Don’t run the self-cleaning cycle on your oven less than one week before a major cooking event, such as a big holiday meal. Ovens often fail during and just after a self-cleaning cycle. You may need time for a repair if this happens to you.

Prior to starting the self-cleaning cycle, loosen up large particles in the oven with a damp rag and a plastic spatula. The oven temperature reaches 800 to 900 degrees during self-cleaning, and the oven door will remain locked for several hours afterward. If the door does not open, do not force it.

You may need to call for service. Remember to open a window in the kitchen or run an externally vented exhaust fan while self-cleaning because the process produces lots of smoke and fumes.

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