Cleaning an oven is certainly no one’s idea of “fun”. It’s traditionally a grimy and smelly experience, usually requiring a lot of elbow grease. Naturally, this task often gets put off, which compounds the problem. But it doesn’t have to be this way! When you clean your oven with vinegar steam, much of the hard work is done for you. Here’s how to do it:
How to Clean Your Oven With Vinegar Steam
Step 1: Soak the Grates.
Before anything else, remove your oven grates and soak them in a tub of hot, soapy water. If you think you’ll need something stronger to remove the stains, we suggest a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner (such as Simple Green). After letting them soak for a while (overnight is great if possible), scrub off any residue with a heavy-duty scrubber or steel wool pad.
Step 2: Vacuum out any loose debris.
This will make the process much easier for you later. Use either a hand-held vacuum or a nozzle attachment on any standard vacuum.
Step 3: Put the bottom oven rack back in place.
Place the newly-cleaned bottom oven rack back in place. Position it in the center of the oven.
Step 4: Make vinegar solution.
Create a vinegar solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part distilled water in an ovenproof dish.
Step 5: Put vinegar solution on bottom rack, heat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now it’s time to let the vinegar do its thing. Heat the oven to 250 degrees and let it bubble, steam, and soak for a few minutes. This will help break down any built-up grime.
Step 6: Spray vinegar solution on the interior of the oven.
After it’s been steaming for a few minutes, turn your oven off. Put on some gloves and remove the dish and then the rack from the oven. Being careful to not burn yourself, spray the water and vinegar mixture on the interior of the oven. Close the door and let the solution soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7: Wipe oven down when it has cooled.
When your oven is cool to the touch, wipe it out with a damp sponge. Most, if not all of the stuck-on spots should come off fairly easily.
Bonus Step: If necessary, scrub remaining stubborn stains with a paste made of baking soda and vinegar or lemon.
This baking soda mixture, when combined with the use of a heavy-duty scrubber or steel wool pad will pack a bit more punch against the remaining stubborn stains.
