So you’ve owned your Whirlpool oven for a while and have always wondered does my Whirlpool oven self-clean. Good news – most Whirlpool ovens have a self-clean option to help make your life easier.
The self-cleaning feature uses high heat to incinerate built-up grime and grease inside your oven. As a result, leaving you with a nearly new oven.
Here’s how the self-cleaning option works in your Whirlpool oven and how to operate it.
Activating the Self-Clean Cycle on Your Whirlpool Oven
To get your Whirlpool oven sparkling clean, it’s time to activate the self-clean cycle. First, remove everything from the oven – racks, trays, pans. It is anything that isn’t part of the oven itself.
The next step is wiping down the inside to remove any stuck-on messes. You may need to use an oven cleaner like Easy Off Cleaning Solution for tough spots.
Or according to the directions on the product. Rinse well with water and let the oven dry completely.
Then, locate the self-clean button on your oven’s control panel. Press and hold that button for 3 seconds to start the cycle.
The oven door will automatically lock once the cycle begins.
The self-cleaning process uses extremely high heat, up to 900°F. At these levels, it helps to burn off built-up grease and grime.
So, expect the oven to get hot – don’t touch any exterior parts! The cycle typically lasts 2 to 5 hours. But this depends on how dirty your oven is.
When the oven has cooled completely, the door will unlock automatically. You will find some ash residue that will need to be wiped away.
The self-clean feature makes deep cleaning your Whirlpool oven a breeze.
What to Expect During the Self-Clean Cycle
The self-cleaning cycle on your Whirlpool oven uses exceptionally high heat.
It helps to burn off built-up grease and grime. And you will come to see it is a convenient feature. However, here’s what to expect during the 3-4 hour cleaning process.
First, the oven will lock the door and heat up to over 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
This kills any bacteria and reduces everything to ash. You’ll smell some burning and see smoke, which is normal! Just make sure to turn on the vent fan or open some windows.
Next, your oven will stay locked until it cools down. It usually takes 3 to 5 hours. Avoid opening the door during this time as extreme heat can cause burns.
Once cooled, you may see some ash in the oven.
Try and wipe it out, but for the stubborn stains make a paste from baking soda and water, then scrub gently. Once done, you can go ahead and run another self-clean cycle.
Additional tips while cleaning
Remove the oven racks and anything else from the oven first.
Wipe up any major spills before starting the cycle.
And avoid running self-clean when the kitchen is already hot.
While the high heat does require caution, the self-cleaning feature can save you from the hassle of scrubbing a messy oven.
Alternative to Self-Cleaning: Using Oven Cleaner
Using a commercial oven cleaner is an alternative to running the self-cleaning cycle.
Oven cleaners can remove baked-on grease and grime without high heat. They typically contain lye or other degreasing agents to dissolve stuck-on messes.
Before cleaning your oven with a chemical cleaner, remove the oven racks and wash them separately.
You’ll also want to wipe down the oven door gasket or seal to remove debris. Ventilate the area well and wear gloves when using the oven cleaner.
To clean your Whirlpool oven with a commercial oven cleaner:
Heat the oven to warm up any stuck-on grease and make it easier to remove, about 120-150 F. Then turn off and let cool slightly before cleaning.
Apply the oven cleaner as directed, coating all oven surfaces. Let it sit as instructed, usually for several hours or overnight.
Wipe away the dissolved grime with hot, soapy water and scrub any remaining stuck-on messes. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all oven cleaner residue.
You may need to scrub with an abrasive sponge or scrubber for stubborn, baked-on spills. Baking soda also works well for scrubbing and polishing.
Once done cleaning, run an empty self-clean cycle to burn off any remaining residue before using your oven again. Or you can do a final wipe down with a degreaser like diluted white vinegar or lemon juice and hot water.
Replace the oven racks, and you’re ready to cook your next meal. An oven cleaned with chemical cleaner may need to be “seasoned”. Do this by heating at a high temp for 15-30 minutes before broiling or baking. Check your oven manual for recommendations.
Conclusion
You now have all the details on operating your Whirlpool oven’s self-cleaning feature.
It may initially seem intimidating, especially with the high heat and locked door. But the process is quite simple if you follow the steps.
You’ll be enjoying a sparkling clean oven in no time. Your Whirlpool oven will handle the hard work so you can return to making delicious meals for friends and family.