Steam Cleaning Your Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

Steam cleaning is a popular and effective way to clean your cooker, removing dirt, grease, and grime. This method is fast, easy, and non-toxic, and can be done using a steam-clean setting, a handheld steamer, or a DIY solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam clean your cooker, leaving it sparkling clean and fresh.

Remove racks, pots, and accessories

To steam clean your cooker, you'll first need to remove any racks, pots, and accessories from inside. This is an important step as it ensures that these items do not get in the way or hinder the cleaning process. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to guide you through the process of removing racks, pots, and accessories from your cooker:

• Open the door of your cooker and identify all the removable parts, including racks, pots, and any other accessories.
• Carefully take out each rack and pot by grasping them firmly and pulling them towards you. Place them in a safe area where they won't be in the way.
• If there are any additional accessories, such as temperature probes or rotisseries, remove them as well. Make sure to handle them with care to avoid any damage.
• Check the cooker thoroughly to ensure that all removable parts have been taken out.
• Once everything is removed, you can proceed to the next step of steam cleaning your cooker.

Remember to be cautious and gentle throughout the removal process to avoid any accidental damage to your cooker or its accessories.

Wipe down the inside of the cooker

Once you've run the steam cycle, it's time to wipe down the inside of the cooker. This step may get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes and keep a bin nearby. Use a sponge or dish rag to clean up any excess water or food particles.

You'll want to use a rag or sponge that you don't mind getting stained, as this step will lift off the more stubborn, caked-on grime. Make sure to clean any racks or pans that are in the oven, too.

If you're using a steam cleaner, select a high-temperature and pressure setting and let the water heat up. The high temperature and pressure will help loosen up years of grime caked on your oven. You can always start on lower settings and then gradually increase the temperature and pressure as needed. Once the water is hot, start the machine and scrub your oven with the attachment. Move the attachment back and forth against the interior surface of your oven. You won't need to press down too hard, as the steam will do most of the work. Start by cleaning the inside of the door and then move further inside the oven.

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.

Add water to the cooker

Adding water to the cooker is an essential step in steam cleaning. The amount of water required depends on the type of oven and the level of dirt. Generally, around one cup of water is sufficient, but for extremely dirty ovens, you may need up to two cups. It is recommended to use distilled or filtered water to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.

If your oven has a steam-cleaning setting, simply pour the water directly into the bottom of the oven. Some ovens with this setting may require you to add water after selecting the cycle, so refer to your oven's manual for specific instructions.

If your oven does not have a steam-cleaning setting, you will need to use an oven-safe pot or bowl, such as a casserole dish, to hold the water. Place this container on a rack in the lowest position inside the oven. Again, consult your oven's manual for guidance on the amount and placement of water.

For extra cleaning power, you can add vinegar to the water. This is especially useful for removing tough stains and grease. The ratio of vinegar to water can vary depending on the severity of the dirt. For a gentle boost, use half a cup of vinegar with a cup of water. For extremely dirty ovens, use a solution of one cup of vinegar and enough water to fill your casserole dish.

Once you have added the water (and vinegar, if desired), you are ready to move on to the next step of steam cleaning your cooker.

Use a steam cleaner

Using a steam cleaner is an effective way to clean your oven without harsh chemicals. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure you have the right equipment. You will need a household steam cleaner, distilled water, a stainless-steel brush attachment, and a cleaning cloth or sponge. It is also recommended to wear oven mitts to protect your hands from the hot steam.

Filling the Steam Cleaner

Remove the cap from the water tank of your steam cleaner and fill it with distilled water. Using distilled water will help prevent water spots and mineral deposits from forming in your oven.

Attaching the Brush

Attach the stainless-steel brush attachment to your steam cleaner. This type of brush will help scrape off grease and baked-on stains. If your oven is heavily soiled, you may also want to use a scraper attachment in addition to or instead of the stainless-steel brush.

Setting the Temperature and Pressure

Select a high-temperature and pressure setting on your steam cleaner. The high temperature and pressure will help loosen any caked-on grime in your oven. If you are using a commercial steam cleaner, you may want to start with a lower setting and gradually increase as needed.

Steam Cleaning the Oven

Once the water has heated up, it's time to start cleaning! Wave the steam cleaner with the attachment back and forth across the interior surfaces of your oven. You don't need to press hard, as the steam will do most of the work. Start with the inside of the door, and then move to the back and sides of the oven. As you loosen the grime, wipe it away with a clean, damp sponge or cloth.

Natural Cleaner (Optional)

For an extra boost of cleaning power, especially on stubborn stains, you can use a natural cleaner made from vinegar and baking soda. First, spray the interior of your oven with vinegar. Then, sprinkle baking soda on top of the vinegar-coated surfaces. Allow this mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, and then scrub the surface thoroughly with a sponge or cleaning pad until it is clean.

Post-Cleaning Care

After you have finished steam cleaning your oven, it is important to take care of your equipment and ensure your kitchen is safe. Remember to empty and rinse the water tank of your steam cleaner, and clean or replace the brush attachment. Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated to remove excess moisture and prevent mould growth.

By following these steps, you can effectively and safely use a steam cleaner to deep clean your oven.

Clean stubborn spots with baking soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive, making it perfect for removing dried, stuck-on foods and tackling stubborn spots. It's also alkaline, which means it can neutralise acids and break down grease, making it easy to wipe away without scrubbing. Here's how to use baking soda to clean stubborn spots in your cooker:

Step 1: Make a Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, mix together baking soda and water to form a paste. The exact measurements will depend on the size of your oven, but a good starting point is 1/2 to 3/4 cup of baking soda and enough water to create a thick paste. You can always add more water or baking soda as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to Stubborn Spots

Using a rubber spatula or gloved hands, apply the baking soda paste generously to the stubborn spots inside your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Don't worry if the paste turns brown as you rub it in or if it's chunkier in some areas. Just ensure that all the stubborn spots are thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the stubborn spots for at least 12 hours or overnight. During this time, the baking soda will work its magic, breaking down grease and loosening stuck-on food.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste

After the waiting period, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the baking soda paste. You may need to use some elbow grease for this step, but avoid using abrasive pads or scouring brushes as they can damage the oven's surface. If necessary, use a plastic spatula or scraper to gently loosen the residue, being careful not to scratch the surface.

Step 5: Spray with Vinegar (Optional)

For extra cleaning power, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it onto any areas where baking soda residue remains. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a gentle foaming action that further loosens stubborn dirt.

Step 6: Final Wipe Down

Use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining baking soda residue and vinegar solution. Repeat this step as needed, adding more water or vinegar to ensure a thorough clean. Your oven should now be sparkling clean and free of stubborn spots!

By following these steps, you can effectively remove stubborn spots from your cooker without resorting to harsh chemicals or high-heat cleaning methods. Baking soda is a safe, natural, and inexpensive cleaner that works wonders on oven grease and grime.

Frequently asked questions