Why You Should Put a Glass of Water in Your Oven — A Simple Trick With Surprising Results

Introduction:
Sometimes the simplest household tricks can bring about the most surprising benefits. One such tip? Putting a glass of water in your oven. Though it may sound odd at first, this technique has been used in professional kitchens and savvy homes alike to improve baking results, reduce odors, and maintain appliance longevity. Whether you're baking bread or reheating leftovers, here's how a single glass of water can transform your kitchen routine.

Ingredients:

1 heat-safe glass or ceramic cup

Clean water (approximately 1 cup)

Optional: lemon juice or vinegar (for deodorizing purposes)

Preparation:

Preheat your oven as needed for your cooking or cleaning task.

Fill a heat-safe glass or cup with clean water (room temperature or cold is fine).

Carefully place the glass on a stable rack inside the oven. Avoid placing it too close to heating elements.

Let it sit in the oven during preheating and/or cooking.

Depending on your goal, here's what happens:

For baking: The steam from the water adds moisture to the oven environment, which helps crusty bread rise better and prevents baked goods from drying out.

For cleaning: Moisture softens baked-on grime inside the oven, making it easier to wipe down afterward.

For freshening the oven: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the water to help neutralize odors.

Serving and Storage Tips:

If you're using the water for bread baking or roasting, remove the glass with oven mitts as soon as you're done for safety.

After using the steam-cleaning method, allow the oven to cool slightly, then wipe down softened residues with a damp cloth.

Never store the water-filled glass in the oven after it's turned off — always remove and clean it.

Variation: