The oven often doesn't get the attention it needs to keep it in top form. The GE Profile line of ranges and ovens makes it easy to rid the appliance of burned-on globs of greasy cheese and slicks of oil that have gathered at the bottom or on the sides.
The GE self-cleaning oven option can make the process of cleaning your appliance a snap. When you use the GE self-cleaning oven cycle correctly, you don't have to rely on toxic commercial cleaners to get a pristine surface on the inside of your stove.
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Prepare to Use the Self-Cleaning Oven Feature
The self-cleaning option can create an odor and fumes. There are a few things to do before you start this lengthy project to ensure you don't run into any issues.
- Open kitchen windows and any adjacent room windows at least a crack to allow for good airflow.
- Remove oven racks and any pans stored under the oven in the warming drawer.
- An oven mat at the bottom of the oven is often forgotten and can create a significant mess not to mention an odor that will cling to the soft surfaces in your home.
- Wipe down the inside of the oven with a wet cloth or vinegar-based solution. Don't use baking soda or a commercial cleaner to wipe down the inside of the oven. This can create irritating fumes.
How to Use the Self-Clean Option
Be prepared to leave the oven on for a few hours. This operation will heat up the kitchen area around the appliance.
- Close and secure the oven door.
- Once you press the self-clean button, the GE oven door is locked. This feature is to make sure that the door isn't inadvertently opened.
When the Self Clean is Complete
Once the oven has completed its self-cleaning cycle, it will unlock. It is safe to open the door and check inside. If the interior surfaces are still hot, keep the door fully open and let it cool down. There should be a pile of ash at the bottom of the oven. There are a few ways to remove this problematic pile of dust.
- Use a wet vac to safely suck up as much of the loose particles as possible.
- With a hand-held broom and a small dustpan, sweep up the pile before wiping it away.
- Gather the pile into newspapers with wet paper towels and discard the soggy mess in an awaiting trash container.
Your main goal is to keep the traveling with the ashy load across your kitchen floor down to a minimum. Once the bulk of the loose particles are gone from the oven, wipe it down with a wet sponge or spray it down with a vinegar and water solution and wipe away any lingering particles from the ceiling, floor and sides of the oven.
Steam Clean the Oven
If a greasy spill has just occurred or if the inside of the oven has only slight splotches and spots to be cleaned, then you may want a faster fix instead of the lengthy self-cleaning option on the GE oven. A homemade cleaning solution can quickly steam the stains and bits of food from their attachment to the interior of your stove.
To steam clean an oven, mix vinegar, water and baking soda in a bowl for a nontoxic and effective oven cleaner. It will soften the stuck-on stains and make it easier to scrub or wipe away. Put the mix in a deep and wide casserole dish.
The oven should be at 450 degrees. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes. Don't let the water level get low in the casserole pan. Add heated water to the pan if needed, not cold water. Clean the grates separately either before or after the steam by removing them and either hosing them down outdoors or placing them in a dishwasher.