Self-cleaning ovens are a popular choice for busy homeowners. The self-cleaning feature is advertised as an easy way to clean your oven without any effort on your part. However, the self-cleaning feature can be dangerous and cause your oven to fail. Are you wondering, “Should I use self-cleaning ovens?”. In this blog post, we will discuss self-cleaning oven dangers and how to clean your oven safely.
Self-Cleaning Oven Dangers
The self-cleaning feature on ovens is a time-saving convenience that many homeowners appreciate. The self-cleaning cycle uses high temperatures to burn off food residue and spills, leaving the oven clean. However, the self-cleaning feature can be dangerous and cause your oven to fail. Is it safe to use self-clean oven features?
How the Self Clean Feature Works
The self-cleaning feature on ovens heats the oven to extremely high temperatures, typically between 800 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperatures cause any food residue or spills to burn off, leaving the oven clean. However, the self-cleaning cycle can also damage a variety of crucial parts within the oven, including the heating element itself, causing it to fail.
Why the Self-Cleaning Feature Is Dangerous
There are many reasons to avoid your self-cleaning oven feature. Self-cleaning oven dangers extend to the appliance itself, your home, and your loved ones.
The self-cleaning feature is dangerous because the high temperatures it requires can damage several of the oven’s components, causing it to fail or need a significant repair. The extremely high temperatures can also lead to an unexpected fire or explosion. In addition, the self-cleaning cycle can release toxic fumes into your home, and these fumes can be harmful to your health and cause respiratory problems.
If you must use the self-cleaning feature on your oven, there are some precautions you should take. First, don’t use the self-cleaning cycle before a big holiday or dinner party. The self-cleaning cycle can cause an unexpected oven failure and could require major repairs. Also, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated if you must use the self-cleaning feature. You should open a window or turn on the exhaust fan to help remove the toxic fumes from your home. If you must use the self-cleaning oven feature, use it sparingly. The high temperatures can damage your oven and shorten its lifespan. After using the self-cleaning feature, you’ll certainly want to call a professional oven repair technician if you discover an oven heating problem.
How to Clean Your Oven with a Natural Oven Cleaner
There are several ways to clean your oven without using the self-cleaning feature. One way is to use a natural oven cleaner. Making your own natural oven cleaner is quick and easy.
Grab a large bowl or container and add:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup white vinegar
Mix the baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the dirty areas of your oven. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes. Next, add the vinegar to a spray bottle and spritz the pasty areas of your oven. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and create a foaming action that will help to loosen any stubborn dirt and grime. Finally, wipe down your oven with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
Avoid self-cleaning oven dangers and give this DIY oven cleaner a try! Cleaning your oven with a natural cleaner is quick, easy, and safe. It’s also much less expensive than using the self-cleaning feature or hiring a professional to fix your oven after a self-cleaning disaster. So, next time your oven needs a good cleaning, ditch the self-clean cycle and try a natural oven cleaner instead!
Testing the Oven Temperature
An oven that runs at just the right temperature is important when cooking, especially for fragile recipes such as bread, cakes, custards, and pastries. The oven temperature should be accurate within 25 degrees of your desired temperature.
If you’re an avid cook, it is important to routinely measure your oven temperature and calibrate the unit if the measurements are off.
Use these simple steps to measure your oven temperature:
- Thermometer Test: For best results, purchase an oven thermometer to measure the accuracy of your oven. Start by placing the thermometer in the center of the oven, and situate it where you can see when the door is closed. Turn the oven to 375 degrees, and then wait for the oven to preheat fully. Once the oven is preheated, read the thermometer. Write the reading on a piece of paper. (Don’t open the door!)
- Keep Reading: Next, set your kitchen timer for 20 minutes and wait. When the timer goes off, take another reading. Repeat this step twice more so that you have four readings taken in 20-minute intervals.
- Do Some Math: Calculate the average temperature of the four readings [ (The sum of all 4 Readings) ÷ 3) ]. The result should be 350 – 400 degrees. If the temperature exceeds this range, contact a repair specialist to calibrate the oven.
If you find yourself needing more than just a great guide to safely cleaning your oven, give our oven repair experts a call at Appliance Repair Specialists. We offer professional repairs with fast, reliable service!
