Asked on May 19, 2013

I've had my stove (Maytag) about two years and have never cleaned the

Louise
by Louise
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oven. Until recently, it didn't need it. Now it does. I've never had a self-cleaning oven until this one and after quickly reading the instructions, I'm hesitant to turn it up to 500 degrees for so long. Is it better to do that or to clean the oven with an oven cleaner? Oven cleaning has never been a favorite thing of mine. Which works better? Self-cleaning or DIY? And if DIY, what's the easiest way to do it? In the past, I've always bought something like Easy-Off, but would rather go a more natural way, if possible.

i ve had my stove maytag about two years and have never cleaned the
  79 answers
  • Shari Shari on May 19, 2013
    I find that I don't have to run my self-cleaning oven for the full amount of time it's programed to run. In fact, I don't think I have ever let it run the full 4 hours--or whatever length of time a complete cleaning cycle is. Usually after a couple hours the gunk in the bottom of my oven has turned to ash (which is what it's suppose to do so it can be wiped up) so I usually manually turn it off early. I can't see the purpose in heating up the house and using all that extra electricity if you don't have to! Depending on how thick the spills are in the bottom of your oven are (it doesn't really look that bad), you might be able to do a shorter self-clean cycle too. Just hang around so you can check it often for signs that it is "done" before the end of a full cycle.
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
      @Shari exactly my thought ..I shared way down on the bottom, Nov 25 14..ha just reading this now .i don't do full time either...and why do dish washers take sooo darn long to do what we could do in 15 minutes? some take 3 hours? now washing machines, yes ok. but some of these time savers are so annoying.
  • Kim Hurles Pickard Kim Hurles Pickard on May 19, 2013
    Oven cleaner is pretty harsh, almost impossible not to breath some in. I doubt it would kill you but I would rather use my self-cleaning oven, now that I learned how to use it. With mine I can do it for as little as 3 hours if I don't think it needs 5. Read your manual or search for the manual online if you don't have yours anymore. I loved how it burnt everything up. Just wipe it out (or vacuum the ashes) when it is done. Does get your kitchen kind of warm, so do it in the winter or when you can open a window.
  • Patti Nicholas Patti Nicholas on May 19, 2013
    I only use the self-cleaning in the winter when I won't mind the extra heat, but I do use it at least once a year. for smaller clean-ups I put a bowl of ammonia in the oven at night and leave it sit at least over-night. The next morning (or afternoon if I'm lazy) just remove the bowl and wipe out the oven. The fumes actually loosen up all the gunk and you can just wipe it off. For really tough spots on the oven glass, use a paste of baking soda and water, wipe it on, leave it sit for a bit, take a slightly damp sponge, and wipe it off, add a bit of salt for really baked on spots, to get rid of the last of the baking soda, spray white vinegar on it, watch it foam and bubble (remember that elementary school volcano), then wipe off with a clean towel. Polish the outside of the glass and any stainless with hydrogen peroxide, spray it on and wipe off with a dry cotton towel.
  • Kayren Johnson Kayren Johnson on May 19, 2013
    Not sure which is better, but if you have or do clean it with oven cleaner, be positive it is all out before ever running the self cleaner. I learned this when some co workers tried the cleaner & it didnt get it all off so they ran the self cleaner...the fumes were so bad we had to leave the home for about 4 hrs!
  • Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on May 19, 2013
    If you read the manufacturer's directions on cleaning they tell you never to use oven cleaner. Once you do, the finish will be messed up and the auto self clean will no longer work as it should. There should be no concern to use the ovens auto clean cycle. It is designed to do that and its safe. Just be sure however to keep things you do not want to get hot away from the vent area located normally along the back edge of the oven along the area of the top burners. Also check to see if its ok to leave the oven grates in. Some auto clean tell you to remove others say its ok to leave them in.
