Three manufacturers publish steps for oven cleaning without oven-cleaner chemicals. Whirlpool's AquaLift and GE's Steam Clean both use a small amount of water in a cool oven to loosen soil, and only apply if your oven has that cycle. Samsung's steps cover soaking and scrubbing the racks. Check your manual for your model. Whirlpool warns that commercial oven cleaners may permanently damage the porcelain interior.
Steps, by source
Whirlpool: the AquaLift cycle
Whirlpool's steps for cleaning a range oven with the water-based AquaLift Self-Clean cycle. Source: Whirlpool: Run the AquaLift oven clean cycle.
- Let the oven cool to room temperature before using the Clean cycle.
- Remove all racks and accessories from the oven cavity and wipe excess soil, using a plastic scraper to remove easily removed soils.
- Pour 2 cups (16 oz [500 mL]) of distilled or filtered water onto the bottom of the empty oven and close the oven door.
- Press AQUALIFT SELF CLEAN and then START on the oven control panel.
- Allow 40 minutes for cleaning and cool down; a beep sounds when the Clean cycle is complete.
- Press CANCEL at the end of the cycle.
- Immediately after the cycle, remove the residual water and loosen the soil with a sponge or cloth. If additional soils remain, leave a small amount of water in the oven bottom to help.
- If any soils remain, remove them with a non-scratch scrubbing sponge or plastic scraper. Run additional Clean cycles to help remove stubborn soils.
What the source lists: Plastic scraper; Distilled or filtered water (2 cups (16 oz [500 mL])); Sponge or cloth; Non-scratch scrubbing sponge (or plastic scraper).
From the source. Do not use chemicals or other additives in the water. Do not open the oven door during the Clean cycle. The water on the oven's bottom is hot.
From the source. Do not use oven cleaners. Chemicals, including commercial oven cleaners or metal scouring pads, may permanently damage the porcelain surface of the oven interior.
From the source. For best results, use distilled or filtered water. Tap water may leave mineral deposits on the oven bottom.
From the source. Soil baked on through several cooking cycles will be more challenging to remove with the Clean cycle.
GE Appliances: the Steam Clean cycle
GE Appliances' method for using the Steam Clean cycle to loosen minor food spills in the oven. Source: GE Appliances: Steam clean the oven.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a cool oven.
- Close the door and select Steam Clean.
- Once the cycle is complete, wipe out the moisture and food soils with a soft cloth.
What the source lists: Water (1 cup); Soft cloth.
Samsung: the oven racks
Samsung's steps for soaking and scrubbing oven racks (and the partition, if your model has one) and helping them slide smoothly. Source: Samsung: Clean the oven racks.
- If your model has a partition (divider), clean it the same way as the racks.
- Make sure the oven is off and the racks are cool before you remove them from the oven.
- Soak the racks in lukewarm, soapy water, then scrub impurities from them with a non-abrasive scouring pad.
- If the racks do not slide in and out smoothly after cleaning, apply a few drops of cooking oil onto wax paper or a cloth and rub the side rail guides.
What the source lists: Lukewarm, soapy water; Non-abrasive scouring pad; Cooking oil (a few drops, if racks don't slide smoothly); Wax paper or a cloth.
How often, according to Samsung: Clean them regularly to keep them in tip-top condition.
Questions
Can I use oven cleaner in my oven?
Whirlpool says not to use oven cleaners for its AquaLift cycle, and that chemicals, including commercial oven cleaners or metal scouring pads, may permanently damage the porcelain surface of the oven interior. Check your manual.
How much water goes in for a steam clean?
GE says to pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a cool oven. Whirlpool says 2 cups (16 oz) of distilled or filtered water for its AquaLift cycle.
How long does the AquaLift cycle take?
Whirlpool says to allow 40 minutes for cleaning and cool down.
Why distilled or filtered water?
Whirlpool says tap water may leave mineral deposits on the oven bottom.
How do I clean oven racks?
Samsung says to make sure the oven is off and the racks are cool, soak them in lukewarm soapy water, then scrub with a non-abrasive scouring pad.
Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.
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