What are the different types of oven cleaning?
Available options:
- pyrolytic cleaning;
- catalytic;
- hydrolysis (removal of contaminants with steam);
- cleaning surfaces with detergent.
Each method is implemented differently. What unites them all is the thermal effect. Moreover, the intensity of heating depends on various factors: the method of removing contaminants, the type of coating, the use of auxiliary products. When heated, the properties of substances change. As a result, dirt is better separated from the oven walls.
What is the essence of steam cleaning technology?
This method is based on the effect of hot steam on baked food remains. At the same time, suitable conditions are provided: the temperature rises, the humidity of the air inside the cabinet increases. As a result, the contaminants soften. Some of the substance evaporates. Remaining stains can be easily removed by mechanical cleaning. This technique has its own name - hydrolysis oven cleaning.
Steam helps remove various types of contaminants, including fatty components. However, there is no guarantee that the cabinet will be completely cleaned. The most difficult stains will have to be washed off yourself. Steam in the oven is created when liquid is heated. Instructions for implementing this technique:
- Prepare a container that should be filled with water. You can use the liquid without additives. However, to speed up the cleaning procedure and increase the effectiveness of the method, it is recommended to add detergent.
- The oven door closes. The temperature regulator is set to 200°C.
When considering this type of oven cleaning, there are a number of features that need to be taken into account. Positive traits:
- simplicity of the technique;
- availability of available materials (detergent and water);
- you don’t have to spend a lot of time removing stains;
- In most cases, no physical effort is required to clean after the steaming procedure is completed.
Disadvantages of this method:
- this technique cannot be used often; it is better to alternate it with another method;
- if you use insufficient amounts of water, minimal amounts of steam are generated, so the stains are baked in more strongly and it will be more difficult to remove stains;
- even a self-cleaning oven requires human intervention: you need to place a container with water inside or use a special spray that will act as steam (this feature is implemented in devices with the Cleaning system).
The technology will help the device independently remove stains inside; for this, a special self-cleaning function is provided. The mechanism of action in this case is similar to the method of removing stains on your own:
- The oven is emptied of dishes and baking sheets.
- A heat-resistant container filled with water is placed at the bottom (400 ml is enough).
- The “Self-cleaning” mode is set.
- After some time, the device will notify you that the program has ended. In this case, a significant part of the contaminants will be removed. Surfaces are cleaned with the non-abrasive side of a sponge or soft cloth. It is important to wipe the walls dry before turning it on for further use.
Once the cleaning procedure is completed, the oven doors should be opened with caution as there is hot steam inside. In addition, drops of water can burn your hands. Repeated cleaning may be necessary to remove old stains. The procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary to remove all stains from the inner walls.
What methods are there?
It is not always possible to immediately clean up traces of food preparation. Cleaning often has to be delayed, which increases the complexity of the procedure. Manufacturers of kitchen appliances are trying to solve this issue by using different types of coatings and special types of enamel. These methods are usually called self-cleaning methods, which is quite close to the truth, although there are many nuances.
Today there are three types of self-cleaning ovens:
It can only be classified as “self-cleaning” with some stretch. Its essence is to place a baking sheet or a special form with water at the bottom of the oven. The oven is turned on, the water heats up and turns into steam. The layers on the inner walls soften, after which they can be quite easily cleaned off the walls. You still have to remove the plaque manually, so the method is considered the most unattractive. However, ovens of this type are inexpensive, which significantly increases their chances in stores.
Hydrolysis method- The pyrolysis cleaning method involves heating the oven strongly and creating a high temperature inside it. All leftover food simply burns, turning into ash. The user will only need to remove it from the inside when the oven has cooled down. There are multi-level pyrolysis cleaning methods that use different heating modes. Each type of product burns under certain conditions, so some manufacturers equip their products with advanced systems that prevent the device from heating up again. Cleaning is very tough, requiring great endurance and strength from surfaces. These ovens are among the most expensive models.
- Catalytic cleaning has a milder regime than pyrolysis. In addition, with this method, the user is not required to carry out a separate procedure, since cleaning is carried out while the oven is operating. A special enamel is applied to the walls, the pores of which contain a catalyst. When heated, all layers interact with it and turn into carbon and water. The heating mode is much softer, only 140°-200° versus almost 500° with the pyrolysis method. These properties make catalytic descaling technology the most preferred over all alternatives. In addition, the average cost of ovens of this type is approximately in the middle between pyrolysis and hydrolysis models, which significantly influences the choice of buyers.
Each of these methods is effective only under certain conditions.
Types of systems and how it works
So, there are three main types of cleaning electric ovens:
- pyrolysis;
- catholysis;
- hydrolysis.
Each variety works differently and has its own pros and cons. Let's look at the operating principles one by one.
It is the most aggressive and most effective. We can only use it in electric ovens, as it requires the highest temperature (up to 500 degrees).
The oven heats up to maximum temperature, and natural combustion of all contaminants on the surfaces occurs. After which the combustion product - ash - is removed from the oven with a regular rag or a special brush.
With this method of getting rid of dirt, the entire process occurs completely autonomously, without your participation. Manufacturers also took care of safety - the oven door is completely locked during the procedure.
