Everyone knows that the oven should be cleaned periodically, but not everyone knows how to do this effectively. Many are interested in what is steam oven cleaning? This method of eliminating pollution occupies a special position among modern methods. It is called hydrolysis, because it is based on the process of hydrolysis, that is, decay.
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 forms, softening the dried fat. This occurs as a result of a chemical reaction. Fat flows into a special pan. However, it should be noted that severe contamination will have to be wiped manually.
Household appliances with the function of hydrolysis cleaning are made of high-quality enamel, which is resistant to food acids, so the fat does not penetrate. When the housewives are interested in what it is to clean the oven with steam, it must be said that this is not a full-fledged cleaning. This is a kind of preparation that facilitates cleaning the stove, because it is necessary to remove soaked grease and dirt from the inside. After that, the door is left open for about an hour to dry. It should be noted that the more often such processing is done, the more care will be for the oven.
Functions of hydrolysis cleaning 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 has completely cooled, remove traces of:
For those who are interested in what it is such as steam cleaning the oven 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 carried out for half an hour. Then the door is opened and dirt is removed. Premium ovens with a hydrolysis program are also available. It activates the cleaning, for it you can choose the intensity and time on the timer.
Pros of hydrolysis processing
Steam oven cleaning at home has obvious advantages, one of which is the relative ease of implementation. Other positive aspects include:
- low cost;
- cleaning without the use of aggressive chemicals;
- gentle cleaning regime due to moderate temperatures;
- safety, since during the procedure the doors do not overheat.
disadvantages
There is such a method as steam cleaning the oven with pros and cons. It is necessary to clean after the oven has completely cooled down, it is forbidden to switch on immediately after cooking. Other minuses are noted:
- manual labor is not excluded;
- if there is water in the pan, there is a danger of burns;
- it will take a long time to cleanse.
It should also be borne in mind that steam is not able to remove very persistent contaminants. After the walls of the oven have cooled, it is very difficult to wash any dirt from the surface.
Comparison with the catalytic system
With a catalytic system for cleaning the oven, a special fat-absorbing enamel is applied to the surface of its walls. If you touch the walls, it will become clear that they are rough and porous. Fat and various contaminants enter these pores. In contact with special enamel, they oxidize, turning into water and soot. This self-cleaning process can be carried out along with cooking, so you do not need to turn on the oven separately. Since there is no additional cost of electric energy, this method is the most economical. After cleaning, wipe off the soot of the surface inside the cabinet with a damp cloth. If the dirt is not very strong, do not use cleaning products.
It must be borne in mind that the self-cleaning process in the catalytic system starts when the oven heats up above 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. It should be borne in mind that the catalytic is fully automated, no physical effort is required. This modern technology is definitely superior to hydrolysis, but its cost is higher. High price is one of the disadvantages. Catalytic panels must be changed periodically, because during operation the coating loses its properties.
It is also necessary to keep in mind that fat-absorbing enamel is applied only on metal surfaces, namely on the side, lower and upper walls. The glass located on the door will need to be washed by hand. However, in contrast to hydrolysis, the catalytic method is more progressive.
Hydrolysis or pyrolytic systems
In addition to the type of cleaning the oven with steam, there is another easy method to wash the oven, it is called pyrolysis. This method, when compared with the catalytic and hydrolysis, is considered more perfect.
This cleaning system has several advantages, one of which is that the contaminants are cleaned under the influence of high temperature, while additional preparations are not used. The 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. Getting high temperatures is directly related to high energy consumption. You also need to keep in mind that the oven will have to be insulated during the cleaning procedure, because strong heating adversely affects nearby furniture.
How to clean with steam 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 there. Put on the lower level of the oven or at the very bottom. Turn on the oven by setting the temperature to 100-150 degrees. If there are persistent contaminants on the surface, it is recommended to add a 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 formed steam will begin to soften. After the liquid boils, the oven must be turned off, the door must be ajar. When the walls become warm, remove dirt manually. It is not recommended to use abrasive powders, hard brushes and washcloths, as it can ruin the coating.
Conclusion
Of all the existing methods of cleaning the oven from plaque and dirt, the hydrolysis method is the simplest. Most housewives prefer it. In addition to the ease of carrying out, reliability and the absence of the need for additional funds, hydrolysis cleaning is considered the most economical. To carry it out, you must know what it is to clean the oven with steam.
A large number of manufacturers of modern household appliances in their models include the option of hydrolysis. In particular, this applies to products of popular brands Gorenje, Electrolux and Bosch. Reviews of steam cleaning of the oven with the use of the hydrolysis system indicate that after this kind of treatment, oily deposits are well removed. Users note the fact that, in general, hydrolysis justifies its affordable price. In addition, this 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 for equipment maintenance.