Buzz
Before you can enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of turkey, the kitchen often smells like cleaning products. Sure, you tidy up daily, but when hosting guests, you want everything to shine. That means taking care of neglected tasks like cleaning the dishwasher filter or scrubbing the microwave. Go ahead, vacuum the fridge coils and wipe down the fridge—we get it! But the one thing you absolutely shouldn’t touch? Your oven! Or at least, avoid using the self-cleaning function on it.
It may seem odd, but we spoke with Matt Schmitz, managing editor at HomeServe, to find out why it's actually better to take it easy when it comes to this particular step in the pre-Thanksgiving cleaning routine.
How Does Your Oven's Self-Cleaning Feature Work?
A self-cleaning oven operates by reaching high temperatures (around 800 degrees Fahrenheit) to burn away food particles and grease. It essentially turns the stuck-on food into ash, which you can wipe away with a damp cloth once the oven cools down. This process typically takes between one to six hours, depending on the model. Many people use this feature as a quick solution to remove baked-on food, and most ovens made since the 1960s come with a self-cleaning feature that works without any issues.
What Are the Risks of Using the Self-Cleaning Function?
Over the years, there have been a few alarming reports of blown fuses, overheating control panels, or even house fires caused by the self-cleaning feature on ovens. "I think it’s safe to say that these incidents are due to rare and unlikely malfunctions, and many people would prefer to avoid the perceived risk," says Schmitz. "However, the thing about 'irrational' fears is that they're often based in reality, even if just a little. The oven does get extremely hot, and the stovetop can also become dangerously hot to the touch." While manufacturers deem the feature safe, there are still a couple of reasons you might want to hold off on using it during Thanksgiving week.
It Could Damage an Older Oven
While it's not likely that using the self-cleaning feature will completely destroy your oven, it’s a risk you don’t want to take right before a major cooking day. "It’s not particularly likely that a manufacturer-approved feature will ruin your oven, but it does put extra strain on its more fragile components," says Schmitz. The extreme heat can stress out delicate electrical parts, and Schmitz recommends considering your oven's age. "Ovens typically last 13 to 15 years, so if yours is older and you're trying to get more life out of it, you might want to stick to cleaning the oven by hand,” he suggests.
You Could Fill Your Home with Smoke
Self-cleaning ovens heat up to pizza-oven levels, so it's natural for them to produce some odors as they burn off debris. If you decide to use this feature, make sure to open a window and turn on the exhaust fan to reduce the smoke. It's also important not to use any chemical cleaners, as they can release toxic fumes and damage the oven's lining. The dirtier your oven is, the stronger the smell will be. "As long as you ventilate, the fumes should dissipate within a day, though tolerance levels vary," Schmitz advises. So, for peace of mind, it's best to use the feature at least a week before you host guests.