Here the main role is played by the coating of the oven chamber - eco-enamel. It has a porous surface and contains oxides of copper, cerium and manganese. It is these three elements that help clean the surface - even at low temperatures, the process of decomposition of contaminants into water, carbon and organic residues begins.
On the one hand, the convenience of this method is that there is no need to specifically start the cleaning system - it begins to operate when heated from 150 degrees, that is, during cooking.
On the other hand, some parts of the chamber will have to be cleaned yourself, since the bottom, inner surface of the door, grilles, etc. do not have such a coating.
This system works using steam and liquid. Here you still have to work hard manually, but it is a little easier than with the traditional method.
The point is this. Place a baking sheet with water in a preheated oven and remain there until the water evaporates. With this effect, the contaminants seem to “ferment,” become soaked, and they become easier to remove. And they are removed with a rag or sponge, as usual.
The effectiveness of this method directly depends on the age of the contaminants and their quantity.
Now, knowing the operating diagram of the types of oven cleaning, let’s consider the pros and cons of each.
There are several ways to clean ovens, so when choosing, you should base your choice on your own habits and preferences.
So, if you plan to bake a couple of times a week, a catalytic cleaning system is a good option. With infrequent use, it will not get very dirty, so removing dirt from the bottom and door will not be difficult.
If the unit is used frequently (every day or every other day), it is worth investing in a device with a pyrolysis system. Here, first of all, you should take care of the time and effort of the housewife - she is unlikely to want to spend half an hour every day on cleaning. This is where an automatic cleaning system comes to the rescue.
These are all the main ways to keep ovens clean, the principle of their operation, advantages and disadvantages. But you will have to decide which type of oven cleaning is better in each individual case, depending on the desire to save money when buying an oven, electricity during its operation, or time for cleaning.
What affects the quality of cleaning camera surfaces?
The type of self-cleaning of electric ovens is not always an indicator of its effectiveness. Pay attention to the quality of the oven chamber coating. The less porosity of the enamel, the worse the retention of various contaminants on it and, accordingly, the more effective and faster the cleaning process is.
Advice! We should not forget that fresh grease is much easier to wash off than old dirt, so it is recommended to wash the oven after each cooking.
The difficulty of cleaning also depends on the quality of the detergent. When choosing an oven cleaner, pay attention to economical and effective aerosol products. No less good are creams and foam, the consistency of which allows them to stick to the walls of the oven rather than drip.
Features of pyrolytic self-cleaning
In this case, inside the device the temperature of the air and surfaces varies within 300... 500°C. In this case, any contaminants are burned. Large particles of food that remain on the walls turn to ash. The coating of the oven walls must be resistant to extreme temperatures. After the procedure is completed, light, complex and even the most difficult to remove fatty stains disappear.
The oven is well protected - there is a function to lock the door while the temperature inside the cabinet is high. This will avoid the risk of a dangerous situation. When the temperature inside drops to 200°C, you can open the door.
There are models of such equipment that operate under more gentle conditions. Thus, the temperature during the cleaning procedure of internal surfaces reaches 300°C. It may seem that the effectiveness of the method is immediately reduced. However, the pyrolytic method is performed using a multi-level system. To connect an oven with a pyrolysis function, a dedicated power source is required, since the device is characterized by a high level of energy consumption.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with the size of the cabinet for the washing machine in the kitchen
Positive traits:
- universal method: suitable for various contaminants;
- the oven does not need to be emptied first;
- after the procedure there is no need for mechanical cleaning, since any types of contaminants are removed, turning into ash;
- no preparation required for cleaning;
- there is protection against accidental opening during the procedure.
Flaws:
- heating to extreme temperatures;
- high level of energy consumption;
- the door also heats up, so you cannot approach the oven until cleaning is completed;
- an unpleasant odor appears, you need to open a window or turn on the hood.
Pyrolytic method
This is the most effective way to clean the oven, but also the most aggressive, and its action affects all the internal surfaces of the oven. It burns all fatty contaminants, which become ash and settle on the bottom of the oven. They can be easily removed with a regular kitchen napkin.
Pyrolytic cleaning is carried out at high temperatures reaching 500 °C. Thus, for safety reasons, models with such a system have automatic locking in the doors, which opens the cabinet door only after the oven has cooled to 200 °C. In some models, this cleaning can occur at a temperature of 300 ° C, since they have a multi-level system. For minor contamination, a gentle mode is used in this case.
Pyrolysis is carried out with high power consumption, so the oven with it requires a power cable that can withstand up to 6 kW.
Pros of pyrolysis:
- There is no need to constantly empty the oven from trays and racks before cleaning.
- Ovens with this system are made of high quality steel.
- The most effective method of all those described above, after which no contaminants remain.
Disadvantages of the process:
- The built-in pyrolytic system affects the cost of the oven, increasing its price.
- Cleaning is carried out after cooking, and since it requires the oven to be heated to very high temperatures in order to be effective, you will incur hefty electricity bills.
- Pyrolysis is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, so it is necessary to install a powerful hood above such an oven.
- The oven door becomes very hot. During the cleaning mode, it is better that no one is in the kitchen, so as not to accidentally get burned.
You can find out how else you can clean the oven from grease here:.