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
      @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com thank you ...I thought this was a given but it seems so many on here need to read their manuals..and considering this post is over a year old...where have I been? my racks are discolored, but I don't care, I just don't want to lean over in such a bad position to get to the bottom of the back of the oven...a back killer. So auto oven it is, but not for the full time. don't need it. ha reading this post a year later @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com...well I guess you cant read EVERYTHING on HT!
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 20, 2013
    I LOVE my self cleaning oven and will never use cleaner again! I only have to clean my oven about once a year. I am careful not to fill dishes/pans too full and use cookie sheets to catch over flow as well as a lot of foil on the shelf beneath something I am cooking. Hubby saw a protective sheet of some sort in one of those gadget books and bought a couple. They are FANTASTIC! Cut to size, lay it in the bottom of the oven and it catches the crumbs spills in the bottom...pull it out, shake it off and put it right back in. Saves a lot of cleaning! Any spill like you see in this photo can be wiped off with a damp rag from the protective sheet.
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
      @Jeanette S hmmm I don't know what they are....but I trust you! ha
  • Kayren Johnson Kayren Johnson on May 20, 2013
    Jeanette S : Do you recall where he got the protector from??
  • Louise Louise on May 20, 2013
    I'd like to know where to get one, too.
  • House Of Hawthornes House Of Hawthornes on May 20, 2013
    @Louise & @Kayren Johnson I've seen them at Bed Bath and Beyond. I would bet Walmart has them too.
  • Kayren Johnson Kayren Johnson on May 20, 2013
    Thanks House of Hawthornes, will look for them today!! :)
  • Joyce Stein Joyce Stein on May 20, 2013
    From sad experience don't use oven cleaner. It ate up the lining on my self cleaning oven and left pits.
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
      @Joyce Stein yes, I am sure that is why the manuals say..no...so now I suppose you do have to manually clean your oven? yikes!
  • Colleen Novosel Colleen Novosel on May 20, 2013
    I agree with Shari, you can probably get away with just a couple of hours, I always reduce the time when it starts.....
  • Linda Linda on May 20, 2013
    Louise, I just cleaned my (self cleaning) & ( never used) a couple of weeks ago. OMG, why didn't I do this sooner! So easy and NO smells and natural! I took the shelves out and sprinkled baking soda all over the inside, bottom sides and back, Then I put white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray all over the baking soda, shut the door. Washed the shelves the same way. 14 minutes later wiped out the oven, SO EASY!!! Some spots my need another shot and in my case even a third. I will never use chemicals again. Easy Cheep and it Works! If you have a glass door that's YUCK, use a "star" screwdriver tip. Loosen the two top screws. It will then come apart. do the same thing, sprinkle the baking soda and spritz with vinegar. The really tough spots I used a (new blade) to scrape the yuck. Once done, screw back together. NOTE-the two screws will not come out complete. It really is so easy!
  • Chris Chris on May 20, 2013
    Do NOT use oven cleaner on a self-cleaning oven. I wait until winter to run the self cleaning process; might as well use that extra heat when needed. Until then, using a plastic putty knife, remove as much of the spill as possible and continue using your oven.
  • Louise Louise on May 20, 2013
    Linda, when did you sprinkle with baking soda and vinegar? Before or after the oven self-cleaned? And with the door (mine is also "yuck" between the layers), does 14 minutes of the baking soda and vinegar sitting loosen it enough for thorough cleaning?
  • Saundra K Saundra K on May 20, 2013
    Just use the self cleaning feature; it is made to withstand the heating process. Works beautifully. I also have a Maytag oven and love it~ Ten years old and perfect! I'd advise being able to open the windows for ventilation when using the self cleaning feature. Then wipe down with white vinegar and paper toweling! voila!
  • Judi Judi on May 20, 2013
    I have had two ovens with cleaning capacity......Just follow directions, however, you should stay close by while it is cleaning, like don't leave the house. Afterwards usually a wipe out takes care of anything it has burned to crisp.
  • Teri Herzog Teri Herzog on May 21, 2013
    I have self cleaning one I have used self cleaning once.Never again everything was so hot the smoke detector went off, the kitchen was very hot. I was told later how it shoots up electric bill besides your blood pressure. Use vinegar, baking soda. Good luck.
