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OVEN & STOVE / MAINTENANCE / TIPS

Are Self-Cleaning Ovens Safe? 4 Reasons to Stop Using Self-Cleaning Oven

Oleg Chudnovski, CEO

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski, CEO on Sep 27, 2024 | Written by Fix Appliances CA Editorial Contributors

In this article…

When discussing daily chores, tasks such as ironing, dishwashing, and cleaning the oven or range are often despised. Therefore, when purchasing a new oven, the aim is to avoid routine tasks like cleaning. You’re enthusiastic and prepared to bid farewell to days filled with the scent of strong, cleaner fumes and strenuous scrubbing. Now, get ready to welcome a sparkling clean oven with just a touch of a button.

However, while oven manufacturers are incorporating fantastic features to tackle such undesirable household tasks, the latest self-cleaning options can pose significant problems for your home appliance. The primary question our experts will address is, – “Are self-cleaning ovens safe?” In brief response to this question, self-cleaning ovens are generally safe, although there are factors to consider. They subject major components to extreme temperatures, potentially causing damage, and may emit hazardous smoke, odours, and carbon monoxide during cleaning.

Ensuring family safety involves keeping children and pets away and avoiding prolonged exposure to smoke. Additionally, fire hazards may occur if flammable materials are not removed beforehand. While convenient, self-cleaning ovens require careful handling and maintenance to minimize risks.

4 Reasons to Stop Using Self-Cleaning Oven Feature Immediately
On photo: Aftermath of a Self-Cleaning Oven Fire

Remarkably, Spark Service PRO, part of FIX Appliance CA Inc., technicians face self-cleaning issues in approximately 50% of all repair requests. Please get in touch with us for authorized oven and stove repair service, and you will be sure to avoid major problems with your oven. That is why we’d like to analyze the process and the potential undesirable consequences you may encounter.

How Self-Cleaning Ovens Work

Before delving into the details of an oven’s self-cleaning function, let’s first understand what a self-cleaning oven is and how it functions.

self cleaning oven

What is a self-cleaning oven?

Many contemporary ovens feature a self-cleaning feature. This feature is designed to incinerate cooking spills and splatters at an exceptionally high temperature (932°F or 500°C) to facilitate cleaning. This cycle typically spans several hours, and for safety reasons, it automatically closes the oven door until it has adequately cooled.

These ovens often boast enhanced cooking efficiency and feature additional insulation to withstand the elevated temperature required during self-cleaning.

Most reputable manufacturers offer the self-cleaning oven feature, including:

Blomberg Bertazzoni Bosch
DCS Fisher & Paykel GE Electrolux
Frigidaire Fulgor Milano Jenn-Air
KitchenAid Kenmore LG
Panasonic Maytag Viking
Whirlpool Wolf Samsung and more

Each has a variety of heat-resistant sidewall coatings and acid-resistant porcelain enamel. As temperatures inside the oven increase, leftover food particles will burn to ash.

As an appliance repair expert, I strongly advise homeowners to carefully consider the potential risks associated with the self-cleaning feature of ovens. While convenient, the high temperatures and emissions can pose safety hazards. Regular manual cleaning and maintenance are safer alternatives to ensure your oven’s longevity and performance.

– Oleg Chudnovski, CEO of Spark Service PRO

Step 1: Empty it out

Before initiating the cycle, ensure that you empty the oven completely. Remove all racks, pots and pans, cookie sheets, aluminum foil, or any other items stored inside. Chemical oven cleaners are unnecessary for the internal surfaces, but you might need a robust oven cleaner for the racks when washing them in the sink. Racks left inside during the cleaning cycle may appear dull afterward; you can restore the sheen with vegetable oil.

Step 2: Lock her down

Once the stove is emptied, activate the locking door system. While there is a manual locking mechanism, it’s advisable to use the automatic system, which engages with an electric motor and switches. This mandatory latch serves as a crucial safety feature, preventing accidental injuries and burns.

Step 3: Press the button

Before commencing the process, be aware that the cycle will take approximately three to four hours. Never use this feature when the home is unattended; the intense heat required to burn off residues can produce smoke that may trigger your smoke detector. All heat elements will be activated, and the oven temperature can exceed 1292°F or 700°C, much higher than cooking temperatures. It’s recommended to open a window slightly to cool the room and run an exhaust fan to reduce smoke and odours.

Step 4: Be patient

A safety feature involves a mechanical interlock to keep the oven door closed and locked until the temperature inside reaches approximately 572°F or 300°C. This is set to prevent potential burn injuries, and the latch won’t unlock until the oven completes both the clean and cool-down phases. Once it reaches the right temperature, it will automatically unlock.