Preparing to clean the oven
To make cleaning your oven as easy as possible, you need to prepare for it properly. In this case, you can use one of the suitable remedies, which include baking soda, citric acid or lemon juice, and vinegar.
For example, if the glass on the door is very dirty, you can sprinkle baking soda on it, moisten the resulting layer with water and let it stand in this state for several hours. After this, grease stains will be partially removed by wiping with a soft cloth or sponge. But do not forget that the soda should not dry out and crystallize, as this can lead to mechanical damage. It is generally not recommended to use soda on metal surfaces and when preparing these surfaces it is better to use liquid products.
In preparation for cleaning, you can use various available compounds and products.
Also, before traditional processing of the oven, you need to remove from it all the baking trays, racks and spits in it. These elements also need to be cleaned manually using available compounds, and if possible, use a dishwasher. After all preliminary procedures are completed, you can begin using special oven cleaners.
Tray racks must be cleaned separately
Which product should I use to clean my oven?
The cheapest, but at the same time ineffective means for cleaning the oven can be called laundry soap. It is best to use it after each use of the device for its intended purpose, since removing dried fat with its help will be extremely problematic. Soap is simply dissolved in water to obtain a saturated soap solution, which is used to treat all contaminated surfaces of the oven and then rinse off.
Laundry soap
Also among the most effective and therefore most popular oven cleaners are:
- Frosh is an environmentally friendly detergent, the main component of which is soda. The product is a blue liquid poured into a container with a spray bottle. When applied and distributed on the surface, it foams a little, and small particles of soda are felt to the touch. Its use consists of applying it to the surface and then wiping it after a short time;
Frosh
- Amway, Oven Cleaner is a gel oven cleaner that has good cleaning properties and is applied to the surface with a special brush included in the kit. After the surface of the oven has been completely treated with the composition, for which it is imperative to use protective gloves, you must leave the oven in this condition for no more than thirty minutes. After this, it is necessary to very carefully rinse off all remnants of the product from the surface, since the main components in this case are quite strong acids;
Amway – Oven Cleaner
- Sanita is an oven cleaner with a gel consistency. For application, you can use any available tools, but all work must also be done only with gloves. The exposure time for fat breakdown is 20 minutes. Due to the fact that fatty contaminants soften during exposure, they gradually go down the walls. After standing for the specified time, the surface of the oven must be thoroughly rinsed.
Sanita
When cleaning the oven, wear gloves.
How to clean the oven
This can be done in different ways using available tools. We present the most effective and affordable methods.
Using citric acid
Citric acid saves you from many problems, including excellent removal of dirt.
You will need:
- 1 sachet of citric acid (20 g);
- warm water (100 g).
Mode of application:
- dilute citric acid in water;
- add to spray bottle;
- Apply the solution to the walls of the oven (if you don’t have a spray bottle, use a thick cloth);
- close the oven for 2-3 hours;
- Wash the cabinet with clean warm water.
When choosing a way to clean the oven from old burnt fat, you should pay attention to the following option. You will need:
You will need:
- 150 ml vinegar;
- 2 tbsp. l. soda;
- 1 packet of citric acid (20 g).
Mode of application:
- mix all ingredients in one bowl;
- apply the resulting mixture with a brush to the walls of the oven without touching the heating elements;
- close the oven for 1-2 hours;
- open and rinse with water.
The third method involves using whole lemons.
You will need:
- 1 tbsp. l. any detergent;
- 1-2 large lemons;
- 250 ml water.
Mode of application:
- dilute the detergent in an iron bowl with warm water;
- cut the lemon into slices and place in a soap solution;
- heat the oven to 130-150 °C and place a bowl of solution inside for half an hour;
- open the oven, wait until it cools completely and wash with warm water.
See how to clean the inside of the oven from old grease with citric acid.
How to clean an oven with vinegar
The ingredients for the proposed method are always in the kitchen.
You will need:
- vinegar;
- baking soda;
- water;
- latex gloves;
- sponge;
- spray.
Mode of application:
- put on gloves and perform all actions in them;
- remove removable parts of household appliances (grids, baking sheets, thermometer);
- mix ½ pack of soda with water until the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained;
- apply the resulting paste to the internal parts of the oven, avoiding the heating elements;
- in especially dirty and hard-to-reach places, apply the mixture thicker;
- leave the oven in this state overnight;
- In the morning, remove the dried mixture from the oven walls with a damp cloth;
- if there is complex carbon deposits or a thick layer, use a silicone spatula to scrape off the dirt;
- Soak baking sheets and racks in dishwashing liquid and clean with baking soda.
See how to clean the oven from grease and carbon deposits with vinegar.
Laundry soap to the rescue
A soap solution at home quickly and effectively gets rid of dirt in the oven.
You will need:
- 1 tbsp. l. laundry soap;
- 250 ml water.
Mode of application:
- grate laundry soap on a coarse grater;
- dilute in an iron bowl with warm water until completely dissolved;
- heat the oven to 100 °C and place a bowl of solution inside for half an hour;
- open the cabinet door, wait until it cools completely and wash with warm water.
Table salt for oven cleaning
To clean the oven you only need table salt.
