How to Steam Clean an Oven

By: Michelle

Content Writer

10 min read

Steam cleaning is an effective method for tackling baked-on grease, food splatters and grime in ovens. With water and a few simple tools like a bowl, microfiber cloths and a sponge, you can loosen stubborn food residue and have your oven looking brand new.

person wearing rubber gloves using a red and white sponge to clean inside oven

Getting Started

Over time, baked-on grease, food splatters and grime can build up in your oven, making it difficult to clean and increasing the risk of an oven fire. Steam cleaning is an easy and effective method to remove food mess, keep your oven looking new and making it safer to use. Here, we're breaking down two methods of steam cleaning to loosen built-up grime and residue for a cleaner, safer oven.

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What You Need to Steam Clean Your Oven

Steam cleaning an oven effectively requires a few simple items that you probably have at home already. Before getting started, ensure you have the following tools and materials on hand:

A large, oven-safe bowl or baking dish (like a Dutch oven).
Microfiber cloths: Have several clean microfiber cloths on hand to wipe away grime after steaming.
Oven mitts: For protection when handling hot oven surfaces after steaming.
Non-scratch sponge or scrub brush: For extra scrubbing power if needed on tough spots after steaming.
(Optional) Baking soda for deodorizing and extra cleaning.

person wearing rubber gloves holding a microfiber cloth

Option 1: Steam Cleaning with Water

Now that you have everything you need, it's time to start the steam cleaning process. Following these steps in order will make the process efficient and effective:

Remove oven racks and wash them separately. Once clean, place at least one rack back inside the oven so your bowl has a place to rest.
Fill your bowl or dish with at least two quarts of cool water.
Ensure that your oven is empty besides your bowl of water, then close the door and set the oven temperature to 450° F.
Set the oven timer for 30-60 minutes. As a rule, the dirtier your oven, the longer you need to steam.
Once the timer has elapsed, turn off the oven and let it cool completely. This step is particularly important to prevent burns while cleaning.
Open the door to the oven and remove the container of water. Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away the loosened residue, rinsing often to prevent transferring debris back onto the oven's interior.
For tougher stains or messes, create a paste with baking soda and water and scrub those areas. Wipe away with clean water. Baking soda will also help deodorize the oven.
Place any remaining oven racks back inside the appliance.

Option 2: Using Your Oven's Steam Clean Setting

Many ovens now offer a steam cleaning setting to do the work for you. We like this setting when you don't have time to steam clean yourself; depending on how dirty your oven is, you might still need to do additional cleaning, but it's a convenient way to start the cleaning process. Steps will vary depending on the oven you own, so consult your owner's manual. These are general steps that will apply to most models:

Remove oven racks and any accessories from the interior of the appliance.
Pour about one cup (or as much as the owner's manual specifies) into either the steam cleaning reservoir or into the bottom of the oven cavity. Where you pour the water varies depending on which oven you own.
Close the oven door and use the controls to select the steam cleaning setting.
Let the cycle run until it's done (again, this will vary from oven to oven), then press the Cancel button.
Once the oven is cooled completely, wipe away any remaining water.
As a bonus step, use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire interior to remove additional food grime.

With some time and elbow grease, steam cleaning can have your oven looking and smelling fresh again. Be sure to do spot checks and repeated steam applications on any especially stubborn spots. Take safety precautions and use heat-proof gloves when handling recently steamed hot oven surfaces. If you're considering upgrading your kitchen appliances and want a new oven for your kitchen, check out our wall oven buying guide for helpful information. If you're still unsure which type of oven is best for your home, call our team at 800-860-3577 and we'd be happy to help.

Oven Steam Cleaning FAQs

How do you steam clean an oven?

First, gather the necessary tools, including a bowl, microfiber towels, oven mitts and a sponge. From there, fill the bowl with water and place it in your oven. Set the oven to 450°F and run it for 30-60 minutes. Afterwards, let the oven cool and wipe clean the interior with a sponge or microfiber towel. This guide goes into more detail on these steps.

What is steam clean on an oven?

The steam clean setting uses water, typically placed in a designated compartment or at the bottom of the oven cavity, to create steam and clean the oven. This cycle eliminates the need for filling a bowl of water, setting the temperature, etc.

Can I clean my oven with a steamer?

Technically, yes you can. However, we don't recommend this for a few reasons. First of all, it requires more work from you, whereas the methods listed above let you tackle other household chores while the steam does the work. Plus, we don't recommend using a steamer for your clothes near greasy food spills.

Can you steam clean an oven with the racks inside?

Yes, you can steam clean your oven with the racks inside; if you're using the bowl of water method, you'll need one rack inside to set the bowl on. However, we recommend removing the racks and wiping them down first.

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