:
- Take out the oven racks and brush away loose crumbs or debris.
- Fill an oven-safe container with water and add a splash (about ½ cup) of white vinegar. Place it on the center rack.
- Heat the oven to 232°C and let the mixture boil for 20-30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let it cool slightly until it’s warm but safe to handle.
- Wipe the interior with a soft cloth or sponge to remove loosened dirt.
- For stubborn spots, make a paste with baking soda and water, scrub lightly, then wipe clean.
Steam clean your oven by hand
A handheld steamer is possible the easiest and most stress-free and chemical-free approach for targeting tricky areas like corners and racks in your oven. Handheld steamers are easy to find (look at Takealot, Makro, Amazon, etc) and only require water. Most come with special attachments for different areas in your home.
Check for a built-in steam cleaning feature
Many newer ovens have a steam cleaning cycle, offering a hands-off way to refresh your appliance naturally. Always check your oven’s manual for exact details.
If your oven does have a steam cleaning feature, you will need to clear out racks and sweep away loose bits from the oven. Then, add water to the oven’s designated spot following your model’s instructions. Activate the steam clean cycle and let it run its course. Once it’s done, wipe down the interior with a soft cloth to remove softened grime.
Whether you use a pot of boiling water, a handheld steamer, or your oven’s built-in feature, the result is a sparkling clean appliance with little effort.
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Pexels