First way:
- Pour table salt onto the bottom of the oven;
- preheat the oven to 100 °C;
- leave for half an hour or an hour, the salt will absorb all the carbon deposits and turn yellow or brown;
- turn off the oven;
- wait until the oven cools down and wash with soap and water.
Second way:
- make a saline solution with warm water;
- place on a wire rack;
- heat the cabinet to 200 °C;
- wait until it starts to boil and leave for half an hour;
- turn off the oven, cool;
- wash off all melted fat.
See how to clean the oven from soot and grease with table salt.
Using ammonia
In order not to rack your brains about how to clean the oven from old burnt fat, you need to buy ammonia at any pharmacy. To clean the oven you will need 200 ml of ammonia.
Mode of application:
- dilute water and ammonia in a container;
- preheat the oven to 200 °C;
- place the bowl with the solution on the bottom shelf;
- leave overnight;
- wash with a damp cloth.
Video: how to clean the oven from grease and carbon deposits with ammonia
Traditional oven cleaning: what is it?
Let's start with manual cleaning, which is well known to everyone, and we will understand in detail what to clean and how. The inside of the oven chamber is covered with enamel, which requires cleaning. There are no innovations or technical inventions here, except that the manufacturer can make it as smooth as possible so that dirt does not stick to the walls. This is the cheapest cleaning option, which is supported, for example, in the BOSCH HBF114BS0R model.
If your oven is not in a pencil case, but under the countertop, then caring for the cabinet will become more difficult due to the low location of the appliance. If necessary, you can remove the door (this is done easily and without tools) to facilitate access to the camera. Moreover, you cannot use abrasive detergents like COMET. An oven with manual cleaning is an excellent option for those who want to save money and are not afraid to spend a lot of time and effort on making it shiny and clean.
If the equipment is outdated or there are concerns about how it will withstand cleaning, it is allowed to use detergents. In this case, it is important to follow the instructions for use, since any careless movement during the cleaning procedure can worsen the condition of the coating: its integrity is compromised, and contaminants become more baked into the pores of the material. In addition, you need to choose the right detergent, taking into account the limitations of its use.
Some substances are aggressive. During the cleaning procedure, do not use abrasive oven cleaners. They damage the enamel coating. Another mistake when performing the procedure yourself is long-term exposure of the oven walls to the chemical. In this case, the risk of damage to the coating also increases, since a chemical reaction occurs that destroys it.
Traditional oven cleaning can be done using special products. To choose the right variety, you need to learn more about the characteristics of your oven. The costs will increase.
What is traditional oven cleaning? This is the removal of grease and dirt from the inner surface using conventional detergents. Very often, folk methods are also used in this process, which have proven their effectiveness in practice.
Traditionally, detergent and a sponge are used to clean the oven.
The traditional cleaning system is called the usual, “grandmother’s” methods. Sponges, special powders and liquids, as well as folk remedies for removing carbon deposits are used here. The disadvantages of this method are obvious:
- time-consuming and labor-intensive process;
- the need to clean trays and grates separately;
- risk of damage to surfaces.
The only advantages include energy savings and low cost of stoves that are not equipped with a self-cleaning system.
In fact, traditional oven cleaning is a manual mechanical type of action, namely hand washing using all available means. All its advantages over more convenient, and, importantly, more efficient methods, come down to financial savings not only when purchasing this household appliance, but also during operation, since only it does not require the use of electrical energy.
But in this case, we must not forget about the need to purchase special products, which are also expensive, and when used, it will be possible to achieve more or less effective cleaning and not spoil the inner surface of the oven.
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The traditional method of oven processing has many more disadvantages. They consist, first of all, in the fact that all cleaning must be done manually. And by choosing the wrong composition or not calculating the force of influence, you can simply damage the protective coating of the metal, which can subsequently lead to corrosion or other negative consequences that will not have the best effect not only on the use of the oven for its intended purpose, but also on its cleaning.
Pros and cons of each system
Each of the systems considered has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing.
Pyrolysis
Advantages:
- no mechanical impact or household chemicals required:
- complete removal of any kind of contamination from all internal surfaces, including the door;
- cleansing is achieved the first time;
- process safety;
- the efficiency of the method does not decrease with increasing service life of the oven;
- no need to disassemble the cabinet into parts, separately washing grates, baking sheets, etc.
The essence of pyrolytic cleaning means the combustion of any contamination that may have formed on the walls of the oven.
Disadvantages can be considered:
- release of a pungent odor during the cleaning process;
- significant energy costs with frequent use;
- high cost of the cabinet.
Note! In many models, level pyrolysis is available, that is, it is possible to clean at 200-300 ° C, if the contamination is not so significant.
Catalytic
Has the following advantages:
- cleaning at low temperatures and saving energy;
- long service life, since panels with catalysis last for at least five years;
- ease of dismantling and replacing panels, which are designed for 300 hours of cleaning;
- affordable ovens.
The catalytic one is clearly inferior to the pyrolysis one, but it is cheaper and in any case greatly simplifies the task of keeping the oven clean.
Among the disadvantages are:
- the need to manually clean the grilles and doors;
- the need for repeated cleaning if the contamination is too intense.
Important! If dairy products or sugar get on the surface of the catalytic panel, it will lose its properties.
