Reliable Appliance Service

Is it Safe to Use the Self Cleaning Oven Feature?

William K.

It never fails. It’s the night before Thanksgiving dinner and someone decides it’s a good time to clean the oven. After all, it’s about to perform for an important audience! It doesn’t occur to most people that it may not be safe to use the self cleaning oven feature.

Is it Safe to Use the Self Cleaning Oven Feature?

Oven cleaning appears simple when you can just activate the self-clean feature, right? Wrong. There is nothing simple about cranking your oven up to temperatures so high it becomes an incinerator in your own kitchen. In fact, it can be downright dangerous.

Let’s explore this concept a little more.

How Does the Self Clean Feature Work?

You’re still wondering if it’s safe to use the self-cleaning oven feature. The self-clean feature is like cremation for the inside of your oven. With temperatures up to 1000 degrees, it can also mean the end of fuses, circuit boards, and switches due to parts malfunctioning from extreme heat.

So why is there a self-clean feature if it’s not safe? Well, people like the idea of convenience. In some cases, the feature works just fine without self clean oven dangers manifesting. However, most appliance repair experts suggest you forego using this feature.

Not only is it not completely safe to use the self cleaning oven process, but if you DO blow circuits and fuses- especially during the holidays- most repair companies are either closed or completely booked! What then?

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Self Cleaning Oven Warning

Some folks really want to use the self clean cycle, and who can blame them? Why knock yourself out when you can push a button and have it done? Should you use the self clean feature on the oven, here are some tips to make it safer:

  • NEVER use this feature before a major holiday or event- plan a month in advance just in case you need a service technician
  • Don’t run the self clean cycle during the hot summer months
  • Do a light cleaning first to rid of surface debris
  • Always be home when running the self clean cycle
  • Keep a fire extinguisher close by and ready to use
  • Have Reliable Appliance Service ‘s number on speed dial

Following these guidelines closely will help make it safe to use the self cleaning oven. Want something even better? Eliminate the self cleaning oven dangers and try an alternate method.

How to Clean Your Oven with Vinegar Steam

Vinegar- it is seriously effective and versatile. Follow these steps to clean your oven safely and without chemical fumes to breathe!

The Night Before:

  1. Remove oven racks and let soak in a tub of hot soapy water overnight.
  2. Vacuum out any loose debris from the oven.
  3. Make a spray bottle of 1 part vinegar + 1 part distilled water.

Clean Day:

  1. Scrub the racks in the tub clean. Use a steel wool pad or heavy scrub pad if necessary.
  2. Return racks to the oven.
  3. Add 2 cups each of vinegar and distilled water to an ovenproof dish.
  4. Place dish with vinegar solution on the bottom rack of the oven.
  5. Let boil and steam at 250 degrees for about 10 minutes.
  6. Turn oven off.
  7. Using hot pads, remove dish from oven.
  8. Taking care not to burn yourself, spray vinegar solution all over inside of oven. Close the door and let sit for 30 minutes.
  9. When the oven is cool to the touch, wipe clean with a damp sponge.
  10. If necessary, scrub any stubborn spots with a paste of baking soda and vinegar, then wipe clean or steam oven once more.

There is no reason to fret if you use natural oven cleaning methods. Your oven will be safer and your house will smell lovely!

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