Step 5: Wipe it down

Even after the door unlocks, wait a few more hours for the oven to cool sufficiently before wiping down the inside. Remove ash residue with a sponge or damp cloth. Areas around the seals and door edge may need more thorough hand cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, as the self-cleaning may not cover these areas.

How Often Should You Run the Self-Cleaning Cycle?

Manufacturers offer conflicting advice on how often the self-cleaning feature should be used. Some recommend a monthly cycle to prevent heavy build-up, while others suggest limiting use to a maximum of six times per year to conserve energy and minimize appliance wear and tear. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific appliance. This is where things can become a bit challenging.

Is it worth having a self-cleaning oven?

Let’s examine the advantages:

  • Convenience: The primary appeal of a self-cleaning oven is convenience. You can skip using harsh oven cleaners or manually scrubbing spills and burnt food. Instead, you can use the three to four hours of the self-cleaning cycle to engage in other chores or more enjoyable activities.
  • Energy Savings: A self-cleaning oven has extra-heavy insulation to achieve high cleaning temperatures. This reduces heat loss during regular cooking, leading to more efficient energy use. Running the self-cleaning cycle immediately after cooking helps minimize the energy required to reach the maximum temperature.
  • Cost: Appliance manufacturers argue that a self-cleaning oven’s convenience and time-saving benefits justify the additional cost of purchasing one. They also claim that the energy savings during cooking (thanks to extra insulation) and eliminating the need for expensive chemical cleaners balance out the initial expense.

Are Self-Cleaning Ovens Safe?

Are self-cleaning ovens safe? Having explored what self-cleaning ovens are designed to do, let’s now delve into this feature’s potential negative impacts and hazards. We will also consider all the reasons why we should decide whether to use the self-cleaning feature or not.

Reason 1: Major Parts Damage

The exceedingly high temperature required for the self-cleaning cycle can significantly compromise major components of your oven.

Locking mechanism

oven door locking mechanism
On the photo: The self-cleaning feature affects replacing the door locking mechanism. Oven repair service call from Barrie

This assembly is supposed to lock and unlock automatically after completing the cycle. It’s common for this to malfunction and get stuck in the locked position. This will require a service call and a new part replacement.

Thermostat and Thermal fuses

New Oven Thermostat
On the photo: Brand new oven safety thermostat

This assembly is supposed to lock and unlock automatically after completing the cycle. It’s common for it to malfunction and get stuck in the locked position. This will require a service call with an appliance specialist and part replacement.

Electronic boards and Touch panels

oven main electronic board defects
On the photo: Burnt mainboard from Toronto oven repair service call

Known as “the brain,” these control units collaborate to ensure your oven responds to your commands. Positioned atop the oven, these components are susceptible to the intense heat generated during self-cleaning. You may encounter error codes, the oven spontaneously turning on and off, or a complete shutdown. Replacing these parts is expensive and demands the expertise of an appliance technician.

Wires and contact terminals

oven wires and main board-connectors
On the photo: Back wall oven wires and mainboard connectors are affected by extreme temperatures of self-cleaning mode.

A complex network of wires and connectors distributes electricity to all parts of your stove. Although they are normally covered with thermal insulation to shield them from the heat of regular cooking, the prolonged and extreme temperatures required for the self-cleaning mode may melt the insulation and damage the wiring. Identifying the exact problem area might entail multiple visits and extensive troubleshooting.

See Also:  How to Remove Odour From a Refrigerator: Effective Methods to Get Rid of Foul Smells

Miscellaneous interior components

broken heating element
On the photo: After running the self-cleaning mode several times, the Oven heating element broke in four places. Oven repair Toronto service call

Every component, from the light bulbs and glass housings to thermal sensors and the enamel inside your oven, may sustain damage from self-cleaning. While these parts might not malfunction immediately, recurrent applications compromise every element within your oven.

If your oven displays an error code during or shortly after using the cleaning mode, it is likely linked to the process. Refer to your owner’s manual to identify the error code and contact FIX Appliances CA for a prompt service call. Below is a concise table of error codes for Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, Electrolux, GE (General Electric), Ikea, and Kenmore range stoves:

Table 1: Newer Whirlpool and Maytag Range Fault Codes. Whirlpool builds some Kenmore and Ikea ranges.
Errors – Locking mechanism Errors – Electronic Oven Controls (EOC)
F5 – E1 F1 – E0
F5 – E2 F1 – E1
F5 – E3 F1 – E2
F5 – E4 F1 – E4
F5 – E5 F0
F5 – E6 F1
F9 F2
Table 2: Newer Frigidaire and Electrolux Range Fault Codes. Frigidaire builds some Kenmore ranges.
Errors – Locking mechanism Errors – Electronic Oven Controls (EOC)
F90 F10
F95 F11
F8 F12
F9 F13
Table 3: Newer GE (General Electric) Range Fault Codes
Errors – Locking mechanism Errors – Electronic Oven Controls (EOC)
FC FF or FFF
F0 or F1 or F2

Reason 2. Hazardous Smoke, Odours, and Carbon Monoxide

Neglecting to clear larger pieces of food debris or liquid from your oven before activating the self-cleaning feature can result in excessive smoke and unpleasant odours. Moreover, these remnants may not break down into ashes but instead bake on even more resiliently. Sugary foods and spills have the potential to generate enough smoke to trigger fire alarms or cause eye and respiratory issues.