Hydrolytic
The benefits include:
- suitable for both gas and electric ovens;
- high efficiency until the oven cools down;
- minimal energy consumption;
- savings on cleaning products;
- safety as the doors and body remain cool to the touch.
Additionally, for such ovens they began to sell cleaning products that help soften fats and burnt dough under the influence of hot steam.
Disadvantages can be considered:
- the need for partial manual cleaning;
- low efficiency with dried contaminants.
Important! Use aggressive chemicals to improve cleaning with caution, as this can lead to corrosion on the walls.
Which oven cleaning is better: catalytic or hydrolysis?
As mentioned above, hydrolysis is a cleaning method using water vapor, and with a catalytic system, surfaces get rid of plaque and carbon deposits due to the characteristics of the panel coating.
Both methods are used not only in electric, but also in gas units, and this is a plus.
Continuing the comparative analysis, we can say that hydrolysis saves money (there is no need to purchase cleaning agents), and the catalytic method saves physical effort when washing surfaces, since it neutralizes grease. In addition, the catalytic panels will have to be replaced over time.
Which method is better is up to the hostess to decide; in this situation, it all depends on personal preferences.
Catalytic cleaning is carried out directly during the cooking process. You do not need to run the oven additionally and waste electricity to get rid of fat and soot on the walls.
As for steam cleaning, the situation is different. The principle of operation of such a system is that fat and plaque are softened under the influence of steam. To do this, you need to place a container of water inside the compartment and preheat the oven for some time. It is impossible to combine this process with cooking. You will have to wait until the cooking is complete and the surfaces have cooled.
If we talk about financial costs, then the catalytic system will cost you more, since the panels will need to be changed periodically. And when buying an oven, you will pay more for this version of the product than for a unit with a steam cleaning function.
What is the best type of oven cleaning? Everyone finds the answer to this question themselves. In some cases you save time, and in others you save money and electricity.
When considering various options, to make a final decision, find for yourself the answer to the question: what is more important, savings or your own comfort? Is it better for you to pay more and buy a unit with pyrolytic cleaning so as not to worry about the condition of the oven, or invest less money and still put in the effort to keep it clean?
If you use your oven occasionally, you won't have to clean it often, and an economical option will do just fine. But in any case, the choice remains with the hostess.
Determine all the pros and cons. When choosing an oven with different functions for removing contaminants, the intensity of energy consumption, type of enamel, temperature conditions, the degree of complexity of implementing the technology and human occupation are taken into account. If the oven is used frequently, it is better to choose a device with pyrolytic cleaning. In this case, any contamination will be easily removed.
The most affordable ovens are those with hydrolysis. In addition, this procedure is also performed in the absence of equipment with a special function. But the effectiveness of this method will be low. An oven with hydrolysis should be chosen if it will be used infrequently or for preparing dishes containing a minimal amount of fat. The model with a catalytic function is universal, but expensive.
How to clean an oven with steam
Hydrolysis cleaning or steam treatment is a simple method that can be used to get rid of grease from the inner walls of the oven without the use of aggressive household chemicals. But this method does not guarantee that grease and dirt will come off completely. Stubborn and old stains may remain. Cleaning with steam only makes the cleaning process easier.
Hydrolysis cleaning
To clean the device in this way, you need to pour water with a small amount of cleaning powder or detergent.
After this, the stove door is closed and the temperature is set at 190 or 200 degrees Celsius. During the heating process, the water begins to turn into steam, which acts on greasy dirt. It is better to use this method when the dirt in the slab has not yet dried. If you add it to water, it will make it easier to clean fat from the walls of the kitchen unit.
Built-in function
The Samsung stove has a special function called “steam cleaning”:
- First, all kitchen utensils contained in it are removed from the household unit.
- Approximately 400 ml of water should be poured into the bottom of the oven. After this, the oven door closes tightly.
- Next, you should activate the steam cleaning function.
- When the processing process is completed, the device notifies its owner with a sound signal. After this, the unit should be turned off to complete the cleaning process.
After all the steps, the inside of the cabinet should be wiped with a soft cloth. If there is water left at the bottom, it can be removed with a sponge. Then you should leave the door ajar for about half an hour to allow the enamel to dry on its own. Owners of a self-cleaning oven must adhere to some rules:
After the steaming process is completed, the doors of the appliance must be opened with caution because the water remaining at the bottom of the pan is very hot. If the contamination is very strong, then steam cleaning can be carried out repeatedly. Water should not be left in a special pan on the stove overnight.
In case of stubborn dirt, you can add a cleaning agent to the water.
Features of household appliances with hydrolysis
Fighting dirt using the steam method should not be done too often. Hydrolysis combined with cleaning agents can promote corrosion inside the oven. When creating household appliances, some manufacturers use special enamel that can withstand the effects of acids and alkalis. Features of models with cleaning system:
- In stove models that have a special electric self-cleaning program, it is not necessary to use water for cleaning. Instead, you can use a special cleaning composition that was developed specifically for such models.
- As with water, you need to fill the container and turn on the oven.
- If the stove has a special cleaning system, then you need to use cleaning sprays. They will replace the effects of steam.