  • Linda Linda on May 21, 2013
    I never used the "self cleaning" it's to hot and used so much electricity. I Sprinkle the baking soda on first, then spritz on the vinegar, then shut the door for about 10-15 mins. I put the vinegar in a spray bottle. Look in and you can see the yuck lifted, wipe down and you may need to do it a couple of times on those stubborn spots.
  • Deborah H Deborah H on May 21, 2013
    Go ahead and use the self cleaning feature on your oven. I will tell you that when I first got mine many years ago, I was reluctant at first to use it thinking it would use too much electricity. So as an experiment, I decided to try to determine exactly how much electricity would be used during the cleaning process. So the day of my experiment, I turned off everything that ran on electricity except my refrigerator & freezer-I then read my electrical meter to see what kilowatt hours was on the readout. Then I went ahead and ran the self cleaning cycle-about 1 1/2 hrs worth. Once the oven shut off I then read the readout again on the meter. Only about 3 kilowatt hours was used during the time the oven was cleaning. At that time, our power rates ran 7 cents per kilowatt hour. So I figured it took less than 30 cents worth of electricity to clean my oven. The next trip to the grocery store I looked at the oven cleaners on the shelfs and they all cost around $2.69 per can. After that experiment I never worried about using too much electricity. To me it was a no brainer. I will say that yes, the room will get hot for 2 or 3 hrs. I always planned my cleaning cycles when I needed to be out in the yard working. By the time I got through outside, the oven only needed to be wiped out with a damp paper towel.
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
      @Deborah H I know this is over a year later...but I have to say , kudos to you! @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com I was going to ask you about this too, Deborah even compared the cost to a can of cleaner. I probably would have called the power company, but I am sure she is right on the money! Funny how we have preconceptions, This is good to know, altho the suspected cost didn't bother me. some things are just worth a little change.
  • Lisa C Lisa C on May 21, 2013
    I have always turned mine on at night and in the winter. My plan is we live in Fl it is hot so I do it at night when no one will notice so much and in the winter normally January after all the holiday baking is done. Tips move everything off the top and around as it gets very warm and things can melt! taking the shelves out is a good idea they will discolor.
  • Maureen Hastie Maureen Hastie on May 21, 2013
    ALL of YOU using your self cleaning ovens in the WINTER time, be careful!! Do NOT open your window and open your oven door right after cleaning! It heats up to 500 degrees + and the cold air from the window being open can make the glass on the door EXPLODE!! This happen to a friend of mine and the temperature outside was around -20 F!! Other than that if you have a self clean oven, use it!! Does a wonderful job, and by the way if you use oven cleaner that is not for SELF Clean ovens, you will wreck your oven!! I also agree with Lisa C and the racks cuz my discoloured too!
  • Baby H Baby H on May 21, 2013
    I use my self cleaning feature about every 4 months and love it.
  • Yvonne Yvonne on May 21, 2013
    Louise! DONT use oven cleaner on a self cleaning oven! I did it once because I was also afraid of the high temp of the self cleaning setting, and my oven never worked again.Please just dont do it, these ovens are not made for the cleaners. The repairman said he sees it all the time.It cost me a new oven. Very expensive oopsie... cha-ching
  • Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on May 21, 2013
    if your self cleaning oven works correctly it will lock you out until the temps are safe to re-open it again.
  • Barbara Barbara on May 21, 2013
    Do not use oven cleaner on it. take the racks out and put them in a plastic bag. spray with oven cleaner, leave over night and rinse . Turn oven on to self cleaning mode it is wonderful. Don't leave racks in the oven. Also do not worry about the oven being hot. It will not open until it is cool.
  • Losvlam Losvlam on May 22, 2013
    i use soda salt and dishwash soap and warm water mix ( on a cloth ) that i put over it . If not gone after an hour i will remove with a plastic spoon ( not making scratches) and a cloth as much as possible and pull more mixture over it , No heat! if you have time let it to ,next morning.i use it for my pan after i bake . i whipe it up and if needed i put the mixture again, now i use a aluminium paper (tinfoil) when i bake and have just to take the paper out and will put a bowl of hot water to clean out easier when the oven is cold. (see also yahoo solutions)
  • Judi Parmer Todd Judi Parmer Todd on Jun 01, 2014
    One tip: If you are going to use the "self-cleaning" feature on your oven, make sure to move your birds to another room if you can tightly close it, or better yet, take to a friends' house if you can. Birds are sensitive to these fumes and it can kill them. Check it out by googling "birds and self cleaning ovens". Just wanted to save some heartache. LOVE all of the tips and ideas on Hometalk :)
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Jun 01, 2014
    I love my self clean and use it during the day when were leaving. I come home vacuum it out and then wipe it down. Prefect!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jun 01, 2014
    Don't use products like Easy Off. It will ruin it for the self-cleaning feature.
  • Katrina Katrina on Jun 02, 2014
    My new stove is a Maytag an it has timer you can set from an one hour up to 5 hours to cleaning an its self cleaning oven as others say please take oven racks self cleaning is only way go in between times you use self cleaning mix up some baking soda & vinegar an it will be cleaned all the time with both of these working .....
  • Kathy Echevarria Kathy Echevarria on Jun 02, 2014
    @louise!
  • Kathy Echevarria Kathy Echevarria on Jun 02, 2014
    @louise Do wipe off thick food deposits first. that will help your oven get to the hard to remove stuff. I have used self cleaning ovens for years! I ruined an oven with the chemical applications that dissolved the weld in the bottom of the oven.
  • Tina Yoder Tina Yoder on Jun 02, 2014
    i would use the self cleaning oven cleaner being that your oven is bad would be afraid of a fire dont spray the racks if you need too clean the racks use a sos pad wash in sink.they do sell mats for the oven at bed bath behond to avoid this mess from happening again all you would have too do is rinse the mat off and reuse.
  • Penny Penny on Jul 13, 2014
    i hope none of you with self cleaning ovens have birds for pets...the ovens create a toxic fume and will kill your birds instantly!!!! and i do mean you will not even have time to get to a vet....please take them out of your home for the day and maybe night too..
  • Martha Hinkle Martha Hinkle on Jul 14, 2014
    I use my self cleaner with no problem. The temp does seem high but it is necessary to burn everything off. I think I read somewhere that oven cleaners are not good for self-cleaning ovens. After cleaning, I always put a big sheet of foil in the bottom of mine to catch spills. It's much easier to change the foil than clean the oven!
  • Linda Linda on Jul 16, 2014
    The B-E-S-T thing I did to my stove was to put Baking Soda into a sugar shaker and hydrogen Peroxide into a spray bottle. Sprinkle the baking soda every where you want cleaned. Spray the Hydrogen Peroxide over the Baking Soda and leave it while you clean the racks the same way, All natural and works better than anything else. Good Luck!
  • Angel Angel on Jul 17, 2014
    I have not cleaned mine before but in reading the post below I would wipe out any excess in the bottom before using the self cleaning feature. I am going to try mine out this weekend. Also below in the comments of others there is a baking soda to use if you are still hesitate.
  • Tina Krenz Tina Krenz on Aug 05, 2014
    I have a self cleaning oven too, and just once, I thought I would try and see how good the racks would come out if I left them in while I had the self cleaning oven on. Not too bad. I know it says not to do it, but there was no damage, and or warping of the racks, and I must say, the racks, once cooled down, I just took a wet cloth and wiped them down and they were just fine. I don't do this all the time, just once in a great while.
  • Jane Hayes Jane Hayes on Oct 31, 2014
    Girl, shut that oven door and set it on CLEAN and forget it! Wipe the ash off tomorrow with a damp paper towel!
