How to use the steam clean feature on a GE oven


Steven E / Thursday March 27, 2025


Tired of spending hours scrubbing baked-on grime from your oven? In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of using the Steam Clean on your GE oven, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying delicious meals. This handy feature utilizes the power of steam to loosen and lift away messes, leaving you with minimal scrubbing required and getting your oven sparkling in no time!

The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all types of appliances, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in cleaning recommendations. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the use and care manual for your specific appliance model.

Benefits of steam clean

The GE Oven Steam Clean feature offers several advantages over traditional self-clean methods, making it an appealing choice for maintaining the cleanliness of your oven. Here are some key benefits that set the Steam Clean feature apart:

Quick cleaning 

The Steam Clean cycle takes only about 30 minutes, allowing you to address minor spills and messes with ease. This is significantly faster than conventional self-clean methods, which can take several hours to complete.

Lower temperature

Unlike the high heat required for standard self-clean ovens, the Steam Clean feature operates at a lower temperature. This not only saves energy but also reduces the risk of damage to your oven components and surrounding cabinetry due to excessive heat.

No chemicals required

The Steam Clean feature relies solely on water to generate steam, eliminating the need for harsh chemical cleaners. This makes the cleaning process safer for you, your family, and the environment. Plus, since no chemicals are involved, you can leave pans and racks inside the oven during the cleaning process, saving you time and effort.

Gentle yet effective

The steam generated during the cleaning cycle loosens and softens grime in the oven, making it easier to wipe away once the cycle is complete. This gentle process ensures that your oven is effectively cleaneleaving your oven sparkling in no time!d without causing unnecessary wear and tear.

Improved air quality

The lower temperature and lack of chemicals during the Steam Clean cycle also contribute to improved indoor air quality. Traditional self-clean methods can release fumes and smoke, which can be irritating or harmful to inhale, especially for those with respiratory issues or sensitivities. The Steam Clean feature reduces these concerns, providing a cleaner and healthier home environment.

Using the steam clean feature

  1. Wait until the oven is completely cool before starting the steam cleaning process. This will prevent any accidental burns during the cleaning procedure.
  2. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any visible grease or soils from the oven interior. This step helps remove loose debris and prepares the oven for steam cleaning.
  3. Take a measuring cup or container and pour approximately one cup of water onto the bottom of the oven. Make sure to pour it evenly across the oven floor.
  4. Unlike self-cleaning cycles, there is no need to remove the racks when using the steam clean feature. Leave them in their original positions.
  5. Look for the Steam Clean option on the oven’s display panel. If your oven includes this feature, it should be clearly labeled. On some models, the button may be separate from the Self Clean button.
  6. Once you have located the Steam Clean option, press the corresponding button or follow the instructions on the display panel to initiate the steam cleaning cycle. The cycle typically runs for about 30 minutes.
  7. After the steam clean cycle is complete, open the oven door and use a sponge or wet dishcloth to wipe off any remaining moisture or food particles from the oven interior. Pay attention to the walls, ceiling, and oven door. Also, wipe down the racks to remove any residue.
  8. If there are any stubborn baked-on stains remaining after the steam cleaning process, you can apply a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner onto a sponge or cleaning cloth. Gently rub the cleaner onto the stains to help remove them.
  9. After treating any stubborn stains, rinse the oven interior with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove any cleaner residue. 
  10. Use a dry cloth or towel to thoroughly dry the oven interior and racks.

Dealing with stubborn spills

While the GE Oven Steam Clean feature is highly effective for most minor spills and messes, there may be instances where you encounter more stubborn or baked-on spills that require additional attention. In such cases, you can use oven-safe cleaners to help tackle these more challenging cleaning tasks. Here are some tips for dealing with stubborn spills:

  • When dealing with difficult-to-remove spills, opt for cleaners specifically formulated for use in ovens. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use.
  • You can also use a homemade solution of vinegar and baking soda for tackling stubborn oven spills. This option is known for its cleaning ability and can help break down and remove even the most persistent grime safely.
  • To use an oven cleaning solution, simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Generally, you’ll want to apply the cleaner directly to the spill, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth before wiping clean.
  • To create a vinegar and baking soda solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Apply this paste to the stubborn spill and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Gently scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
  • When using any cleaning solution, take care to thoroughly remove all traces of the cleaner from the oven before using it again. Residual cleaner may cause fumes, smoke, or damage to your oven if not properly removed.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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Read more:

Don’t Get Burned! 14 Quick and Easy Oven Safety Tips

How Does a Self-Cleaning Oven Work?

A Simple Guide to Oven Hot Spots