When cleaning with aquaclean steam, you need half a liter of water and heating the oven to 50 degrees Celsius. Then you need to wait half an hour so that the surface of the oven gets rid of dirt. You can clean the inside of the microwave in the same way. To do this, pour water into a bowl and heat it for a few minutes. In some oven models, water is poured not into a baking tray, but into an oval recess, which is provided specifically for this purpose.
Cleaning the oven using traditional methods
To do this, you should purchase a reactive composition that can thoroughly remove all contaminants. In order for the substance to reliably remove fats and soot, it is recommended to first moisten the oven walls with water and leave it like that for a while.
After this, the electric or gas unit is washed using a detergent composition. Usually their cost is quite affordable for all categories of the population. After using the cleaning agent, thoroughly wipe the surface of the walls with a damp sponge or rag.
To decide which cleaning scheme is best, you need to familiarize yourself with the operating principle of ovens, as shown in the video.
The hydrolysis system involves cleaning the cabinet using liquid and steam. This method cannot be classified as an automatic complete cleansing, since a significant part of the work will still have to be done manually. This cleaning includes the following steps:
- turn on the brass device;
- place a baking sheet in it;
- pour water into a baking tray (approximately half a liter);
- add detergent;
- Leave the unit turned on for thirty minutes so that the water becomes steam.
As a result, steam is generated, which cleans the surface of the cabinet. Remaining dirt is wiped off with a rag. But steam cleaning can be effective only when the dirt and greasy residue have not had time to dry. The method does not require large amounts of electricity, but steam cannot always eliminate any leftovers from cooking.
The types of oven cleaning are quite varied. When choosing a device, you should consider how often the device is intended to be used. If the oven will be turned on for cooking no more than once a week, then you can choose the option with a catalysis system.
If the oven is used much more often, the housewife may simply get tired of constant manual cleaning, so preference should be given to a device with pyrolysis. The automatic cleaning system for ovens greatly simplifies the work, does not require a lot of time, and leaves the electric surface on the surface. or gas unit mechanical damage.
Comparison parameter | Manual | Steam | Catalytic | Pyrolytic |
Efficiency | low | average | average | high |
Energy consumption | No | low | No | high |
Need to clean manually | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Turning on the oven for cleaning | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Price | low | average | average | high |
Increased temperature in the kitchen | No | No | No | Yes |
The decision is yours!
Sincerely, leading specialist V. Rakevich
Tips for choosing
As a conclusion, I would like to give some practical advice on choosing the type of self-cleaning of modern electric ovens:
- If you plan to use your electric oven infrequently (on average, once every 7-10 days), then pay attention to catalytic models. If more often, then purchase models with pyrolysis chamber cleaning technology;
- The hydrolytic method is ineffective for removing old fat and soot. All remaining dirt can be easily washed off using a simple folk method. Dilute baking soda with water to a paste. Apply the composition to the stains and leave for 12 hours. Afterwards, treat the dried “paste” with an aqueous solution of citric acid. Foam should be removed using a soft sponge. The carbon dioxide released during the processing process will help peel off any dirt without harming the camera coating;
- When choosing pyrolysis models, always pay attention to the quality of the materials used in the inner chamber. The service life of the product depends on this;
- In any, even the most budget model, a hydrolytic method can be used to remove contaminants from the surface of the inner chamber. Pour water into a baking tray with the addition of an alkaline detergent (alkali does not destroy the enamel coating), heat the oven until the composition steams and keep it in this mode for 15-20 minutes. After this, wipe the surfaces with a water solution of baking soda.
Watch a video about pyrolytic oven cleaning
How to clean an oven with a steam cleaner?
Another fairly effective and at the same time harmless and convenient way to clean the oven from contaminants is a steam cleaner. This method of cleaning the oven is also traditional, but practically no one will ask what it is.
When using a steam cleaner, the system acts on grease and other types of contaminants with steam, which is generated and supplied by the device under a certain pressure. Thanks to such cleaning, the surface will become not only clean, but disinfected, that is, all existing bacteria, microbes and other microorganisms will be eliminated.
Using a steam cleaner will not only degrease the surface, but also disinfect it.
The advantage of this cleaning method is that there is no need to use any chemicals and it can be used for both electric and gas ovens. The first point is especially important for people prone to allergies, and the use of household chemicals is best avoided.
Burn, burn clearly
Since we have given an example of an oven with pyrolytic cleaning, we will tell you more about it. Pyrolysis is the burning of fat and other contaminants at a very high temperature - 500° C. That is why the oven needs reliable protection against overheating and accidental opening of the door.
The door is locked until the temperature inside reaches 200° C. Triple glass protects the outer part of the door from overheating, but its temperature reaches 90° C - you can get burned. The oven body is made of steel, capable of withstanding repeated strong heating (remember about 500° C?) without deforming. To ensure that the side walls of the kitchen furniture in which the oven is installed do not warp from the high temperature or, God forbid, ignite, an additional cooling system for the outer surface is installed in it.
In the process of burning contaminants, an unpleasant odor is formed - an additional air purification system is needed: smoke removal directly from the oven into the ventilation; there is a special hole in the oven for this. And when various sauces burn, even toxic gases can be released (God, what are we eating) - special catalytic filters do not allow them to leave the oven. The enamel covering the inner surface of the oven should also not change its properties (not darken, for example).
