It’s the middle of the holidays and you’re baking up a storm – cookies, cakes, pies. Your oven is working hard to keep up with your demand, and suddenly… it’s dirty. Not to worry – your self cleaning oven will take care of it! But wait… before you turn on that self cleaning mode, read this first. You might be surprised at the self cleaning oven dangers.
Self Cleaning Oven Dangers to Watch Out For
Since self cleaning is a feature built into the oven, it would be a no-brainer not to use it right? Let’s look at the self cleaning oven dangers and why it may not be a good idea.
Should You Use the Self Cleaning Feature?
Did you know that the self cleaning feature on your oven can reach temperatures upwards of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit? That’s hot enough to start a fire! If your oven is dirty, there is a chance that the dirt and debris will catch on fire. Even if your oven doesn’t catch on fire, the high heat can damage the wiring and internal parts, resulting in hundreds of ovens breaking down each year.
So should you use the self cleaning feature? The answer is – probably not. If your oven is only slightly dirty, and you want to risk it, you can probably get away with using the self cleaning feature here and there. But if it’s caked on with burnt on food, it’s best to avoid using self cleaning and clean it by hand.
How to Clean Your Oven Safely
The best way to clean your oven is the old-fashioned way – with elbow grease! That’s right, get out your scrub brush and start scrubbing! Our favorite method is an all-natural formula using just baking soda and water, let’s get into it now.

Cleaning Your Oven with Baking Soda
This all-natural oven cleaning method is easy and will leave your oven looking brand new inside once again!
You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Sponge
- Scrub brush
- Old toothbrush (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
Start by mixing together a paste of baking soda and water. You want it to be thick enough that it won’t run off the surface, but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread. Next, liberally apply the paste to the dirty surfaces of your oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen up the grime, then start scrubbing! Use a sponge or brush to clean off the paste, and an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots. Rinse with water and voila – your oven is clean!
If your oven is still not clean after following these instructions, try applying baking soda again, but this time spray vinegar over the top and let it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing. The combination of baking soda and vinegar is a powerful cleaning duo that can give you the extra edge against tough build-up!
There you have it – self cleaning oven dangers, and the best way to clean it safely. Be sure to avoid using the self cleaning feature, and opt for an all-natural method instead! Your oven will thank you. Happy baking! And if you’re having any issues like an oven not warming, or a range not starting, you can always call the oven repair team at Kerenza Appliance!