Experts warn using this feature on your oven will cut the life span of your appliance in half – here's why
From costly repairs to full on breakages, the self clean function may cause more harm than good


The oven is one of the most tricky and tiresome appliances to clean when it comes to the kitchen. Becoming quickly caked in grease, grime, and burnt-on food – it usually requires more than a little elbow grease to get it sparkling.
For this very reason, the 'self-cleaning' feature on your oven might seem like an easy and attractive option. But, experts warn it could actually damage your appliance and shorten it's lifespan, making it a function to never use.
Here, we spoke to an appliance expert to find out exactly why you should avoid this when cleaning an oven, and how to reduce the need for regular refreshes.
Why you should never use the self-cleaning feature on your oven
In a world of unusual oven cleaning hacks, why is this one, which is built in to your appliance, the oven mistake best avoided?
Glenn Lewis, appliance expert at Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly Company explains, 'The self-cleaning cycle uses extremely high heat to burn off any residue that is on your oven cavity. This high heat for several hours can damage worn or older parts of your oven control system,'
It can even cause irreparable breakages and resulting in warning signs it's time to replace your old appliance.
In fact, while this feature is meant for tackling light soils between deep-cleans – and, if you're not sure how often you should clean your oven, once a month is recommended – it's actually more likely to leave you needing to call pros to come and fix it.
'Depending on the availability of parts and the scheduling needed for appliance experts to come to your home and fix your oven, you might be without it for a day or two, or possibly a week or more,' continues Lewis.
But, as Lewis points out, while certainly not recommended, you can minimize risks by making sure you read and follow the cleaning procedures that are outlined in your use and care manual. 'There is nothing wrong with using the self-cleaning cycle as long as you understand there is a chance of being without your oven for a few days if a part malfunctions.'
If you're not willing to take the risk, Lewis recommends cutting down on the need for oven cleaning by using covers or lids on your oven dishes where possible, and being careful not to spill any grease in the oven or on the door when removing things like turkey or hams.
You can also use baking sheets or foil, such as the Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil available at Amazon, to catch spillages, just be sure to clean up any that do still happen swiftly. Just remember that cooking oils and fats are never to be poured down your sinks and need disposing off in the trash once cool.
You should also take the time to regularly clean your oven racks, using dish soap, ammonia, or a commercial cleaner, such as the Easy-Off Fresh Scent Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner available at Target.
If you prefer to clean your home without harming the planet, you can also tackle this arduous task by cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, or even use aluminium foil as a scourer to remove baked-on, stubborn stains and residue.
To clean your oven without chemicals in general and whilst avoiding the self-cleaning feature, our green-cleaning guide is filled with tips from professional cleaners to get yours grease-free and (almost) flawless.
This effective degreaser proves you don't need to use chemicals to clean your oven, powering through grease, grime, stubborn stains and burnt-on splatters with ease.
With versatile aluminium foil is a kitchen staple, useful for protecting sheet pans for easy cleaning, wrapping food for freshness, or keeping food warm when hosting.
This vinegar is distilled to 5% acidity, strong enough to tackle cleaning your oven without causing any damage. It can also be used to clean stainless steel pans with vinegar, too.
FAQs
Is it ok to clean a self-cleaning oven?
If you've already invested in an appliance which features a self-cleaning setting, don't worry – it's perfectly safe to clean them by other means, and using it is absolutely not essential. Why not try cleaning your oven with lemon, for a streak-free and sustainable shine.
Despite being an essential cleaning supply, there are a few things you should never do with oven cleaner. From, surprisingly, using it on oven doors, to trying to unclog your kitchen sink, a little know-how can protect your home, and yourself, from damage.
Next learn the costly mistakes that are reducing your appliance lifespans.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens last year, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. With previous contributions in Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, she produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has an undergraduate degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
-
Sleep in style with the 5 must-know bedding trends that will make your bed look and feel amazing in 2025
Here’s what your bed should be wearing this year, according to the experts
By Charlotte Olby Published
-
Drew Barrymore's new 'butter yellow' range is in such demand, there is a secret waitlist for early access – it's expected to be a quick sell out
Drew is set to launch a select number of pieces in 'this season’s hottest colorway,' but guaranteeing their place in your kitchen begins now
By Megan Slack Published
-
'When in doubt, less is more' – the No More Than 4 rule instantly cuts through visual clutter for a less stressful, streamlined home
It's quick, easy, totally free, and can even help you sleep better
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
7 fridge cleaning mistakes that could contaminate your food or ruin your appliance – and the simple remedies pros swear by
These simple fixes will keep food fresher
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
My easy-to-maneuver and lightweight Miele C1 vacuum is perfect if you have back or arm pain – grab 20% off in the final stretch of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Even though I love my robot vacuums, I won’t be letting go of my Miele
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
I'm currently testing and loving the SwitchBot Robot Vacuum K10+ Pro Combo in my house full of dogs – and it's now 50% off
Grab a great deal and clean without lifting a finger with this 3-in-1 vacuum system
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
So many people swear by this commercial washing machine cleaner for a mold and grime-free drum – plus a natural alternative to try
Banish washing machine mold and musty odors with ease
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
A steam cleaner could be the solution to your allergies, studies suggest – immunologists share their tips for conquering mites and dander
One tool can drastically improve your symptoms
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
7 spring cleaning secrets every pet owner should know – pros reveal how to neutralize odors and seasonal pet dirt
When it's sunny one minute and raining the next, it can be challenging to keep a house with pets clean
By Sophie Warren-Smith Published
-
I tried this quick and easy Victorian window cleaning hack that everyone keeps talking about at home, and the final result was unexpected
I'll stick to drinking my tea from now on, rather than cleaning with it
By Ottilie Blackhall Published