To clean the oven, you must specifically turn it on. The cycle takes from 90 to 150 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination. When choosing an oven, please note that you can vary the cleaning time - this will save energy.
Of course, an oven made of such durable materials and equipped with such a powerful cleaning system cannot be cheap. Minimum price 18,000 rubles - Ariston F 1039GP.1 IX. Smeg offers ovens with pyrolytic cleaning from RUB 45,000.
Pyrolysis oven devices
In 2004, a Bosch oven was released with replaceable panels made in accordance with the latest technologies. The ceramic coating, which ensures self-cleaning of the panels, is called EcoClean.
While food is being prepared, fat penetrates into the enamel structure, which consists of cells resembling a sponge. It is then converted at a temperature of about 270 degrees into water and carbon dioxide. If the oven does not clean itself during cooking, it is recommended to turn on the oven for 40 minutes to completely clean it. During this time, the oven panels are cleaned and resume their cleaning properties.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with how to clean Light sheepskin coat
The Ecoclean coating retains its cleaning properties throughout the entire operational life of the equipment (about 10 years). In addition, panels coated with Ecoclean differ in appearance - they are thinner and painted gray. According to the manufacturer, the fat that gets on the panels breaks down extremely quickly, since it does not spread over the entire surface of the coating, but is absorbed into the enamel.
Thanks to the introduction into production of ovens with panels that can self-clean under the influence of high temperatures, housewives do not need to manually clean the ovens using a rag and powder.
Such devices are equipped with a special eco-enamel that completely covers the inner surface of the oven. To the touch, the base of the walls has a porous and slightly rough texture. The eco-enamel material is manganese, copper or cerium oxide. It is these types of catalysts that make it possible to accelerate the process of decomposition of fatty contaminants into individual components: water, carbon and organic residues. Basic moments:
- Catalytic cleaning occurs at a relatively low temperature - from one hundred forty to two hundred degrees, which is quite enough for the oxidation process.
- With the help of catalysis, an electric or gas oven can be cleaned. It is carried out right at the time of cooking, that is, there is no need to spend additional money on gas or electricity.
- The catalytic panel will have to be replaced after some time. On average, each of them is designed for three hundred hours of effective cleansing.
- Eco-enamel is located on the back and side walls, as well as on the fan blades.
- The bottom is not coated, so you will have to manually remove dirt on it and on the door.
In general, the service life of a cabinet with catalytic cleaning is between five and seven years. Since 2004, the Bosch brand has been supplying the market with eco-coated ovens EcoClean Bosch HBN 334550, which have twice the service life.
An oven with pyrolytic cleaning can only be of an electric type, since effective pyrolysis requires a very high heating temperature - up to five hundred degrees. This system is the most aggressive, but also the most effective cleaning.
During pyrolysis, natural combustion of any remaining fatty contaminants occurs until they are transformed into a small pile of ash, as in the photo, which can be swept away with a special brush or removed with a rag. The convenience of high-temperature cleaning is that you don’t need to wash anything - everything automatically burns out, even dirt on the inner surface of the door, which is locked for safety reasons and does not allow opening the oven.
If we consider the advantages of pyrolytic cleaning, it should be recognized that this method does not require disassembling the device into separate parts or removing the grill or baking sheets.
When manufacturing an electrical unit, manufacturers use only very high-quality material that can withstand high temperatures for a long time. Thus, an oven with cleaning-pyrolysis has the following undeniable advantages:
- high cleaning efficiency;
- a completely safe process;
- does not require additional manual cleaning;
- completely eliminates all formed contaminants;
- the cabinet is made from the highest quality materials;
- the use of cleaning aerosols and other chemical cleaning agents is excluded.
The decision is yours!
About strengths and weaknesses
Such cleaning will affect the cost - such ovens are more expensive, because high thermal insulation must be maintained, and all elements must be made of heat-resistant materials.
Strengths cannot be offset by weaknesses. There is no need to buy detergents, and skin contact with chemicals is minimized. The cleaning of the internal parts will be of high quality; this effect cannot be achieved manually. So, the positive points:
- the most effective cleaning;
- easy removal of residual fat, milk, syrups, and other stuck products;
- there is no need to buy detergents, change filters and other elements.
Among the disadvantages it is worth highlighting:
- increased cost of stoves;
- consumption of large amounts of electrical energy;
- the occurrence of unpleasant odors due to poor exhaust hoods and very strong accumulations of dirt.
Pyrolysis cleaning is not complicated. Remove everything from the oven, including baking sheets and wire racks. They are washed by hand. The cleaning mode is then started, during which the door is locked for safety. After completing the procedure, wipe the internal parts with a soft cloth to remove soot.
The recommended frequency of cleaning is once every 30 days. Duration 1 hour-2.5 hours. A significant part is taken up by cooling. Some built-in models have special tubes that connect directly to the vent. To prevent odors from becoming too strong, ovens must be cleaned regularly.
Hydrolysis or catalytic oven cleaning: what is it?
This cleaning method is also called steam cleaning. What is oven steam cleaning and how does it work?
- Before you start cleaning, you need to remove the spit and racks from the oven. They will have to be cleaned by hand.
