How to Remove Grease, Baked-on Food, and Grime from Your Stove and Oven

Pro Tip: The BISSELL® Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ handheld cleaner loosens baked-on bits with high-temperature, pressurized steam and it comes with a variety of brush heads and tools for cleaning different surface types.

"Ovens and stovetops collect layers of fats, oils, and sugars, baked on at high heat, while fingerprints leave smudges from oily skin," says Sean Grant, a BISSELL test engineer who led hands-on performance testing for the Steam Shot OmniReach handheld cleaner. "Steam cleaning makes these messes easy to handle by softening and emulsifying grease, grime, and oil so they can be wiped away effortlessly."

What’s more, you can literally breathe easier when you clean with steam. “Traditional oven cleaners rely on strong alkaline chemicals to loosen the grime which can be harsh to the senses and can leave residues behind," says Sean.

In this guide, learn expert-approved tips for easily and thoroughly cleaning different parts of your stove and oven.

What's behind stove and oven buildup

If your stovetop feels sticky or your oven smokes during the preheat, grease and food buildup may be to blame. Cooking residue is typically a mix of food particles, grease, and oil that gets "baked" onto surfaces.

“Grease and food residue are naturally hydrophobic, meaning they don’t mix with water, so the fats and oils in food tend to stick stubbornly to surfaces,” says Sean.

Because this buildup often appears as a tough, sticky film, it can attract more residue, growing in size and becoming more challenging to remove.

A handheld steam cleaner is one of the most effective ways to clean stovetops and oven interiors. Applying steam loosens baked-on food and sanitizes the area without harsh chemicals. For example, the Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer comes with tools designed to scrape off stubborn gunk and its steam kills 99.9% of germs¹ and bacteria¹ on sealed hard surfaces.

Steam cleaning works through a combination of heat and moisture.

"When a burst of steam hits a cooler surface, it condenses into water and releases latent heat of vaporization, a large burst of energy that softens stubborn residues and even penetrates seams   where dirt can hide,” says Sean, who tested the Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ cleaner on a variety of surfaces.

“The moisture helps lift and emulsify the loosened grime, while the directional pressure from the device’s nozzle pushes it out of hard-to-reach areas like oven doors, fans, and corners,” he says. “This combination of moisture and heat weakens the physical and chemical bonds that hold the dirt to surfaces.”

Steam is safe for cleaning most stove and oven surfaces, but always ensure your appliance is completely cool before cleaning and avoid getting moisture into electrical components.

How to clean stovetop surfaces

Method: Steam and scrub cooktop surfaces

Steam loosens grease and kills bacteria¹, while scrubbing or scraping lifts away residue. The Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer allows you to spray steam in a targeted way. It comes with several different attachments for the steam nozzle: the Flat Scraper Tool may be the best match for a stovetop.

Materials needed

• The Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer and its Flat Scraper Tool

• Damp cloth or sponge

• Microfiber cloth

Safe for use on:

• Glass cooktops

• Ceramic cooktops

• Sealed gas burner grates

• Electric coil drip pans

• Stainless steel surfaces

Not recommended for:

• Electrical connections

• Control panels (unless manufacturer approved)

• Unsealed cast iron grates

Step 1: Prep the stovetop

Ensure the stove is completely cool. Remove burner grates, drip pans, or any removable components for separate cleaning. Clear the surface of any loose debris.

Step 2: Prep the steam cleaner

Fill your Steam Shot™ handheld cleaner with demineralized water. Attach the accessory nozzle and then the Flat Scraper Tool to the spout. Plug in  to power on the machine. After about 3.5 minutes, the indicator light will turn off, signaling it's ready to clean.

Step 3: Begin to steam clean

Press the steam trigger and slowly pass the nozzle over the cooktop surface, working in sections. Use the sponge or microfiber towel to wipe away loosened residue as you go.

Note: For glass or ceramic cooktops, use minimal pressure to avoid scratching. Focus on letting the steam do the work.

Step 4: Tackle stubborn spots

Heavy buildup is no match for the Flat Scraper Tool. Apply steam to soften the residue, then gently scrape at a shallow angle to lift away baked-on food without scratching the surface before wiping away the residue.

Step 5: Wipe dry

Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent streaking.

How to clean the inside of the oven

Method: Steam cleaning oven interior

There’s a reason oven cleaning formulas are made from harsh chemicals: Baked on messes are especially tough to remove. Adding moisture – especially steam – is one effective way to loosen baked-on bits. By pairing the Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer with its Flat Scraper Tool, you can easily and safely remove stuck-on splatter and spills.

Materials needed

• The Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer with its Flat Scraper Tool 

• Microfiber cloths

Step 1: Prep the oven

Ensure the oven is completely cool. Remove oven racks and any other removable components to clean separately. Clear out any loose debris or crumbs from the oven floor.