To make matters worse, a North Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association study revealed that carbon monoxide is produced when food residue is burned during the self-cleaning cycle. This colourless, tasteless, and invisible poisonous gas is responsible for numerous injuries and deaths each year. Opening windows and operating an exhaust fan to disperse gas fumes during cleaning is essential. Having a functional carbon monoxide detector in your home is advisable, as there is no way to eliminate carbon monoxide emissions when using this function.

Reason 3. Family Safety

Children and pets are at a significant risk of burns as the oven’s exterior becomes extremely hot, so leaving kids or animals unattended in the kitchen during cleaning is not recommended.

Toxic fumes released from the smoke cloud can also pose a threat to individuals with asthma or respiratory diseases. The Teflon coating inside your oven can break down when exposed to high temperatures, and inhaling the fumes can lead to breathing issues, coughing, sweating, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

Animals, especially birds, are also vulnerable to smoke and fumes. Birds require large amounts of oxygen to maintain their flight muscles, and the toxicity in the off-gases can quickly permeate their bodies, potentially leading to death.

Ventilating the kitchen is insufficient to protect your family or animals from breathing in harmful fumes. If you use your oven’s self-cleaning feature, ensure family members (including children) and animals are as far away from the room as possible during the process.

Reason 4. Fire Hazard

Last but certainly not least, the self-cleaning feature can pose a fire hazard. Even if you’ve eliminated all the larger food particles, there are likely grease or cooking oil splatters and spills to burn off. With an inside temperature exceeding 500° C and a flashpoint (the temperature at which items can self-combust without an ignition source) ranging between 750 to 815°F° or 400 to 435° C, leftover pepperoni grease, for instance, can ignite.

A piece of advice: If you encounter a fire during the clean cycle, refrain from attempting to extinguish it. Even if the oven has cooled enough for the door to open, doing so will introduce oxygen, potentially fueling the flames. If the fire is extensive, evacuate the house and dial 911.

So, what now? Are self-cleaning ovens safe for you and your family? Each customer makes the decision.

After weighing the pros and cons of using your oven’s self-cleaning feature, you might be curious about alternative methods of safely removing grease and grime.

Manual Oven Cleaning Tips

Nobody eagerly anticipates the task of oven cleaning, yet ovens possess the uncanny ability to transform into a culinary crime scene in no time. It’s crucial to remember that a relatively clean oven contributes to tastier food and promotes a germ-free environment. It’s wise, and we recommend, to spot-clean throughout the month. Let’s delve into the most popular cleaning methods.

Organic Methods for Cleaning Your Oven

When we talk about natural cleaners, we’re referring to eco-friendly products such as baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, dish soap, and cream of tartar. All these can effectively eliminate stubborn food stains without resorting to toxic chemicals. Various recipes for all-natural cleaning involve combining these products to create a paste. Allowing the mixture to sit overnight or baking it at a low temperature for an hour will loosen grime, making it easy to wipe clean with a damp sponge. The beauty of organic oven cleaners is that you don’t need to worry about wearing gloves, and you can use your oven immediately after cleaning with baking soda.

Chemical Oven Cleaning Methods

On the contrary, we strongly advocate caution when using chemicals for oven cleaning. If you’ve ever scrutinized the ingredients on the label of a commercial oven cleaner, you know it reads like a laundry list of chemicals. Conventional oven cleaners contain various chemicals such as potassium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, and butoxydiglycol. These chemicals can irritate your respiratory system and cause skin, lung, and eye burns. While commercial cleaners, usually in spray form, can be quite harsh, they are highly effective at removing debris and grease without extreme temperatures or vigorous scrubbing. Professionals recommend wearing long gloves and avoiding inhaling the fumes. It’s evident that many customers are concerned about using these chemicals around their families, pets, or in an appliance used to cook food.

Hence, as you can see, everyone can choose the best cleaning method suitable for themselves and their family. However, we advise considering the aforementioned issues when making your choice!