- Pour 500-600 ml of water into a baking tray and add a little detergent.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven, turn it on and set the temperature from 50 to 100 degrees. The water will begin to evaporate and steam will form, which will soften all contaminants. Cleaning is carried out within 20-30 minutes.
- Then all softened dirt can be easily removed with a sponge or rag.
The hydrolysis method is not considered self-cleaning, since you have to do most of the work yourself. But in terms of savings, this is the most profitable way.
This technology is not an automatic process, but it significantly helps clean stubborn grease stains. What is hydrolytic steam oven cleaning and what are its main features?
The essence of the process is quite simple: 0.5 liters of water is poured into a container and placed in the oven at a temperature of 90°C. The liquid, when heated, forms hot steam, which softens fat accumulations. Ideally, they should fall into the bowl. But even if this does not happen, the dirt that has peeled off from the walls can be easily removed with a napkin.
Some modern oven models have a built-in hydrolysis system, for example:
- Aqua Clean. There is a special container for water here. After filling in the liquid and selecting the cleaning program in the menu, you just need to wait for the click to complete the process. The system operates at a temperature of 50°C and takes about 30 minutes.
- Cleaning. The equipment is preheated to 90°C, then the hot walls need to be sprayed with a special spray. The remaining fat can be easily washed off with a cloth.
This cleaning technology can be used in ovens of any type. In addition, hydrolysis fat removal is also suitable for microwave ovens. Important: the method will be effective only on fresh stains, and to remove old grease, you will have to work hard.
The main advantage of the process is the saving of energy and cleaning materials.
The list of advantages also includes:
- Safety - the body and doors remain cool to the touch, which completely eliminates burns;
- Cleaning time - the entire cleaning process takes from 15 to 30 minutes.
When using hydrolysis (steam) oven cleaning, it is worth remembering that the regular use of aggressive chemicals to improve the process can lead to corrosion on the walls of this equipment. Most manufacturers coat the enamel with special protection against alkalis, but it is not worth checking its resistance again.
As the name suggests, hydrolysis cleaning is the dissolution of contaminants under the influence of water vapor.
As a result, the dirt softens and after the oven has cooled, all that remains is to rinse the surfaces, racks and baking sheets in running water, and, if necessary, clean with a sponge. This method requires much less time and effort than regular cleaning, but the need to use a sponge and fuss with soot can be considered a definite disadvantage.
The catalytic method involves the use of special enamel for coating. This material does not allow fat to “eat” into the surfaces and harden, which makes cleaning the oven compartment easier.
Features of cleaning ovens
During cooking in the oven, in addition to water, fat deposited on the internal surfaces also evaporates. Over time, an increasingly thick layer of contamination forms, which also hardens when cooled, becoming especially difficult to remove. To minimize labor costs during cleaning, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- wipe the camera after each use;
- use baking sleeves, baking paper and other devices;
- do not line the bottom with foil, as this provokes heat accumulation, which can damage the enamel;
- do not use products that scratch or corrode the enamel coating;
- regularly check the condition of the rubber seal on the door;
- ventilate the oven after each cleaning;
- de-energize the cabinet before starting work.
Cleaning in ovens is carried out through pyrolysis, catalysis and hydrolysis.
conclusions
We looked at all three oven cleaning systems; which one to choose is up to you. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most often asked question is: which oven cleaning is better - steam or catalytic? Here, even experts will not be able to answer you accurately; it all depends on your individual capabilities and needs.
Here's just what you can use as recommendations:
- If you often use the oven and you are not afraid of high energy costs, then you should take a closer look at ovens with pyrolysis.
- If you rarely use your oven, then you should choose a catalytic system.
Which technology is better?
Comparison with catalytic system
Catalytic purification is fully automated , while hydrolytic removal of contaminants requires process control and human participation. However, the cost of ovens with a catalytic function significantly exceeds the cost of devices with hydrolysis cleaning.
Catalytic panels coated with self-cleaning enamel require periodic replacement . In addition, the absorbent and fat-breaking surface is applied only to the top and side walls of the oven, the inside of the door, and the bottom of the appliance still need to be cleaned manually.
The steam generated when the hydrolysis function is turned on is evenly distributed over all internal surfaces of the equipment. In addition, the energy consumption during the procedure for devices with hydrolysis cleaning will be significantly less than for devices equipped with catalytic panels.
IMPORTANT! Of course, the catalytic method is more effective and progressive, but when choosing a device with a particular function, you should take into account the intensity of use of the oven, financial capabilities and your own preferences.
Pyrolysis technology
The pyrolytic system can be called the most effective method of cleaning a household appliance . You do not have to, as is the case with the hydrolysis or catalytic method, manually wash the walls or door - all the contaminants that are present inside the device will completely turn into ash.
Therefore, if you are a fan of experimenting in the kitchen and often use the oven to create culinary masterpieces, appliances with such a system will become your indispensable assistant.
During the process of pyrolysis cleaning, a household appliance consumes a large amount of electricity , so when purchasing equipment, be sure to purchase a power cable that can withstand power up to 6 kW.
ATTENTION! Unlike ovens with a steam system, during pyrolysis cleaning the walls of the household appliance become very hot, which should be taken into account when choosing a place to install the stove: it is unacceptable to place the device in close proximity to furniture, a refrigerator and other interior items.