It's safe to say cleaning the oven probably isn't your favorite chore. After all, who wants to spend an hour elbow-deep in grease and baked-on gunk? Luckily, many ovens have a self-cleaning setting. Using it isn't always intuitive, so we tapped experts to explain everything you need to know about the self-cleaning setting on your oven.
Pros from the Kitchen & Cooking Lab spend plenty of time analyzing different ovens to see how well the features (like the self-cleaning setting) work. Most ovens use either high-heat cleaning, which turns the debris to ash, or steam cleaning, which uses moisture to loosen gunk from the surface.
One thing experts say you should keep in mind is the length of your oven's self-cleaning cycle. You definitely shouldn't run it when you're away from home, but cycles can take up to six hours, so plan ahead.
Below, experts explain how the self-cleaning setting works, safety tips for cleaning the oven, how often you should use the self-cleaning feature, and how to maintain your oven between self-cleaning cycles. If you're on a roll and want to clean the rest of your kitchen appliances, read up on how to clean a microwave, dishwasher, and all the stainless steel items in your home.
How does the self-cleaning oven feature work?
For a bit of background, Thermador introduced the self-clean feature in 1963, as a way to make oven cleaning for both gas ranges and electric ranges effortless. These days, most ovens include this special feature—they’re not solely available on high-end models.
The self-cleaning feature will be useful, whether you splattered chicken grease all over your oven or dripped pie filling on the bottom. "An oven's self-cleaning cycle definitely takes the work out of removing the spills and splatters that bake on and build up over time," says Carolyn Forté, the former executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab.
What’s the best type of self-cleaning oven?
Keep in mind that there are self-cleaning ovens that clean with steam, along with models that clean with high heat, or “pyrolytic” cleaning. While their cleaning method varies, you can still expect to save time on major scrubbing to get your oven looking like new again.
- With high-heat cleaning, the oven cranks to extremely high temperatures (usually between 800º to 875ºF) to burn off residue and turn it to ash. Most consumers find that high heat performs better with less elbow grease.
- Steam cleaning works with heat and water to loosen soils, but a manual clean will still be needed afterwards—especially for heavy soils. Steam offers the advantage of no burn off, lower temperatures, and no odors.
How often should you self-clean your oven?
Aim to give your oven a thorough cleaning every four to six months, says Forté. However, this depends on your cooking habits and how well you handle manual cleanings. “If you wipe spills promptly and spot clean areas like the bottom, the racks, and the door regularly, deep cleaning two to three times per year is probably adequate,” says Forté. Consider doing it more frequently if you use your oven often and are not especially prompt with upkeep.”
How long does self-cleaning take?
Since every oven is different, it's best to check your user manual for best practices and specifics on the self-cleaning feature. Some models can take anywhere from three to six hours. Plus, there are ovens that won't allow you to pause the appliance when the cleaning cycle has begun, so you'll need to plan your schedule accordingly.
Should you self-clean your oven only when home?
If the self-cleaning feature is running, keep kids and pets away from the oven, as the oven door can get extremely hot. The fumes self-cleaning ovens produce can also be harmful to birds.
That said, odors are common, particularly with ovens that clean using heat. For this reason, many consumers opt to ventilate (opening windows or running the hood) concurrently. And, if the smell is overpowering, you can always go into another room while the oven works its magic.
“One thing you never want to do is self-clean your oven when you aren't home! And keep in mind that the dirtier the oven is, the more fumes the cycle can emit, so that's also a good reason to clean it regularly,” says Forté.
How to use your oven's self-clean feature
No matter which method your oven’s self-clean feature works on, here are steps to follow:
- Prep the oven: Prior to using the self-cleaning feature, make sure the surface of the oven is free from any major spills. And, unless they are documented as self-cleanable, remove the racks to prevent discoloration and potential warping.
- Check the door: Though some models will lock automatically before the cleaning cycle begins, double check, and lock the door if need be. There are some ovens that will also keep the door locked for an extra hour after the cleaning cycle is complete, so keep this in mind if you're planning to use the appliance that day.
- Turn on the vent: Your home should be well-ventilated when the self-cleaning feature is in use. A ventilation fan or hood can help remove heat and odors from your space during the cleaning cycle. "Opening the windows, even in other rooms, helps bring in fresh air and promote cross ventilation," says Forté.
- Let it run: Press the button, and let your oven do all the work.
- Wipe it down: When the oven is completely cool, wipe it down with a damp towel to clean up any lingering residue.
Note: Never use any household cleaners along with the self-cleaning feature. You should also check with the oven manufacturer before using any oven cleaner spray, as they’re usually not recommended. They can damage oven finishes and even void the warranty.
How to maintain a clean oven between self-cleanings
Though self-cleaning is undoubtedly convenient, use it with caution. In order to keep your oven in good, working condition, your best bet is to give it a little TLC in between more major cleaning sessions. If you really want to stay on top of things, wipe it down once a month or when it begins to look dirty, says Forté. Here’s how:
- Wipe up spills immediately: Use a damp sponge or brush to nab loose bits of food. To avoid burns and inadvertently shattering any untempered glass, always wait until the oven is completely cool to wipe down glass, walls, and racks.
- Clean racks: Remove the racks from your oven for more effective and comfortable cleaning. Then, wash each rack one at a time in warm, sudsy water or a quality oven cleaner. Be prepared to use a scrub pad for any burned-on bits. Rinse, let dry, and slide back into place.
- Clean the door: Clean the outside of your oven with warm suds or an all-purpose cleaner (or vinegar, which works for the glass). The inside will require more scrubbing, though. Use a scrub sponge or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with a grease grease-cutting multi-purpose cleaner to keep your appliance in good shape.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
