How to Steam Clean an Oven

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Steam is a wonderful, natural cleaning tool that works wonders on all sorts of surfaces, including oven interiors. There are two major methods you can use to steam clean your oven. You can either put a pot full of water inside your oven and then heat it up for 20-30 minutes, or use a household steam cleaner. Either method will help make your oven look like new again.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Heating Water to Produce Steam

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-1.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a damp rag to wipe down the inside of your oven. Concentrate on removing only debris and grease that comes off easily. The steam cleaning process will loosen up the more stubborn, caked-on grime. [1]
    • Be sure to wait until your oven is completely cool before starting to clean it.
    • You can also use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up loose debris.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-2.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have an oven with a steam cleaning setting, you can pour the water directly into the bottom of your oven. If you have an oven without a steam cleaning setting, on the other hand, fill an oven-safe pot or bowl, like a casserole dish, with water and put it on a rack in your oven. [2]
    • Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding how much water you should use when cleaning your oven with steam.
    • Using distilled or filtered water instead of water from your tap will keep your oven free of water spots and mineral deposits.You can purchase distilled water at most grocery stores. [3]
    • If you’re filling an oven-safe dish with water, you can also pour in 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar for extra cleaning power. Or, if your oven is extremely dirty, you can use 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar only.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-3.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some oven models, especially newer ones, will have a separate setting for steam cleaning your oven, often found near the self-clean button. If yours has such a button, refer to the owner’s manual for model-specific instructions about how to use it. If your oven doesn’t have a steam cleaning setting, heat it to 450 °F (232 °C) for 20 minutes. [4]
    • With some oven models with a separate steam clean setting, you may have to press the steam clean button first and then add water when the oven display prompts you to do so. [5]
    • For most ovens with a steam cleaning setting, the process will last anywhere from 20-30 minutes. [6]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-4.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your oven will beep when the steam clean process has completed. Once you hear this, or after about 20-30 minutes, turn off your oven. Let your oven cool down, and then use a sponge or dish rag to clean up any excess water or food particles. [7]
    • Use a rag or sponge that you don’t mind getting stained.
    • This step may get pretty messy, so be sure to put on some old clothes and keep a garbage can nearby.
    • Make sure to clean any racks or pans that are in the oven as well.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-5.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Following the directions of the cleaner you use, rub the cleaner onto the stains you want to remove with a sponge or cleaning cloth. Bar Keepers Friend or a similar cleaner would work well for this step. [8]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Steam Cleaner

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-6.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take off the cap to the water tank in your cleaner. Then, pour distilled water into the tank. [9]
    • Use a funnel to prevent water from spilling as you pour.
    • You can buy distilled water at any grocery store.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-7.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A rough, stainless-steel attachment will help scrape off grease and baked-on stains. If the stainless-steel attachment doesn’t seem to be strong enough to clear up the gunk in your oven, try using a scraper attachment. [10]
    • A steam cleaner designed for household cleaning should work well for oven cleaning.
    • Always use caution when using a steam cleaner as the hot steam can scald you or people around you.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-8.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The high temperature and pressure will help loosen up years of grime caked on your oven. You can always start on lower settings to see how they work and then gradually increase the temperature and pressure as needed. [11]
    • On cheaper household models, you’ll probably need to use the maximum setting.
    • If you’re using a more expensive model that is designed to be used commercially, on the other hand, you might want to start on a lower setting to begin with.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-9.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Move the stainless-steel attachment back and forth against the interior surface of your oven. You won’t need to press down too hard because the steam will do most of the work of loosening the grime. Start by cleaning the inside of the door and then move farther inside the oven. [12]
    • Wipe off grime with a cleaning cloth or sponge as you loosen it up.
    • The steam will be safe on all surfaces in your oven, including enamel, glass, and stainless steel.
    • Be sure to read the instruction manual for your specific steam cleaner before using it.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-10.jpg\/aid11014822-v4-728px-Steam-Clean-an-Oven-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’d like to use a natural method to clean off stubborn stains, spray the interior of your oven with vinegar. Then, sprinkle baking soda on top of the vinegar-coated surface. After letting the vinegar and baking soda mix sit for 30 minutes, use a sponge or cleaning pad to thoroughly scrub the surface until it’s clean. [13]
    • You can also use a product like Bar Keepers Friend if you’d prefer.
    • If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, use lemon juice instead.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean Melted Plastic Out of an Oven
      How to
      Clean a Burnt Oven Bottom
      How to
      Clean an Oven with Baking Soda
      How to
      Remove the Smell of Oven Cleaner
      How to
      Deodorize an Oven
      How to
      Clean an Oven with Vinegar
      How to
      Clean an Electric Oven
      The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Clean Your Gas Oven
      The Best Way to Remove Burnt Odors from Your Microwave
      How to
      Clean a Non‐Self‐Cleaning Oven
      How to
      Clean a Convection Oven
      How to
      Clean the Bottom of an Oven
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/8z_J-yT08G8?t=27
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/8z_J-yT08G8?t=33
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/SDKQydfODkc?t=19
      4. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/clean-oven_n_3265331
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/SDKQydfODkc?t=36
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/8z_J-yT08G8?t=38
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/8z_J-yT08G8?t=52
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/8z_J-yT08G8?t=60
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/9ZlFxeQcDD0?t=36
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/4Mjb8oAJ_Ow?t=75
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/TbJjegmJIXg?t=13
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/TbJjegmJIXg?t=8
      4. ↑ https://cleanmyspace.com/top-10-cleaning-uses-for-baking-soda/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 129,686 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement