Cleaning your oven is rarely anyone’s favorite task. It takes time, effort, and a lot of elbow grease to get rid of built-up grease and grime. So when you see that your modern oven comes with a self-cleaning feature, it might seem like the perfect solution. But what if that “convenient feature” is actually doing more harm than good?
At ProTech Appliance Repair Ottawa, our technicians have seen firsthand how self-cleaning cycles can lead to major appliance breakdowns and expensive repairs. Let’s go over why it’s best to avoid using this feature.
The self-cleaning oven function was designed to save homeowners time when cleaning. Introduced back in the 1960s, it quickly became a popular selling point. However, over the years, many homeowners have experienced problems after using it — from damaged heating elements to control panels that stop responding.
While it sounds convenient, using the self-cleaning mode exposes your oven to extreme heat levels that most parts simply can’t handle.
1. Carbon Monoxide Emissions
During the self-cleaning process, the oven burns off food residue at very high temperatures, producing carbon monoxide — a toxic gas that is nearly impossible to detect without a CO detector. Prolonged exposure can cause nausea, dizziness, and even serious health issues. For Ottawa homeowners, especially in winter when homes are sealed tight, this can be risky.
2. Risk to People with Respiratory Issues
Many modern ovens contain non-stick coatings such as Teflon. At self-cleaning temperatures (around 900°F), this coating can emit harmful fumes that trigger coughing, headaches, and breathing difficulty — especially dangerous for people with asthma or respiratory conditions.
3. Harm to Pets
If you have birds, cats, or dogs, the self-cleaning feature can be particularly dangerous. The gases released during the high-heat cycle can be toxic to pets, sometimes leading to serious illness or even death. At ProTech, we’ve had pet owners call us after noticing strange behavior in their animals following a self-cleaning cycle.
4. Damage to Internal Parts
An oven’s control panel, fuse, or heating element can easily fail after a self-clean cycle because the high temperatures strain the system’s components. Unfortunately, replacing these parts often costs much more than a professional cleaning would have in the first place.
Safer & More Effective Alternatives
Instead of relying on self-cleaning, opt for more natural cleaning methods:
Use baking soda and vinegar to break down grime naturally.
Clean lightly after each use to prevent buildup.
Remove racks and wipe down surfaces regularly.
Hire a professional technician for deep oven maintenance.
Scheduling a professional appliance servicing with ProTech Appliance Repair Ottawa ensures your oven stays safe, efficient, and long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
While the self-cleaning feature might seem like a convenient shortcut, it can cause more problems than it solves — including damage to components, health hazards, and safety risks for pets. Instead, regular manual cleaning and periodic maintenance will keep your oven in top condition.
If your oven has stopped working after using the self-clean cycle or you suspect damage, contact ProTech Appliance Repair Ottawa. Our experts provide quick, reliable oven repair services to restore your appliance safely.
ProTech Appliance Repair Ottawa
Specializing in oven, stove, and kitchen appliance repairs.
Fast, affordable, and professional service – Call us today for expert help!
