With the holiday season coming up soon, now is the time to make sure that your oven is clean and working properly. You may be tempted to use your oven’s self-cleaning feature, but beware! Self-cleaning right before a big holiday can leave you without a working oven if things go wrong. Here are some important tips to know before setting your oven to self-clean.
Dangers of Oven Self Cleaning
While some newer models offer safer steam cleaning features, most ovens use the same old-fashioned method. When done properly, this process can work as it should, but there’s always a risk in using it. Here’s what you should know first.
How Does Oven Self Cleaning Work?
When you use the self-cleaning cycle, the temperature inside of your oven will heat up to anywhere between 880 and 1,000°F. The cycle will typically run about 1 1/2 – 3 hours depending on the amount of buildup inside the unit, plus an added hour or so for the unit to cool down before any wiping of ash can be done. (NEVER RUN A SELF CLEAN CYCLE WHEN NOT HOME ALLOW 4-5 HOURS)
Problems Caused By Self Cleaning
Due to the extremely high temperatures inside your oven during self-cleaning, some important components can malfunction or fail altogether, leaving you with an oven that won’t work at all. And as burnt-on food and spills get turned to ash, foul odors can be emitted and linger throughout your home. In some cases, these fumes can even contain toxic fumes that are unhealthy for people and pets.
How to Self-Clean Safely
The instructions for self cleaning may vary depending on model or manufacturer, so always be sure to first refer to your owners manual or any literature made available by your manufacturer on the process. Before starting the self clean cycle always make sure to take out anything removable inside of the unit. (racks, foil paper, tray linings) and do not spray any cleaner inside of the unit prior to the self clean cycle.
If you do use the cleaning cycle, be sure to open all of the windows in your kitchen and throughout your home first to let the odor and fumes to dissipate. Be aware that any excessive build-up on the bottom of the oven will smoke during self cleaning due to a large amount of heat produced during the which turns grease or debris buildup inside the unit into ash.
Note: the self clean cycle will not clean areas under door seals this can easily be done with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
If you do find yourself in need of fast oven repair service due to a self-cleaning problem, call the pros at Solar Appliance! We’ll have your model back to work quickly so you can get back to your normal cooking routine.
