How to Use the Self-Cleaning Oven Function Correctly

The self-cleaning function of an oven offers convenience but has some drawbacks.

Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag . And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. Her work has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times and Town & Country. A graduate of Barnard College, Jolie lives in a tiny Manhattan apartment with her five vacuum cleaners.

Self-cleaning ovens, introduced by General Electric in 1963, are standard in most American kitchens. The self-cleaning function of the oven uses high heat or, in newer models, steam to clean the interior of the oven without requiring messy, labor-intensive scrubbing, saving homeowners time and elbow grease.

While convenient, the oven's self-cleaning function has drawbacks. Homeowners must take precautions to avoid possible damage to the oven components, unpleasant fumes, and the possibility of a fire hazard.

This guide explains the self-cleaning option of an oven and how it works. It also provides guidance on how to use it safely and information about the drawbacks of this popular household appliance feature.

What Is the Self-Cleaning Option of an Oven?

The self-cleaning function of an oven works by using heat or steam to loosen spills and buildup from the oven's interior. Most ovens have a self-cleaning feature; consult the owner's manual to determine which type of self-cleaning your model has.

Both types of self-cleaning—steam and heat—do the majority of the dirty work of cleaning an oven for you, but they operate differently. Heat cleaning, also known as pyrolytic cleaning, aka the "clean it with fire" method, uses high heat—typically in the range of 800ºF to 875ºF and reaching up to 1,000ºF on some models—to burn buildup and residue from the interior of the oven, turning it to ash. After the self-cleaning cycle is complete and the oven has cooled completely, the ash can be manually wiped from the oven floor.

Steam cleaning uses heat plus water to create steam that cleans the residue and buildup from cooking, loosening them so they can be manually wiped away. Self-cleaning mechanisms that employ steam work at lower temperatures than pyrolytic cleaning and don’t produce a burning smell. However, they are less effective and require more manual cleaning post-cycle than pyrolytic self-cleaning.

How to Use the Self-Cleaning Option of an Oven

Before using the oven's self-cleaning option, consult the owner's manual for guidelines and safety instructions. Typically, these are the steps to follow when using the self-cleaning feature:

1. Preparation and Safety Precautions

Before using the self-cleaning feature, remove any large pieces of debris and wipe large spills from the oven's interior. Take the racks out of the oven, and ensure there is nothing on top of the oven or blocking the oven's vents. Open the windows or turn on the hood vent or both. If birds are present in the home, move them to an area out of the range of any fumes.

2. Run Cycle

Press the self-cleaning function button and allow the cycle to run. Most self-cleaning cycles automatically lock the door, but it is a good idea to check that it has locked when the cycle begins.

3. Wipe Oven Interior

Allow the oven to cool completely, then wipe the interior with a damp microfiber cloth to remove ash and other residue from the self-cleaning cycle.

Precautions to Take Before Using the Self-Cleaning Option of an Oven

Be aware of several things before using the self-cleaning option on an oven to avoid damage and optimize the performance of the self-cleaning cycle.

• Remove the oven racks before using the self-cleaning function, as the high heat can dull the finish.
• Don't leave anything on top of the oven while using a pyrolytic self-cleaning cycle.
• Make sure the oven vents aren't blocked in any way while the self-cleaning cycle is on.
• Pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens produce fumes that can be toxic to birds; move pet birds to another place in the home to protect them.
• Do not use any household cleaning agents, including oven cleaner, in concert with an oven's self-cleaning function.
• The high heat of pyrolytic self-cleaning poses a fire risk. Do not leave the home unattended while the self-cleaning cycle is in use.
• Avoid using the self-cleaning function before preparing a big or important meal. The self-cleaning function can cause damage to the oven's components, requiring repair and leaving the oven out of commission.

How Frequently to Use the Self-Cleaning Option

The frequency with which to use the self-cleaning option on an oven depends on how and how often the oven is used. Prolific cooks may opt to clean the oven monthly using the self-cleaning option, while others find that cleaning the oven every 3 to 6 months is sufficient.

In between using the self-cleaning function, spot cleaning can help keep spills and splatters from omitting a burning smell when the oven is in use. Baking soda and water work well for routine oven cleaning, as can commercial oven cleaners, which quickly remove spills or splatters.