How to Use Self-Clean on an Oven

A self-cleaning oven can save you time and labor. The self-clean cycle is simple to use—all it takes is a small amount of prep time, some patience, and a quick final wipe-down.

The self-cleaning function is safe to use, but you should expect to smell a burning scent and possibly see small amounts of smoke coming from the oven, which is a normal part of the process.

How Does Self-Clean On an Oven Work?

Self-cleaning cycles on ovens work by using extremely high heat (around 880 degrees Fahrenheit) to decompose food residue and oils. The soil is reduced to ash that you remove when the cycle is complete. The oven is locked during the cleaning, which lasts from two to five hours, depending on the soil level and model of the oven.

Learn how to use a self-cleaning oven with confidence using our easy steps below.

How Often to Use the Self-Clean Oven Cycle

Run the self-clean cycle a maximum of every six months, which is the general recommendation. How often you need to use it depends on the frequency of oven use and your cooking and cleaning habits.

Dos and Don’ts of Self-Cleaning Ovens

What to Do

• Do consult your oven’s care guide
• Do ventilate the kitchen—open windows and turn on the vent fan
• Do remove large debris before starting
• Do clean the oven window first (the cycle does not clean the window)
• Do mop up excessive pools of grease, oil, or spills from the oven before using the cycle
• Do stay home and attend to the oven while it is in self-cleaning mode

What Not to Do

• Don’t block oven air vents
• Don’t use the oven for at least 1 to 3 hours after
• Don’t stop the cycle once it starts
• Don’t attempt to open the door
• Don’t use any type of commercial oven cleaner at the same time as the self-clean cycle
• Don’t leave bakeware, oven liners, or utensils in the oven during self-cleaning

WARNING

Keeping pets and kids out of the room while running a self-cleaning cycle. Some people and pets (especially birds) are extremely sensitive to the fumes released during a self-clean cycle.¹ The self-cleaning cycle produces VOCs, which can also cause issues for people with sensitivities, allergies, and respiratory problems including COPD.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Microfiber cloths
• Scrubbing sponge
• Large sink

Materials

• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions

How to Use a Self-Cleaning Oven

1. Clear the OvenRemove everything from the oven, like racks, as well as anything located above the stove, since the self-cleaning cycle exhausts through a vent on the stovetop. This can include spice jars, trivets, towels, or oven mitts.Remove anything hanging from the oven doors, such as towels and mitts, as well.
2. Clean the Door Seal and GlassClean the door frame’s inside edge and gasket to remove crumbs and soil that might prevent a good seal. Dip a lint-free microfiber cloth in warm water and wring until just damp and wipe around. Take care not to move or bend the gasket around the door.Clean the door’s glass with a natural cleaner like diluted white vinegar before running the cycle to prevent stains.
3. Increase Ventilation in the KitchenTurn on the range hood to increase ventilation and remove excess heat and fumes in the kitchen. Open windows and turn on overhead fans, if possible.
4. Lock the Door and Run the CycleSelect the self-clean cycle on the control panel and let it run. Most oven doors will lock automatically when you select the self-clean cycle. If it does not, lock it manually.Let the cycle run. Depending on your oven, the average self-cleaning cycle lasts from two to five hours. The longer time gives the oven more time to cool down after the main cleaning has finished.Wait about one to three hours after the cycle is complete to open or use the oven after the cycle is complete if you prefer a cooler oven.
5. Clean Away the ResidueWhen the cycle is complete, or you feel most comfortable, open the door and use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the ashy residue that remains on the sides and bottom of the oven. The oven door will not unlock until the interior temperature has dropped to a safe level.
6. Reassemble the OvenClean oven racks that have been removed from the oven by washing them in hot, soapy water with a scrubbing sponge.Rinse, dry, and replace the racks. Your oven is ready to use!
7. Clean the Oven ExteriorClean the exterior of the door and the control panel after the oven is clean inside. Depending on the type of surface you have, most exteriors can be cleaned with a microfiber towel dipped in hot, soapy water.Wipe down the surfaces and then dry with a fresh towel.

Tips for Using a Self-Cleaning Oven

• Wipe up spills as soon as the oven is cool enough to clean safely.
• Check your operating manual for instructions on how to clean the oven racks. Most should be removed during the self-clean cycle. If left in, the extreme heat can damage a rack’s finish.
• Run the self-clean cycle before soil levels are heavy. It is nearly impossible for the self-cleaning feature to remove thick layers of burnt-on food in one process.

FAQ

• What will happen if I turn off a self-cleaning oven early?It is not recommended at all to turn off a self-cleaning cycle early. The heat will be intense inside the oven and the cavity will only be partially cleaned, leaving a bit of a mess. Even if you cancel a cycle early, the oven may not unlock the door until the interior temperature is down to a safe level.
• How long should I wait until I use the oven after self-cleaning?Wait between one and three hours after the cycle completes itself before using the oven to cook. That way, the oven will be much cooler.
• Why is there white residue in my oven after self-cleaning?The white residue is the result of food, grease, and salts that were burnt off the surfaces during the self-clean cycle. The white residue can usually be wiped away. Some white spots are salt spots that may be permanent.