Experts Caution Against Using Your Oven's Self-Cleaning Feature—Here’s Why

We’ve become so reliant on time-saving appliances in the kitchen, from microwaves and countertop ovens to dishwashers. However, there’s one seemingly helpful cleaning feature you might want to reconsider. The self-cleaning function on your oven may actually cause more harm than benefit. Read on to understand why experts discourage using it.

What is the Self-Cleaning Feature on an Oven?

Most ovens feature a self-cleaning option designed to simplify the process of removing stains and stuck-on food. To use it, remove the racks (unless they’re marked as self-cleaning racks—refer to your owner’s manual for details), wipe the oven and door with a damp cloth to clean up any spills, and then activate the self-cleaning cycle. The door will typically lock by itself, and depending on your oven model, the clean light may stay illuminated.

Typically, within an hour to an hour and a half, the self-cleaning process will be finished. (This timing may vary depending on your specific oven, so check your owner’s manual for accuracy.) Once the oven cools down, you might notice white ash residue left behind. A sponge or cloth soaked in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water can be used to wipe away the ash.

“The oven reaches very high temperatures, instantly reducing everything to ash,” explains Alessandro Gazzo at Emily's Maids. “This allows all the food remnants, grease, and other substances in the oven to ‘fuse,’ making it easy to wipe them away.”

Should You Use the Oven’s Self-Cleaning Feature?

The self-cleaning process appears straightforward, but all of our experts strongly recommend against using it (though one expert suggests limiting its use). Here’s why:

Fire Hazards

Cooking-related accidents and appliance failures rank as the leading causes of household fires, as noted by the National Fire Protection Association. Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, elaborates on how the self-cleaning function works by raising the oven's temperature to an extremely high level (around 900 degrees F), effectively burning off food residues and spills. “However, this intense heat can create a fire hazard, especially if food remnants or grease are still present in the oven,” she explains. The high temperatures can cause these residues to ignite.

Appliance Wear

While a fire is the worst possible outcome, the self-cleaning function could also result in appliance damage, forcing repairs or even a full replacement. “The extreme heat can harm internal components of the oven, including the thermostat or electronic controls. Over time, frequent use of this feature may cause the appliance to deteriorate faster,” says Mock.

Why, then, would ovens feature a self-cleaning function that may damage the appliance? Ramon Miguel, a Thumbtack pro and owner of Maintenance & Repairs, explains that the problem lies in the mechanism of the self-cleaning function. “When activated, the oven utilizes all its heating elements and resistance to reach temperatures that can turn residue into ash, which can then be easily wiped away. However, this extreme heat can also impact the insulation of cable terminals and their protective coverings,” says Miguel.

“Under typical usage, the oven’s internal insulation protects components from excessive heat,” says Miguel. However, during the self-cleaning cycle, this insulation might exceed its ability to manage or contain heat. “For example, a cable positioned near a metal part of the oven that normally stays cool may experience temperatures up to three times higher during the cleaning cycle,” explains Miguel. This can cause the protective covering to melt, potentially leading to serious electrical malfunctions.

“Manufacturers try to address this issue with separator harnesses and additional components, but occasionally, these problems persist and can damage essential parts of the oven, such as control boards or sensors,” says Miguel.

Given the potential for significant failure, it’s essential to prevent issues from escalating. Miguel recommends ensuring that your home’s electrical system is in peak condition. “If a problem occurs, the oven’s circuit breaker should automatically trip to cut off the power supply.” However, Miguel himself avoids using the self-cleaning feature due to the various risks involved, which can also decrease the oven's longevity.

Harmful Gases

Even if the self-cleaning function doesn’t result in a fire or damage your appliance, there’s still another reason to skip it. “The extreme heat can release fumes from leftover food particles, oils, and cleaning chemicals,” says Mock. This can lead to unpleasant odors at the very least, and harmful ones in the worst-case scenario. “People with respiratory conditions or allergies may be especially vulnerable to these fumes.”

Safe Oven Cleaning Alternatives

Instead of relying on the self-cleaning feature of your oven, there are safer methods to clean it without the risk of fire, appliance damage, or harming your health.

Regular Cleaning

Both Mock and Gazzo advise cleaning up spills and crumbs right away to prevent the build-up of tough residue.

“Remove parts like racks and trays, which are often easier to clean in the sink or dishwasher,” suggests Mock. Gazzo recommends soaking them in boiling water with a dishwasher tablet. “Let them soak for an hour, then use a metal scourer to scrub off the grease,” she advises.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

To clean the oven itself, Mock suggests using a blend of baking soda and vinegar to scrub away grease and grime.

Consider Commercial Cleaners

Mock affirms that commercial oven cleaners are highly effective. Gazzo concurs, though she acknowledges that these cleaners can be abrasive and toxic. However, she notes their efficiency. “You can also opt for a bio oven cleaner paste for the interior. Start by using a paint scraper to remove the largest carbon build-ups. Then, apply the cleaning paste and let it sit for at least an hour (or as directed) before scraping it off and using a metal scourer to remove any remaining residue,” she suggests.

Final Wipe with a Damp Cloth

No matter the method you choose, once you're finished, Gazzo advises wiping down the oven’s interior with a wet rag, then rinsing and repeating until it’s spotless. “After that, run the oven for 15 minutes at 200° to eliminate any lingering cleaner,” she adds. If there’s any remaining residue, wipe it up with a damp paper towel.