What to Know Before Using Your Stove Self Cleaner

One of the best features of modern stove appliances is the self-cleaning feature. This little wonder makes cleaning your oven a breeze. But remember that using this feature entails bringing your oven temperature to dangerously high levels. There are other things to know before using your stove self-cleaner, too. Here are some to keep in mind.

Use the Self-Cleaning Feature When There Are Spills

Spills can easily occur while using the oven. But if you allow these to sit without cleaning your oven, they can smoke and burn the next time you try to cook dinner. There’s no maximum number of times you should use the self-cleaning feature. Instead, determine when to use it by checking the bottom of the oven and interior walls for any spills or other debris. If you spot anything, it’s time to use the feature.

Avoid Self-Cleaning Before Big Dinners or Events

The best time to clean your oven is when you don’t need to use it for a long period of time. The self-cleaning feature locks the oven door during the process to protect you against the high heat. Depending on your stove model, you could be locked out for three hours or more, so plan accordingly.

Remove the Oven Racks Before You Clean

Oven racks are typically coated with a special finish that allows easy sliding of baking sheets and trays. But the intense temperatures inside the oven while it’s in self-cleaning mode can erode that finish. If you leave the oven racks in while you self-clean, you can end up damaging them, so it’s best to take them out.