Avoid Utilizing Your Oven's Self-Cleaning Feature for These 3 Reasons
Who needs a chore-induced headache when cleaning the oven? Despite its undesirable reputation, a spotless oven is essential for health and safety reasons. Forget the allure of that self-cleaning button, because using your oven's self-cleaning function could turn out to be a costly mistake.
Rob Davis, the proprietor and lead technician of General Appliance Service in Boynton Beach, Florida, has encountered firsthand the consequences of misusing oven's self-clean. Approximately 20% of the repairs he performs are tied to issues caused by the self-cleaning function. Self-cleaning might seem like a quick fix, but it poses threats to your oven's longevity and safety. So, what are the reasons you should steer clear of your oven's self-cleaning feature?
Your Oven May Pay the Price
Your intentions might be noble, but that self-cleaning button isn't always your oven's friend. The high temperatures that come with self-cleaning can wear down oven components over time or cause issues shortly after running the cycle. No one wants to deal with a busted oven and hefty repair costs, which Davis puts at around $600. Parts such as the locking mechanism, thermostat, touch panel, and wires are common victims of the self-cleaning heat.
Harmful Emissions Can Escalate
Think you'll be safe indoors during the self-cleaning process? Remains of food and liquids, particularly sugary ones, can produce dangerous smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide when heated. Keep kids and pets at a safe distance, especially those with breathing conditions, to minimize exposure to these harmful emissions. It's not just uncomfortable – it can be hazardous to your health.
Fire and Burn Hazards
The self-cleaning process cranks up the heat to an astounding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat can scorch internal surfaces and leave the exterior surfaces uncomfortably hot to the touch, posing a danger to children and pets. If your oven does catch fire during the self-cleaning cycle, avoid opening the door and let the fire department handle it. Your oven isn't worth putting yourself or your family at risk.
Hopefully, this serves as a compelling reminder to avoid using your oven's self-cleaning function until safer, more effective methods have been developed. In the meantime, brace yourself for a good old fashioned scrub-down.
[1] https://www.consumerreports.org/oven/how-to-clean-an-oven/[2] https://www.appliancemanualsonline.com/self-cleaning-oven-cleaning-tips/[3] https://www.consumereducation.com/articles/self-cleaning-ovens-safer-alternatives/[4] https://www.cnet.com/news/thermador-recalls-sedona-and-symphony-series-ovens-over-fire-hazard/
- Rob Davis, from SouthernLiving's featured article in Boynton Beach, Florida, advises against relying on the self-cleaning button due to its potential harm to your oven's components.
- Inadvertently triggering the self-cleaning feature could lead to the oven's damage, making cleaning and housekeeping a costly affair, as acknowledged by Davis.
- Despite the convenience of pressing the self-cleaning button, the resulting high temperatures can lead to havoc, damaging parts like the locking mechanism, thermostat, touch panel, and wires.
- To avoid the consequences of oven damage and expensive repairs, Davis suggests opting for manual cleaning methods rather than relying on the self-cleaning button.
