How to run an oven self clean?

Author: Jamarcus Lueilwitz  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

To use the steam-cleaning cycle, pour water into the bottom of the cool oven -- the owner's manual will tell you exactly how much. Shut the door and press the "clean" button. The cycle should take less than an hour. Don't open the oven door during the cleaning process.

How do I operate my self-cleaning oven?

  1. Step 1: Remove Loose Items and Quickly Wipe Down the Inside. Remove any loose items to prevent damage: oven racks, the broiler pan, all cookware, foil and any plastic on the range cooktop. ...
  2. Step 2: Run the Self-Clean Cycle. ...
  3. Step 3: Wait for the Cycle to Complete and Oven to Cool. ...
  4. Step 4: Wipe Out the Oven Cavity.

Is it safe to run a self-cleaning oven?

It is generally safe. Reputable appliance companies go through significant testing to ensure that running a self clean cycle does not pose significant risk to health and safety.

Do you have to do anything to the oven after self-clean?

You'll still have to wipe up any residue, drippings, and other “goodies” that are left over after the self-cleaning finishes. When you start your self-cleaning oven, it is going to get hot. Very hot! The goal is to create enough insulated heat to turn any grease, fat, and anything else that's been leftover into ash.

Can I leave the racks in the oven when I self-clean?

While the convenience of leaving the racks in might be tempting, the self-clean cycle involves intense heat that can lead to unintended consequences. Leaving the racks in during this process can result in warping, discoloration, and even potential damage to the oven's internal components.

How to Perform a Self-Clean Cycle

Is it safe to turn oven on after cleaning?

Chemical cleaners attack tough-to-remove dirt, so wear rubber or nitrile gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in the fumes. If you're wondering if it's safe to cook in an oven after cleaning with it, it's best to leave the oven at a high heat for around 20 minutes before you use it.

Can I stop an oven self-clean early?

Turning a unit off during self-clean is discouraged. Damage can occur if self-clean does not complete. If canceled or interrupted, the door stays locked until the unit cools to a safe temperature level. The amount of time it takes for the oven to cool to a safe level varies.

Will self-cleaning oven clean the window?

“The self-cleaning mode heats your oven up to 900 degrees and incinerates everything in the oven,” explains San Angelo. “This includes on the glass—you may still need to wipe the glass after the self-cleaning cycle is done, but always make sure your oven is fully cooled.”

How long does it take for an oven to unlock after self-cleaning?

Door is locked during the Self-Clean cycle

The oven will need to cool to approximately 200°F (95°C) before the door will open. Allow the oven to cool, for approximately 30-90 minutes, move the latch arm to the left to unlock the door.

What to do if the oven catches fire during self-clean?

If your oven catches fire, the safety lock will make it impossible to open the oven until it completes its cleaning cycle. This means that the fire will be contained in the oven, and without oxygen, it will eventually burn out. Remember, do not try to put out an oven fire on your own.

Can I sleep while my oven is self-cleaning?

First and foremost, don't leave your oven unattended during self-cleaning. You should plan to be in your home for the entire duration of the cleaning cycle to keep an eye on it and make sure everything is operating as planned. The next most important rules for oven self-cleaning involve ventilation.

How often should you self-clean your oven?

How often should you self-clean your oven? For most, a thorough self-clean every four to six months is plenty to keep your oven sparkling, says Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab.

Do you spray anything in a self-cleaning oven?

A self-cleaning oven gets the cavity squeaky clean without a drop of chemical cleaner—and without much elbow grease. It achieves this feat by heating to temperatures north of 800° F to burn off baked-in spills and spots, leaving you with a thin layer of white ash that's easily wiped off with a sponge.

Are self-cleaning ovens worth it?

Opting for a self-cleaning oven may save you time and elbow grease, but it won't save you money. The pyrolitic cycles also need a typical 1-hour cool-down period. This can amount to a long time running the appliance which should be factored in when looking to buy as the energy costs can stack up.

Is it safe to be inside while oven is self-cleaning?

Additionally, users run a risk of inhaling harmful carbon monoxide during an oven's self clean cycle. . As we mentioned with the fumes, keeping some windows and doors open can help limit this risk. It's also a great idea to always have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home, just in case.

How do I get brown stains off my glass oven door?

You can remove brown stains and streaks from your glass oven door by applying a paste of baking soda and water directly to the stain and letting it sit for at least 20 minutes, then remove the paste with a wet microfiber cloth. If the stain remains, you can gently scrape it away with a plastic scraper.

Can you leave house while oven is self-cleaning?

Make sure your kitchen is properly ventilated by turning on the hood fan and opening the windows. Reduce smoke by wiping out loose debris. Wipe down the oven window before running the cycle. Stay home while the self-clean cycle is running.

Can I use my stove while the oven is self-cleaning?

On Gas Ranges, you cannot use the cooktop burners while Self-Cleaning. On Electric Ranges: Burners on models manufactured 2015 and after will operate during Self-Clean. However, we strongly recommend waiting until after the cycle is complete to cook on the cooktop.

Why does my oven smell when I turn it on?

When you first start the oven, it is normal to detect an unusual odor. This is caused by the combustion of gas at the burner and will go away within a minute or two. The odor of the unburned gas can be compared to the smell of rotten eggs.

Do I have to do anything after my self-cleaning oven is done?

When the cycle is finished, let the oven cool down. Then loosen dirt using a scrub brush or nylon scouring pad. Soak up any remaining water with a sponge or cloth and leave the door open to air-dry the oven. If you have a continuous cleaning oven, wipe up residue at least weekly.

What not to do when cleaning your oven?

Here are 10 crucial things to avoid when cleaning your oven:
  1. Using harsh chemicals. ...
  2. Scrubbing too hard. ...
  3. Ignoring the owner's manual. ...
  4. Not removing the racks. ...
  5. Not preheating the oven. ...
  6. Not giving enough time for the cleaner to work. ...
  7. Not wiping up spills immediately. ...
  8. Not maintaining it regularly.

Does elbow grease clean ovens?

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Why does self-clean break ovens?

During self-cleaning, the oven gets so hot that it can burn out several parts, and Davis says that pieces like the locking mechanism, thermostat, touch panel, and wires are especially at risk. These damages then require repairs that are tedious and can be very costly—up to around $600, according to Davis.

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