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    • Nikkis Insights Nikkis Insights on Dec 28, 2014
      it smoked up my house, just did mine for the first time. it did leave it very clean though! i didn't read any instructions though... and didn't think about the racks. you could try putting the racks in the dishwasher if they aren't too bad, if they are not recommended by your manufacturer and might warp.
  • Carolyn Faye Blizzard Lanier Carolyn Faye Blizzard Lanier on Nov 14, 2014
    You are not suppose to use oven cleaner in a self-cleaning-oven, take your racks out before you turn the oven on to clean, just cleaned mine yesterday, an it looks great.
  • Harry Nuskey Harry Nuskey on Nov 14, 2014
    PUT ALUM FOIL ON BOTTOM RACK,CATCHES THE DRIPPINGS,SAVE ENERGY
    • See 2 previous
    • Nikkis Insights Nikkis Insights on Dec 28, 2014
      they have aluminum oven liners that are look like a large platter that sits in the bottom of the oven. i've used them before, they do catch the mess, and are throw away. i didn't have any problems with them. @
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 15, 2014
    Just a note before cleaning it, always take out the racks. It will discolor them. Wanted to remind you! In fact I always need to be reminded.
  • Gail Gail on Nov 24, 2014
    My oven is very old and I pray every day it keeps working or I can get replacement parts, I did have to replace the wiring to the one burner. It doesn't have self clean that is why I pray, I don't know if they still make non self cleaning ones because I don't want that "convenience" in any future stove I may have to purchase.
  • Ba coe Ba coe on Nov 25, 2014
    Jane Hayes, your my kind of women, I agree, I just cleaned my last week and every thing is just fine,
  • Mimi Ka-rick Mimi Ka-rick on Nov 25, 2014
    A FB friend in Germany cleaned her oven by steaming it. She placed a big pan of water, turned the stove on and voila it melted a lot of the fatty and dried up deposits. Wiped it down and it was spotless. I trust her as she has always had great ideas, is a diyer and fabulous cook. It all depends on how much built-up deposit you have and from the looks of the photograph it is not terribly bad. I do that with my microwave and wipes off effortlessly. I too have the self-cleaning and hate using it. Not only does it reach that high a heat level but the burning off smell is awful. Using the steaming action is so much easier and less elbow effort. Good luck. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
    • Nikkis Insights Nikkis Insights on Dec 28, 2014
      @Mimi Ka-rick i use this in the microwave too.. just put in a cup of vinegar and let it go to a boil, about 3 min... making sure cup is not full, or it overflows... then let it set for a while.. steaming... maybe an hour... then wipe it down> i don't think it would work on the burned on oven stuff though, but if you say it works for you, then great! i have used just window cleaner and a plastic scraper on my stove many times, but it takes elbow grease... effort. i found the self cleaning feature much easier, but don't plan on using it unless i have to. prevention, steaming and all these other ideas sound very helpful!
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
    I have a self cleaning oven...I have found I really don't need to put it on a full time as is suggested, and i open the windows for the short time I use it. yes my racks do /did discolor..oh well, just makes them a little less easy to pull out, but so what.
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Nov 25, 2014
    @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com hmmm any chance of making the racks look good again? or at least so they slide easily out of the oven. yes mine are discolored and don't slide easily due to leaving them in, but I am ok with that, just wondering if they can be made to slide easier..sos? anything?
    • See 1 previous
    • Lisa Januska Lisa Januska on Jan 20, 2015
      @Bernice H I've sprayed mine with Pam, seemed to help!
  • Void Strongvillage Void Strongvillage on Nov 25, 2014
    I got a new range a month ago. We got it at Sears Outlet, so of course, no manual. Before this, I never had the chance to use Self-Clean. I was about to cook a chicken inside it, but the manufacturer's oils smelled too industrial. So I hit the Self-Cleaning button. Here is what I learned the hard way: 1) Take the grills out first. 2) It burns up for anywhere between 500-900 degrees, for whatever time you clocked in. I put 30min. 3) In those 30 min. my entire house smelled like asphyxiating, eye-watering, mouth/lung drying 'burning hair dryer' smell. I had to air out the whole house & smell left after 5.5 hrs. 4) I was told by tech support to open all windows & ventilate whenever using the Self-Clean option. They claimed this was normal. But hey, it did the trick!
    • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jan 21, 2015
      @Void Strongvillage My bachelor friend has a self-clean. He waits until I visit so I can do the deed. NOTHING like this ever happens! The only thing is to feel some heat radiating from it. Never have to ventilate. Just leaves some fine ash to wipe out. Wonder if yours is defective in some way?
  • Barbara Barbara on Jan 21, 2015
    Great tips. I, also, have never used the self-clean function, because it makes me very nervous. The stove I have now is pretty new, so I have time, but it's good to know so many others have used it successfully.
  • Judy Green Judy Green on Jan 22, 2015
    Never use oven cleaner in a self cleaning oven. They recommend you take the racks out but I never do because I use them to hold my gas cook top burner grates and covers. Everything comes off and you only have a little dust to clean up. Don't even have to wash anything unless that's your thing to do! Good Cleaning..........
  • Getitgirl Michigan Getitgirl Michigan on Jan 22, 2015
    Yes, the self cleaning oven feature is great. It will take a long time though 2-4 hrs depending on the model so plan ahead. Your kitchen will also get very hot so turn down the house thermostat. You should only need dish soap, a wet sponge, and some paper towels after the cycle is done. Maybe a little Brillo pad action or a wet razor pass if there are some light tough spots left. Don't leave any plastic items on top while it's running through the cycle.
  • HappyNanaSTLMO HappyNanaSTLMO on Jan 25, 2015
    I have lived in several apartments with self-cleaning ovens, and that is always my No. 1 choice when it is an option. I wish I had that feature with my current stove! It is very important, as others have noted, to remove the racks. And unlike some commenters have done, I absolutely admonish you NOT to put any other pieces and parts in the oven during the cleaning cycle, unless perhaps it is a black grate/grill. Anything of a silver color - chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. - will discolor. I made the mistake of putting the chrome drip pans in there for one cycle, and while the dirt/grease did come off, they were blackened and ruined and had to be replaced. I think the poster who said she doesn't have any issues with odors just got very lucky with the brand of oven that is used. In every instance where I've had a self-cleaning oven (different brands), the house absolutely fills up with eye-burning, lung-burning fumes during the cleaning cycle. I've always opened at least two windows (to get a cross breeze) as well as put a fan blowing outward in one of the windows to help move the smoke out. The cycle ususally takes anywhere from 5-7 hours, and within an hour or two, the smell is gone (opening the windows during the cycle probably helps with that). I like the idea of the steam option, though I've never used it in an oven. I do that with my microwave all the time, and it works wonders. Another option I've had success with is to put ammonia in the oven (I usually use 2 cups - in two separate containers) and let it sit overnight. If the racks aren't too bad, you can just leave them in the oven during this cycle, and they will easily wipe clean as well. But if they have a lot of crust on them, then remove the racks, get two large garbage bags, pour some ammonia (about a cup) into a shallow pan, place the pan in the bag, and carefully place one rack on top. Then close the bag tightly with a twist tie. Do the same with the other rack. Let sit overnight, and wipe clean in the morning. I have tried the baking soda/Dawn paste that I've seen others do on Pinterest and had mixed results with it. It definitely loosens up some, but not all, of the gunk, and requires a LOT of elbow grease, not only to remove the initial layers of paste (you need a LOT of paste!) and the gunk, but even after it's "clean," you have to make MANY swipes with a clean, damp rag or sponge to get the chalky layer of soapy baking soda residue off, and then a final rinse with a spritz of vinegar to remove the final layer. When I have to clean an oven that doesn't have a self-cleaning feature, depending on my timeline, if I know I won't need to use it (in case I need a second overnight pass), and it's not too bad, I will first try the ammonia trick, and then do some LIGHT cleanup with a small amount of baking soda/Dawn paste to finish up the rest. If the gunk is so substantial that I don't trust the ammonia to do the trick overnight, and I really need to use the oven the next day, I will resort to a heavy spraying of Easy Off left in overnight. Whatever gunk is left the next day, I will tackle with a small portion of baking soda/Dawn, a ScotchBrite pad, 0000 steel wool, lots of "clean rag" wipes, and a final spritz of vinegar. But if I'm fortunate enough to have a self-cleaning oven, I open the windows and park that baby in self-clean mode and relish in the joy that I will only have to sweep out the ashes seven hours later, followed by one or two swipes with a clean rag, and the deed is done. That's the way to go!
  • Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Jan 25, 2015
    I had a client that forgot that there was a left over dish of chicken in the oven and turned on the self cleaning cycle. For those that do not know much about them, once the oven temp gets up to a set temp, you cannot open the door. They went outside while the oven started doing its thing and by the time the fire department got to their house and turned the oven off the damage was done. The metal pot in the oven had melted, the grates had bent and the oven was destroyed. So always remove everything unless the manufacture says the grills can stay. Most allow it now. Never use any cleaning spray on chemicals on the surfaces unless the manufacture says its ok. Simply wipe spills when they occur, we use foil on the bottom rack when baking just to catch the over spills and clean the oven weekly to prevent to much smoke from excessive spills and splashes.
  • Paticia G Paticia G on Jan 27, 2015
    Just do it and put paper down when you clean out the ash remove the racks( my oven says) I never leave the house while it is cleaning I used an oven proof tray on the bottom to help keep it clean but it want truly oven proof- it started to melt - out it went
  • Alice Buck Alice Buck on Jan 27, 2015
    Definately use the SELF CLEAN Process and you will be glad you did. When it is all done and cooled down all you need to do is wipe out the white residue and it will look bran new. If you clean it with abrasives you will mess it up and then some stains will never some out. I know that because I did it with my last Self Clean Oven. Good Luck, you will be Satisfied with the RESULTS...
  • Carla Ward Carla Ward on Feb 04, 2015
    Just remember to remove the racks every time you run the cleaning cycle. Also do not get anything on the door seals it will make them hard and they don't seal as well as they should. I put the racks and guides in the bathtub with the hottest water you can. Add a generous amount of ammonia. And let soak as long as you can. Then use a stiff brush and most of the gunk will come off. Use sos pad to finish off with. Shiny, like new and slide out easy.
  • Catina Hoak Catina Hoak on Feb 18, 2015
    What does everyone use to clean the RACKS ? cleaning the oven is the easy part....
  • Yvonne Yvonne on Feb 19, 2015
    to clean the racks I take the racks out, place them in a garbage bag and spray them with oven cleaner and let the racks sit in the sealed bag for about 20 min or so them remove and a lite wipe and rinse and they should be like new. That always works for me .
  • Patty Patty on Feb 19, 2015
    I love the self clean feature,,use it all the time and I always open a windo a little bit and stay home until it's finished,,I tried the sprays made foe self cleaning ovens but,,they are inferior to the feature.
  • Catina Hoak Catina Hoak on Feb 20, 2015
    thank you Yvonne
  • Tina Yoder Tina Yoder on Feb 20, 2015
    sos pad
  • Michelle Michelle on Feb 20, 2015
    best oven cleaner get a spray bottle and box of baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda then sprintz the baking soda, set the timer for at least an hour or leave overnight. Get a bucket of warm water and sponge, wipes right out no awful chemical smell.
  • Irene Irene on Mar 17, 2015
    Dollar Tree product called "Awsome" it's a cleaner , spray bottle comes in a yellow or orange color. I've used both & they seem to be the same. Spray racks well & let sit awhile, spray again & wipe off amazing. BEST cleaner ever works on everything. It's the only product you'll ever need. I belong to a Tole painters group on Facebook & everyone started posting about how great this was for everything including their brushes which are quite expensive.its the only cleaner I use now, because it works on everything & it's only $1.00 yea!
