How to Quickly Clean an Oven with Steam 

Discover how easy it is to use steam to clean your oven! Zero fumes, and far quicker than many of the store-bought oven cleaners. Full instructions below!

Notice how the title of this post includes the word “quickly” in it?

That’s for good reason! 

I, for one, am eager for an oven cleaning solution that doesn’t take up the whole day – neither does it leave the kitchen smelling of unpleasant fumes. 

So here it is! And honestly, steam cleaning an oven is life-changing. 

Forget all about the hazardous labels and “open all windows” advice you’re probably used to from store-bought oven cleaners. 

This method I’m sharing literally uses just steam. And a cloth to wipe the oven down with, of course.

Why not join me in the steam oven-cleaning revolution?

Why you’ll love this cleaning method

• It’s quick: The steaming method to oven clean works in as little as 30 minutes. 
• It’s easy: Simply pop a pan of boiling water in the oven and close the door!
• It’s non-toxic: All you need is, yep, you got it, steam!

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How to clean oven with steam

Follow the instructions below to clean your oven with steam. This is by no means a deep cleaning method for your oven, but rather an effective way to quickly clean up light grease and grime buildup.

If your oven gets regular use and hasn’t been cleaned for weeks or months, using this steam method may help, but probably won’t do the whole job.

For more heavily baked-on oven grime, I recommend using this cleaning method.   

How do you steam clean an oven

Instructions:

Step one: Fill a large pot with water on the stove and bring it to a boil with the lid on.

Tip: You could place the oven-safe pot in the oven with water and set the temp to 400°F or so.

However, I found it does not create nearly enough steam, and it can take an hour for the oven to cool enough to work with.

Step two: Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully transfer the pot to the oven and remove the lid. Remember to use mitts as the handles may be hot. Also, make sure your face is clear when you remove the lid!

Step three: Immediately close the oven door and leave the pot in the oven to steam for at least thirty minutes. This will allow the steam to penetrate the grime and make it easier to wipe off.

Step four: After thirty minutes, open the oven door and carefully remove the pot. Be sure to use oven mitts, as the pot and the oven will be hot.

Step five: With a clean rag, wipe down the inside of the oven. The steam should’ve loosened any grease or grime, making removing it easier.

Top Tip: Use a multi-purpose cleaner to help lift the grease.

Step six: I also like wiping down the oven racks and the door with a separate rag. Try using my homemade oven cleaner method for this. 

How often to clean the oven

The answer to how often to clean your oven is really down to personal choice. I like to keep my oven clean, so I wipe it down at least once weekly. 

Others I know do a once-a-year deep clean. So it’s entirely up to you!

One thing’s for sure – that the more often an oven gets cleaned, the easier it is to keep it clean.

Oh, and steam cleaning an oven is so easy, so there really is no excuse not to do it!

Tips

• Use a sponge or scrub brush for tougher stains or baked-on fat deposits
• You’ll see the grease and grime on the sides of your oven start to get runny as the steam gets to work. That’s a solid sign that it’s ready to start cleaning! This usually happens around 30 minutes after you’ve put the steam in. 
• Always close the oven door closed while it’s steaming – keeping the steam in is what loosens up the grime. 

FAQs

Does cleaning an oven with steam actually work?

Yes, it does! It works excellent for mild to moderate dirty ovens. 

For heavily soiled ovens; you’ll probably need a scrub brush and perhaps a stronger bit of arm movement to get it sparklingly clean!

What’s the best way to clean oven glass?

I recommend using this homemade window cleaner for best results on the glass of your oven door. 

Is steam cleaning ovens as good as self-cleaning?

No, it’s not good for a deep clean, but it works well for light grease and grime removal. 

How to clean the oven with vinegar?

You can, by all means, add some white vinegar to the cup of boiling water, and the vinegar will help the steam do its job. 

A cup of vinegar (maximum) would work well in terms of quantity. Just be prepared for a few vinegar fumes when you open the door!

Wrapping up

There you have it! A simple, easy way to use steam for cleaning your oven. I know what you’re probably thinking – that it sounds too good to be true.

Well, I’ll just say this. That there’s no harm in giving it a go, right?!

Why not try this steam cleaning method on your oven – if you need to clean it again afterward, then at least you tried (and hopefully, it makes the second clean that much easier.)

I’d love to hear how this method works for you.

If you are looking for more great cleaning recipes, check out these favorites below!

• How to clean a stainless steel range hood
• How to easily clean a composite sink
• How to clean granite the right way