Considering Alternatives to Self-Cleaning Ovens

If you’re in the market for a new oven and want to avoid the current self-cleaning options, it is necessary to remember that over the last few years, appliance companies such as Whirlpool and Bosch have improved oven functions and are ready to suggest safer “self-cleaning” technologies:

  • Eco Clean Direct Oven from Bosch includes a ceramic coating on the back wall of the oven (ceiling and side walls can be upgraded) to reduce spills from sticking.
  • AquaLift technology from Whirlpool uses a special coating that activates water and low-temperature heat to remove dirt and debris easily. It is safe, odourless, energy-efficient, and time-saving.
  • Auto-cleaning, also known as “pyrolytic cleaning,” operates by heating the oven’s interior up to 500ºC. During this process, grease is incinerated off the surfaces, and any spills or remnants of dried-on food are transformed into a pile of ash that can be easily swept away.

Prior to purchasing any household appliance, it is advisable to conduct thorough research, considering both the safety and potential consequences of damage. Take the time to watch and read technology descriptions and reviews, pose queries on local forums, or seek advice from local appliance repair experts.

Importance of Proper Oven Maintenance

While maintaining your oven is a personal choice, it’s crucial to remember that a significant percentage of service calls are linked to failures associated with the self-cleaning feature.

Always consult your owner’s manual for recommendations for using the clean mode on your appliance. Feel confident that Spark Service PRO will be their appliance installation in Toronto or help problems arise.

Do you have problems with your oven?

Our oven repair experts will properly diagnose and fix your oven or stove. Same-day repair service is available.

For same-day service near me, our local company, with its local technicians, serves the Greater Toronto Area and Simcoe County. If your oven is giving you trouble, we’ll be more than happy to help you. Please request range, stove, oven, or outdoor kitchen Toronto repair now at toll-free: 888-242-0777 

Oleg Chudnovski, CEO

Oleg Chudnovski is the owner of Fix Appliances CA. His company serves as an authorized repair centre for leading manufacturers in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Panasonic, Fisher and Paykel, LG, Samsung, and Dacor. Oleg leverages his daily experience to assist technicians and clients in addressing repairs of any complexity.

Date of page creation: July 15, 2021

Page update date: September 27, 2024

The self-cleaning feature subjects your oven to extremely high temperatures, which can potentially damage major components. Additionally, it may emit hazardous smoke, odors, and carbon monoxide during the cleaning process
Self-cleaning ovens can pose several safety risks, including the emission of hazardous fumes and the potential for fire hazards if flammable materials are not removed beforehand. It’s important to keep children and pets away during the cleaning cycle and ensure proper ventilation
Yes, there are safer alternatives to using the self-cleaning feature. Manual cleaning with non-toxic cleaners and regular maintenance can help keep your oven clean without the risks associated with the self-cleaning cycle

Ask a Question

4 comments on “Are Self-Cleaning Ovens Safe? 4 Reasons to Stop Using Self-Cleaning Oven

Hello Catherine Edwards,
As the water turns to steam, it fills the oven cavity. The steam helps to soften and loosen food particles, grease, and other residues that may have accumulated on the oven walls, racks, and other surfaces.

After using self cleaning and wiping away the white ash residue from my oven, I can still see the shape of anywhere there were major spots. I had removed anything that I could scrape off before using self cleaning. Now it is just like the surface isn’t the same all over. Is there any way to treat that?

Hello Lois Bradley,
It sounds like the self-cleaning process may have caused discoloration or unevenness in your oven’s surface. This can happen due to the intense heat and the way the self-cleaning cycle works.

Here are a few steps you can take to try to improve the appearance of your oven’s interior:

  1. Repeat the Self-Cleaning Cycle: Sometimes, running another self-cleaning cycle can help burn any remaining residue further and even out the discoloration. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your oven model.
  2. Scrubbing: If there are still spots remaining after the second self-cleaning cycle, you can try scrubbing the affected areas with a non-abrasive cleaner and a scrubbing pad or sponge. Be gentle to avoid damaging the oven’s surface.
  3. Baking Soda Paste: Combine baking soda and water to make a paste and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a while, then scrub gently and wipe clean. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help lift stubborn residues.
  4. Commercial Oven Cleaner: If the above methods don’t work, use a commercial oven cleaner specifically designed to remove tough stains and residues. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and make sure the area is well-ventilated when using these products.
  5. Contact Your Appliance Manufacturer: If none of the above methods work or if you’re concerned about the appearance of your oven, you can contact the manufacturer for further assistance or recommendations. They may have specific advice for your oven model.

It’s essential to be patient and careful when attempting to clean the interior of your oven, as harsh cleaning methods or abrasive materials can damage the surface. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and use appropriate safety precautions.

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