Dave Smith Appliance Service

Locally Owned, Family Business

Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm | Sat: 8am - 12pm | Sun: Closed

Self-Cleaning Oven Dangers and How to Clean an Oven Safely

self-cleaning oven dangers

Ovens that include a self-cleaning feature are popular in newer models. But does the self-cleaning feature actually work? Do any self-cleaning oven dangers exist? Does the self-cleaning feature cause damage? Can you clean the oven without using the self-clean feature? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this guide.

Keep Your Oven in Excellent Condition by Avoiding These Self-Cleaning Oven Dangers

When the self-cleaning feature in ovens was first introduced, they had a lot of problems. Consumers would often find that their ovens caught on fire or that the self-cleaning cycle caused extensive damage to the appliance. However, in recent years, manufacturers have improved the self-cleaning feature, reducing some of the self-cleaning oven dangers and risks.

reasons to avoid your self-cleaning oven feature

However, it is still important to be aware of potential dangers with the self-cleaning cycle in ovens and to take the necessary precautions when using the feature. Let’s review some of the reasons to avoid your self-cleaning oven feature.

How Does the Self-Cleaning Oven Feature Work?

An oven’s self-cleaning feature works by heating the appliance to very high temperatures, often more than 1000°F. As the oven heats up, grease and other residues stuck on the walls and racks will burn off. However, it is important to note that ovens with the self-cleaning option do not actually clean themselves. It is up to the user to thoroughly clean out the oven before using the self-cleaning feature. Also, due to the risk of self-cleaning oven dangers, it is also important to keep an eye on the cleaning cycle to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Actually Work?

Are you wondering, “Should I use self-cleaning oven?” While the self-cleaning feature is generally effective at removing grease and other residues from the appliance, they have some limitations.

should i use self cleaning oven

For one thing, self-cleaning cannot remove caked-on food or heavy scorch marks that may be present on the walls of the oven. Additionally, self-cleaning cycles can take a long time to complete, often several hours or more. And the self-cleaning feature can come with many self-cleaning oven dangers, such as the risk of smoke or fire and damage to key oven elements exposed to extreme heat.

Does Self-Cleaning Oven Cause Damage?

Is it safe to use self-clean oven feature? One of the most common dangers is that self-cleaning cycles can cause damage to an oven’s internal components, including damaged heating and burned-out bake elements. Additionally, an oven’s self-cleaning cycle may take a long time to complete, putting your oven at risk of smoke or fire if something goes wrong.

When using the self-cleaning feature in an oven, it is important to know the potential dangers. If possible, try to complete the self-cleaning cycle a month before any major holidays or events. This will allow time for any potential problems with the oven to be fixed before the big day.

Finally, always keep an eye on the self-cleaning cycle to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you notice any problems during the cycle, stop it immediately and contact a professional appliance repair service.

Can You Clean the Oven Without Using the Self-Clean Feature?

Yes! Cleaning your oven with a natural oven cleaner is a safe, fast, and effective way to clean your oven without risking the dangers or damage of the self-cleaning feature. Instead of risking the self-cleaning oven dangers, we recommend a simple DIY natural oven cleaner paste.

natural oven cleaner

To Clean an Oven Naturally:

  1. Begin by removing any loose debris that easily wipes free from the interior.
  2. Combine two cups of baking soda with one cup of warm water in a large bowl.
  3. Apply the baking soda paste to the interior using a large paintbrush or soft cloth.
  4. Make sure to cover all sides of the interior. Avoid applying to any heating elements or sensors.
  5. Allow the natural oven cleaner to sit for several hours.
  6. Once the paste has dried, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe it away.
  7. For stubborn or burnt debris, apply a second coat of the paste to the area, then gently scrub with a cloth moistened with white vinegar.
  8. Finally, rinse the oven interior with a cloth dampened with plain water and dry it completely.

If your oven needs professional repair, we recommend Dave Smith Appliance. We offer comprehensive oven repair services, including repairs needed if a fault occurs during an oven’s self-cleaning cycle. Contact us today to schedule your oven repair!

$15 Off appliance repair

Sign up for our newsletter and receive monthly tips from our industry experts.