Step 2: Prep the steam cleaner

Fill your Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ handheld cleaner with demineralized water and place the Flat Scraper Tool on the attachment nozzle, which attaches to the spout. Plug in to power on the machine. Wait for the indicator light to signal it's ready (about 3.5 minutes).

Step 3: General cleaning

Press the steam trigger and, working in sections from top to bottom, slowly pass the steam nozzle over the oven ceiling, walls, and floor. Use the Flat Scraper Tool to gently scrape the steamed surfaces free of residue. Wipe away moisture and loosened bits with the microfiber towel.

Step 4: Target baked-on food with scraper tool

For stubborn residue, apply concentrated steam to the problem area for 10-15 seconds. Then, holding the scraper at a shallow angle, gently work under the baked-on food to lift it away from the oven surface.

Note: Be patient with problem areas. Multiple applications of steam followed by gentle scraping work better than aggressive attempts, which could damage the oven and the Flat Scraper tool.

Step 5: Wipe down surfaces

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all loosened debris and moisture.

Step 6: Clean oven racks separately

Steam clean removed oven racks using the brush attachment, then rinse with warm water and dry before replacing in the oven. (You may want to do this step over the sink or outside for easy cleanup.)

How to clean an oven front (or other appliance exterior)

Method: Steam cleaning appliance exterior

External surfaces of ovens and other appliances accumulate grease, fingerprints, and food splatters that can dull the look and add an unsanitary element. Steam cleaning provides an effective, chemical-free way to restore shine and eliminate bacteria¹.

Materials needed

• The Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer and the included Squeegee Tool

• Microfiber cloths

Safe for use on:

• Stainless steel surfaces

• Painted metal exteriors

• Glass oven doors

Not recommended for:

• Electronic displays

• Unsealed electrical connections

• Fabric or wood elements

Step 1: Prep the exterior

Ensure the appliance is cool. Remove any loose debris and clear the area around the appliance for easy access. You may want to place a towel on the floor to catch drips and debris.

Step 2: Prep the steam cleaner

Fill your Steam Shot™ handheld cleaner with demineralized water. For appliance exterior cleaning, use the attachment nozzle with the Squeegee Tool. Plug in the device and wait for the indicator light to turn off, signaling it's ready (about 3.5 minutes).

Step 3: Apply steam and squeegee

Working from top to bottom, press the steam trigger and hold the steam nozzle 6-8 inches from the surface, applying steam in overlapping passes. The steam will loosen grime and sanitize¹ the surface simultaneously.

Using the Squeegee Tool, work in smooth, overlapping strokes from top to bottom to remove loosened grime and excess moisture without streaking.

Repeat the process over any sections that don’t come clean the first time.

Step 4: Final wipe with microfiber

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture and buff the surface. For stainless steel surfaces, wipe in the direction of the grain for the best finish.

Preventing buildup

The best way to keep your stove and oven clean is to prevent heavy buildup. Steam cleaners offer a chemical-free option for regular maintenance cleaning and deep cleaning.

Tips

Wipe spills immediately: Clean up food spills and grease splatters while they're fresh. Food is easier to clean before it’s baked on.

Use oven liners: Place a removable oven liner on the bottom of your oven to catch drips and spills. Or, place foil a large pan under items as they bake.  

Clean regularly: Steam clean your stovetop weekly and your oven monthly to prevent heavy buildup.

Ventilate while cooking: Use your range hood to reduce grease accumulation on surrounding surfaces.

 Cover food when possible: Use pot lids or foil to minimize splattering when possible.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best way to clean a greasy stovetop?

 An effective method for most stovetops is steam cleaning with the Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer. The combination of heat and moisture breaks down grease while the various attachments help remove stubborn residue. This method kills 99.9% of germs¹ and bacteria¹ without harsh chemicals.

How do you clean an oven without damaging it?

Steam cleaning is gentle yet effective for most oven surfaces. Always ensure your oven is completely cool before cleaning. Use a liberal application of steam from a Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable hand steamer and the Flat Scraper Tool to soften and remove baked-on food, working patiently rather than aggressively. Avoid getting moisture into electrical components or the oven's venting system.

What's the most effective way to remove baked-on food from an oven?

For baked-on food, use concentrated steam from Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ handheld steamer to soften the residue, then gently work underneath it with the flat scraper tool. Apply steam for 10-15 seconds, then scrape at a shallow angle. Repeat as needed, wiping away extra moisture and material with a microfiber tool.

How often should I clean my stove and oven?

For best results, wipe down your stovetop after each use and clean it weekly with steam. Steam clean your oven monthly or after any significant spills to prevent bad odors and smoke. Regular maintenance prevents heavy buildup that becomes much harder to remove.

Can I use the steam cleaner on my oven racks?

Yes, oven racks can be steam cleaned using the brush attachment. Remove them from the oven first, steam clean them thoroughly with the Steam Shot™ OmniReach™ portable steamer, then rinse with warm water and dry completely before replacing. You may want to clean the racks in your sink or outside for easy cleanup.