Failure to carefully follow the instructions when using the oven's self-cleaning function may result in damage to the oven, exposure to smoke and gas, or a fire.
Many modern ovens have a self-cleaning function that is intended to simplify the cleaning process.
The self-cleaning function creates high temperatures to burn food, oils or other residues in the oven and turn them into ash, making cleaning easier.
Viral posts and online comments claim that the self-cleaning feature of ovens can be dangerous and lead to oven damage and fires.
VERIFY reader Ian asked if these claims were true.
THE QUESTION
Are there safety concerns when using an oven's self-cleaning feature?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, there are safety concerns when using an oven's self-cleaning feature. The self-cleaning function can be used, but certain instructions must be followed carefully to minimize risks.
WHAT WE FOUND
Experts say people can use the oven's self-cleaning feature, but there are potential risks if instructions are not followed properly or used excessively. This function produces high temperatures and may emit fumes, so it should not be used regularly.
Several sources, including popular oven manufacturers, provide safety tips that users should follow.
When using self-cleaning mode, it is important to keep the kitchen well ventilated. When the furnace is heated to high temperatures to burn waste, smoke and fumes may be produced.
"Depending on what was poured into the oven cavity, carbon monoxide could even be produced," says James Copeland, director of technical services at Prism Specialties .
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can kill people and animals if they inhale enough of it . According to Penn Medicine, it is typically caused by "the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous material," which can include oils.
Copeland recommends opening the windows in your home to provide ventilation and to ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
Pets and children should not be near a self-cleaning oven while it is in use. Smoke and fumes can cause irritation and the hot surface poses a risk of burns.
There is also a risk of fire if there are large amounts of oils and fats in the oven. To prevent further fire or smoke, Copeland recommends cleaning the oven after each use.
The CPSC says that in addition to storing food waste, all pots, plastic utensils and paper towels should also be removed from the area to avoid the risk of a fire.
If your oven is on fire, do not try to open it. Oxygen exposure will make the situation worse, Copeland says.
Even if you use the self-cleaning function, you should never leave the oven unattended. "It's important to be able to monitor the oven and make sure everything is working properly," says PC Richard & Son. Once the self-cleaning cycle is complete, you should not attempt to touch the oven until it has completely cooled, the company adds .
If you want to stop the self-cleaning feature during the cycle, CSPC states: "You may stop the self-cleaning feature at any time during the cycle if necessary; consult the manufacturer's instructions."
Because of the oven's heat, you should never leave racks in the oven while self-cleaning, Samsung and Maytag say. Self-cleaning ovens can reach temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Whirlpool.
"Leaving the racks in place during this process may cause deformation, discoloration, and even damage to the oven's internal components," explains Samsung.
To clean the oven racks separately, you should soak them in a tub of warm water and dish soap for a few hours. Then use a soft brush to remove any further residue, says Samsung.
In general, no loose objects should be left in the oven while the self-cleaning function is running. You should "remove all loose items to avoid damage: oven racks, roasting pans, all cookware, aluminum foil, and any plastic on the stove," says Maytag.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which investigates potential hazards of products, told VERIFY that reports of damage from self-cleaning ovens are not common. "Overall, employees have received relatively few complaints about self-cleaning ovens," the representative said.
Whirlpool explains that the self-cleaning feature is designed for more intensive cleaning. The best time to perform the function is "before too much dirt builds up to avoid excessive smoke and fumes when cleaning the oven."
PC Richard & Son recommends using the self-cleaning feature "once every six months," but adds that "it's not a bad idea to space it out more widely."
Copeland recommends limiting use of self-cleaning mode to once a year. Excessive heat could cause the components to disintegrate.
"All electronic components have tolerances," and components "start to reach their tolerances, shortening the life of those components," Copeland says.
If you have a self-cleaning oven but want to clean it yourself, you can do so with soap and water, says Whirlpool.
You shouldn't use commercial oven cleaners to clean a self-cleaning oven, say Maytag and GE. Commercial oven cleaners can "cause markings and discoloration of the coating," which can cause the self-cleaning feature to malfunction, GE says.
According to Copeland, these cleaners can also increase the chemical fumes that the self-cleaner emits.
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