  • Terri Guenthner Terri Guenthner on Mar 27, 2015
    We rented our house out for two years while we were gone and the renters used oven cleaner in our self cleaning oven. It ruined the inside. They say the oven cleaner pits the walls and bottom and boy did it ever. It never comes completely clean anymore. I was horrified when I realized they had cleaned it with cleaner! Turn it on for a couple hours, wipe it out and you're finished.
  • Tracy McNabb Campbell Tracy McNabb Campbell on Apr 28, 2015
    Use Magic Erasers on the racks.
  • Cyndi Dimanno-Valentine Cyndi Dimanno-Valentine on Jun 26, 2015
    U cant use oven cleaner on a self cleaning oven, it will ruin it. Dont be afraid turn on the self cleaner and relax. After you are finished wiping the ash out when it is done, I suggest u line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil, to just be able to throwaway any drips esp after making pies. Keeping the bottom lined with foil ive only had to clean my oven 4 times in 10 years. Hope that helps
    • Jeanne Jeanne on Aug 10, 2015
      Stove manufacturers warn not to line an oven with foil. It can be a fire hazard. Self cleaning ovens are all about convenience,so use the cycle.
  • Pat Croley Pat Croley on Jul 05, 2015
    Dawn Power Dissolve works really well on my self cleaning oven to rid it of clumps of cherry pie or something that will cause smoke on self clean. I love it for the glass top of the stove too. Very, very safe for all hard surfaces.
  • Melinda Lockwood Melinda Lockwood on Oct 03, 2015
    Job at follow the directions that came with the store this is not a big deal.
  • Allinthefamilysingers Allinthefamilysingers on Feb 18, 2016
    oh take advantage of your self cleaning oven they are a blessing use it and be thankful for it I love mine you do not have to run it for five hours just watch it and turn it off. wipe out the ashes they do a great job... dhall
  • Pat Croley Pat Croley on Feb 20, 2016
    You can't turn my oven off once it has started the cleaning cycle. Haven't seen one that you can stop.
    • See 1 previous
    • Deborah Deborah on Mar 17, 2017

      I used a plastic liner in my new oven, and it left marks that can't be removed.

  • Capernius Capernius on Jul 10, 2016
    If you have a self cleaning oven, do not be afraid to use it for it is designed & built for that purpose. in plain english, go ahead & use the self cleaning feature...you will NOT burn down the house. As for cleaning it by hand, I use vinegar to clean EVERYTHING in my home. Even the toilet. I never use any kind of chemicals for anything in my home.
  • Amm10468647 Amm10468647 on Aug 29, 2016
    The ¿ n
  • Nor11896290 Nor11896290 on Sep 17, 2016
    Certain models ( i.e. built-in Kitchen Aid ) have a plastic assembly that will be melted if self-cleaning feature is used. Had to replace entire oven door assembly. Check w/manufacturer first if you have older model. My GE works great though. Note: remove racks first if you want to keep them shiny, as they turn dark from process.
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Nov 13, 2016
    I prefer the self-cleaning option to the chemical oven cleaners and never have found anything else that works well. Yes put a liner in the bottom after you have it all cleaned up. Yes take the racks out before starting the cycle. Wipeout when finished and cooled off.
  • Laura Lagow Mast Laura Lagow Mast on Nov 15, 2016
    Self cleaning defiantly! But be sure to take out the grids or they will tarnish!
    • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Nov 16, 2016
      Don't you love when our electronics auto-complete words and the word is wrong. She will be defiant when she turns that on and oh so happy when she can just wipe it out at the end .
  • Susie Susie on Dec 04, 2017

    I only used put my oven on the self cleaning mode one time, and it nearly RUINED my Formica counters 1/4 inch away from it!! Never again. It really scared me! 😩😩
  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Aug 01, 2022

    I have several cleaning tutorials that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/how-tos/cleaning/
  • Ann|The Apple Street Cottage Ann|The Apple Street Cottage on Jul 21, 2023

    Use the self-cleaning feature. That's why it's there.
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