Everyone knows that the oven should be cleaned periodically, but not everyone knows how to do it effectively. Many are interested in what is steam oven cleaning? This method of removing pollution occupies a special position among modern methods. It is called hydrolysis, because it is based on the process of hydrolysis, that is, decomposition.
What is hydrolysis
What does steam oven cleaning mean? This is when water is poured into the pan and the oven is heated. Then a special hydrolysis liquid is added to the water, closed again, and turned on for a short period of time. After the water becomes hot, steam is formed, softening the dried fat. This happens as a result of a chemical reaction. Fat flows down in the special pallet. However, it should be noted that severe contamination will also have to be wiped off manually.
Household appliances with hydrolysis cleaning function are made from high quality enamel, which is resistant to foodacids, so the fat does not penetrate inside. When housewives are interested in what it is to clean the oven with steam, it must be said that this is not a complete cleaning. This is some kind of preparation that makes it easier to clean the stove, because inside it is necessary to remove soaked grease and dirt. After that, the door is left ajar for about an hour to dry. It should be noted that the more often such processing is done, the easier it will be to care for the oven.
Hydrolysis cleaning functions in modern ovens
A large number of modern oven models have a Cleaning function that requires cleaning using sprays that replace steam. In this case, it must first be heated to 90 degrees. After 15 minutes, when the door opens, it is necessary to treat the walls with a special care spray as soon as possible and close the door.
When the oven is completely cool, remove traces of:
- fluid;
- spray;
- decomposed fat.
For those who are interested in what it is to clean the oven with steam of modern modifications, it is worth highlighting such a function as Aqua Clean. It works at low temperatures. Pour 0.5 liters of water into a baking sheet and set the cleaning mode. After heating the oven to 50 degrees, cleaning will be performed for half an hour. Then the door is opened and the dirt is removed. Premium ovens with a hydrolysis program are also available. It activates the cleaning, for it you can select the intensity and time on the timer.
Pros of hydrolysis treatment
There are obvious advantages to cleaning the oven with steam at home, one of which is the relative ease of implementation. Other positive aspects can be considered:
- a little cost;
- cleaning without the use of harsh chemicals;
- gentle cleaning due to moderate temperatures;
- safety, as the doors do not overheat during the procedure.
Flaws
There are pros and cons to steam cleaning the oven. It is necessary to clean after the oven has completely cooled down, it is forbidden to turn it on immediately after cooking. Other disadvantages are noted:
- manual labor is not excluded;
- there is a risk of scalding if there is water in the pan;
- it will take a long time to clean up.
Also keep in mind that steam cannot remove very stubborn stains. After the walls of the oven have cooled, it becomes very difficult to wash off any dirt from the surface.
Comparison with catalytic system
With a catalytic system for cleaning the oven, a special grease-absorbing enamel is applied to the surface of its walls. If you feel the walls, it becomes clear that they are rough and porous. Fat and various impurities enter these pores. When in contact with special enamel, they oxidize, turning into water and soot. This self-cleaning process can be carried out along with cooking,therefore, you do not need to turn on the oven separately. Since there are no additional costs of electrical energy, this method is the most economical. After cleaning, it is necessary to wipe the soot from the surfaces inside the cabinet with a damp cloth. If the contamination is not very strong, no need to use cleaning products.
It must be taken into account that the self-cleaning process with the catalytic system starts when the oven heats up over 140 degrees. This technology is most effective when the equipment operates at a temperature of 200 degrees.
Taking into account all the advantages of this technology, it will become clear that catalytic cleaning of the oven or steam is better. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the catalytic is fully automated, no physical effort is required. This modern technology is definitely superior to hydrolysis, but it is more expensive. The high price is one of the disadvantages. Catalytic panels need to be replaced periodically because the coating loses its properties during operation.
It should also be borne in mind that fat-absorbing enamel is applied only to metal surfaces, namely to the side, bottom and top walls. The glass located on the door will need to be washed by hand. However, unlike hydrolysis, the catalytic method is more progressive.
Hydrolysis or pyrolytic systems
Besides the type of oven cleaning with steam, there is another easy method to clean the oven, it is calledpyrolysis. This method, when compared with catalytic and hydrolysis, is considered more perfect.
This cleaning system has a number of advantages, one of which is that contaminants are removed under the influence of high temperature, while additional preparations are not used. Dirt is completely burned, it remains only to remove them manually.
Pyrolysis has its drawbacks. It should be noted that products with the introduction of this cleaning system are much more expensive than analogues. Obtaining high temperatures is directly related to high energy consumption. You also need to keep in mind that the oven will have to be isolated during the cleaning procedure, because strong heat adversely affects nearby furniture.
How to steam clean without hydrolysis technology
If the oven is not equipped with a hydrolysis function, you can still clean it with steam. It is necessary to take a heat-resistant container or a baking sheet with high sides and pour at least 0.5 liters of water into it. Put on the lower level of the oven or at the very bottom. Turn on the oven, setting the temperature to 100-150 degrees. If there are persistent dirt on the surface, it is recommended to add dishwashing liquid in the amount of 50-100 ml to the water. As soon as the water boils, the dirt on the walls under the influence of the resulting steam will begin to soften. After the liquid boils away, the oven must be turned off, the door slightly open. When the walls become warm, remove the dirt manually. Not recommendeduse abrasive powders, hard brushes and washcloths, as this can ruin the finish.
Conclusion
Of all the currently existing ways to clean the oven from plaque and dirt, it is the hydrolysis method that is the simplest. It is preferred by most housewives. In addition to ease of implementation, reliability and no need for additional funds, hydrolysis cleaning is considered the most economical. To carry it out, you must definitely know what it is to clean the oven with steam.
A large number of manufacturers of modern household appliances in their models provide for the option of hydrolysis. In particular, this applies to products of popular brands Gorenje, Electrolux and Bosch. Reviews of steam cleaning the oven with the use of a hydrolysis system indicate that after this kind of treatment, greasy deposits are well removed. Users note the fact that, in general, hydrolysis justifies its affordable price. In addition, it greatly facilitates the process of caring for household appliances, because modern women have a fast pace of life, and it is not always possible to find a lot of time to service equipment.
