How do I clean a self-clean oven?

Question

I have had my oven for 6 years, but I have never cleaned it. And the instruction manual is not clear on this subject. Do I need to do any precleaning? Or do I just lock it and turn it to clean? How long do I leave it on? Do I need to leave the house?

Answer 1

If you can wipe anything off the bottom of the oven without scrubbing too much, I would do that. On my oven, I have to have the top and sides clean first, because the oven gets so hot it will bake anything on and leave a permanent stain.

Mine locks automatically when I put it on the self clean cycle, but if yours doesn't, yes, you need to lock it. Put it on the cleaning cycle and let it run through the cycle. Be prepared, your kitchen will get very hot and may get very stinky. Choose a day when you can have some windows open. I wouldn't leave the house, just because you never know. I don't leave when I have appliances running, in case of fire (except for the fridge, of course). When the cycle is over, let the oven cool. You'll probably have ash in the bottom of the oven. Just wipe it out with a damp rag. Hope this helps Good luck!

Answer 2

AWESOME! just lock and set.  You can stay home, it wont do anything except turn on really hot and cook the junk out :)

Answer 3

Check this link

http://www.gomestic.com/Cooking/10-Cooki...

Answer 4

i don't believe in self cleaning ovens because all they do is char the heck out of whatever is in there. Get some EASY OFF OVEN CLEANER that is safe for self cleaning ovens. I see commercials for easy off that says the lady has a self cleaning oven but she doesn't want to go thru the hassle of the long cleaning process. IT WILL NOT HURT YOUR OVEN.

Answer 5

Go to the manufacturers web site or call the customer service number.  Don't use oven cleaner!!!  Be sure to TAKE OUT THE RACKS before you set the self clean cycle!!  Leaving them in will ruin them and they won't slide in and out easily and they will change color.  Lock the oven, set it for clean and start.  After six years...be prepared for some smoke and smell!!  GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 6

Cleaning by cremation!  

Self-cleaning ovens use high heat to, basically, cook everything to smithereens.  They aren't designed to clean six years worth of frequent use.  I'm not sure how comfortable I would feel just letting it burn off.  Depends on how often it's been used.  Only you know that.

To start, you could use water and baking soda to make a paste, let it sit a while and use a damp cloth or rubber spatula to remove, getting it all out.  Try to get the oven to a place that doesn't look like it will pose a danger at extreme temperatures.  (Does the oven smoke when you bake now?)

If you decide to try it, you must remove the racks before using this setting.  The heat can warp the metal.  Wash the racks by hand in warm soapy water and a scrubby brush and replace them after the oven is done cleaning.

It differs by model how long it will take.  After six years, I wouldn't leave the house in case there's excessive smoke caused by missed/hidden pieces.

I think chemicals are good for some things but find oven cleaners overly harsh, and could leave a reside if not rinsed well.  

See how clean you can get it by hand before using the self-clean setting.  Otherwise, go the manufacturer's website and speak to a live person.

Answer 7

6 years, with out cleaning?...man thats gotta be one dirty oven.

Well all you need to do is clear off any loose material that may have collected on the side, top, or  bottom. some minor scrubbing may be needed. Then flip ot to "cleaning mode" and wait. You shouldn't leave in theres a fire, and open up all near by windows. Since it may get a little hot and smelly. Especially if the thing hasn't been cleaned in 6 years.