Can Avoiding the Self-Cleaning Function Make Your Oven Last Longer? Here’s What Experts Say

Appliance experts weigh in on whether this rumor is true, and give their best tips for maintaining a clean oven for years to come.

You might think that regularly using your oven’s self-cleaning function is the correct way to keep the appliance in top shape. However, word on the street is that the function might actually be harmful to your oven—meaning you’ll need to replace the appliance sooner than you’d like. While there are plenty of ways to clean an oven, including hacks such as using aluminum foil or a pumice stone to scrub stuck-on grease, the self-cleaning feature seems like a no-brainer. Besides, ovens wouldn’t come equipped with the option if it wasn’t safe to use, right?

We asked a few appliance experts to help us set the record straight about whether the self-cleaning function is safe to use. Learn how the self-cleaning function may cause premature wear and tear on the oven, when it’s OK to use it, and a few alternative measures you can take to prolong the life of your oven.

Related: How to Use the Self-Cleaning Oven Function Correctly

The Self-Cleaning Function Can Shorten Your Oven’s Lifespan

Before we break it down, it’s important to know that there are two types of self-cleaning ovens. (Note that some models don’t provide the function at all, so check your appliance and its manual to confirm.) Some ovens offer heat cleaning, while others offer steam cleaning. The latter, which uses heat and water during the self-cleaning cycle, doesn’t reach temperatures quite as high, nor have cycles as long as the former. This means that a self-cleaning feature that uses steam may be better in the long run.

According to Chris Davis, an appliance expert for Frontdoor, “Self-cleaning ovens generate high heat that can potentially cause damage to electrical components, as well as the surrounding cabinets, drawers, and even the floor.” Most ovens that use heat-cleaning clock temperatures of 800 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce residue to ash so you can effortlessly wipe it away. As you might imagine, heat this intense can cause a lot of stress to the appliance’s interior. “As the oven gets older, the door seals and hinges may wear out, leading to air leaks,” Davis says.

Frequently exposing your oven to extreme temperatures can not only cause its sensitive electrical parts and protective insulation to deteriorate faster, but the internal thermostat may also become less accurate over time. If you take pride in your cooking, that can mean less than savory meals or, worse, food safety concerns. Most ovens are built to last between 15 and 20 years, depending on how often you use the oven and its self-cleaning function. So even though the self-cleaning feature can cause yours to age slightly faster, appliances are an investment that you should take steps to protect.

How Often Can You Safely Self-Clean Your Oven?

With that said, you might still find it worthwhile to use the self-cleaning feature occasionally. Whether for time-saving purposes or mobility issues that make manual cleaning difficult, there is a reason that the option exists. “The frequency in which you should use the self-cleaning function depends on two factors: The amount in which you use your oven and the amount of grime that it naturally gathers over time,” says Bree Lemmen, Whirlpool’s kitchen brand manager. Generally, the more often you use your oven, the faster food residue collects. Lemmen clarifies that, “the self-cleaning setting is intended for a heavier-duty clean, so focus on using it before excessive soils accumulate as this will ultimately help avoid excessive smoking or fuming during the self-cleaning process.”

Davis advises to use your oven’s self-cleaning function as little as possible. “If you must use the self-clean feature, limit it to once a year or, with proper planning, even less often than that,” he says. “Consider doing it after the holidays, preferably in March or April, as this could help reduce stress and ensure that repair parts are readily available if needed.”

Ultimately, use your judgment to decide when and how often to run it, especially if your oven employs heat-cleaning. Lemmen warns you should never leave the oven unattended while it’s in self-cleaning mode. “The extremely high temperatures may cause some slight smoke or fumes, so move pets and kids to another room, create ventilation by turning on your hood fan and opening windows, and stay close by to keep an eye on things,” she says.

Related: Is it Safe to Put a Skillet Other Than Cast Iron in the Oven?

Expert Maintenance Tips to Help Your Oven Last Longer

Whether or not you choose to use your oven’s self-cleaning feature, always follow the user care guide instructions for your particular model. Regardless of the method, Lemmen reminds us that, “routine oven cleaning can improve appliance performance by reducing food buildup and residue that has accumulated over time.” The experts provided a few more helpful pointers to keep your oven in tip-top shape.

Use a drip Tray to Catch Spills

“Place a drip tray on a lower rack to catch spills when baking or roasting,” Davis says. If you can get into the habit, this is an incredibly simple way to prevent residue from forming on the oven floor in the first place.

Clean Up Spills as Soon as Possible

Even if you forget to add the pan, there’s still time to clean the drippings before they set in. “Once the oven has cooled, clean up baking and cooking spills right after they happen,” Lemmen says. Davis maintains that a warm (but not hot!) oven makes wiping away splatters with little elbow grease even easier.

Use a Natural Oven Cleaning Method

Everything needed to clean your oven effectively is probably already in your pantry. Even better, it’s non-toxic. Lemmen recommends combining mild dish soap, baking soda, water, and lemon juice, applying the mixture with a cloth to scrub the inside of your oven, then wiping it clean.

Or, Try a Slow Cleaning Method

“Try a low and slow cleaning method (also known as aqua-clean) to rehydrate stuck-on residue, making it easier to remove,” Davis says. Think of this as ‘self-cleaning lite,’ and you can do it even if your oven doesn’t have a steam-cleaning function. His instructions are to fill an oven-safe container, such as a casserole dish, with two cups of distilled or filtered water. From here, heat the water in the oven for two hours at the lowest temperature. Alternatively, test out the viral lemon hack, which follows a similar process but adds a deodorizing benefit.

Avoid Commercial Oven Cleaners

Both experts agree that you should steer clear of using commercial oven cleaners if possible. “Spray cleaners can potentially damage the oven coating or its elements,” Davis says. “Instead, opt for a plastic scraper, sponge, and soapy water, as they may take longer but will help extend the life of your oven.”

Related: 8 Things You Should Never Store in Your Oven Drawer

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