How to Properly Self-Clean Your Oven
If food drippings and grease have made your oven a big mess, self-cleaning option on your oven can come in handy. It’s a convenient option that takes care of the cleaning for you, so you can focus on other things. If you’re a little wary about using the self-cleaning oven feature, look no further. Today, we’re going over how to use the self-cleaning function on your oven correctly and safely, making your oven maintenance a breeze.
How Does The Self-Cleaning Option Work?
The self-cleaning setting heats your oven to a high temperature, effectively burning off any residue from within your oven. While it may sound intense, it’s a process designed to make your life easier. Self-cleaning ovens work like incinerators, using extreme temperatures to convert baked-on soils into ash you can easily wipe away. Exact self-cleaning temperatures vary by manufacturer, but many are around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Check out your oven’s user manual before starting this process. Setting your oven to 800 degrees seems scary, but know this is a safe process! Manufacturers create ovens to withstand the high temperatures of self-cleaning. The burning food may give off an odor, and if your oven is heavily soiled with grease, you may even get a bit of smoke in your home. However, with proper ventilation, these are manageable. So, open some windows and run the exhaust fan in your kitchen for a worry-free self-cleaning experience.
How to Safely Self-Clean Your Oven
Because your oven reaches temperatures nearly twice as high as usual, it is important to use this feature safely. Never use cleaners while doing a self-clean cycle. The heat does all the work! These chemicals can harm your oven’s protective interior coating or cause adverse health reactions. Also, remove any racks and pans from inside the oven before starting the cycle. To learn how to clean you oven racks, check out this article! As with any appliance, staying at home while using it is wise. The process may take several hours, so make sure you have enough time to wait for the cycle to complete. Most importantly, inquire with your vet before using the self-cleaning option. Birds and other exotic pets may be highly sensitive to the odors of self-cleaning ovens, and it may not be safe to use.
Once the self-cleaning cycle is done, you can simply wipe the inside of your oven with a damp towel or sponge to remove the leftover debris!
Cleaning and decluttering your kitchen this spring may sound like a daunting task. With these simple tips, self-cleaning your oven becomes a safe and easy process. Don’t let the fear of high temperatures or odors deter you. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll have a sparkling clean oven in no time!
