Question

My house cleaner recently cleaned my oven and now every time I use it I smell oven cleaner. Is that harmful to eat out of?

Answer 1

If you're smelling oven cleaner when using your oven after it was cleaned, it's essential to take the situation seriously and address it promptly. Oven cleaners are powerful chemicals designed to remove stubborn grease and grime from ovens, and they can leave behind residues that might produce harmful fumes when the oven is used again.

Inhaling fumes from oven cleaner can be potentially harmful, especially if it contains strong chemicals. These fumes can cause irritation to the respiratory system and may lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory distress.

To ensure the safety of your oven and your health, follow these steps:

1. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen when using the oven. Open windows and turn on the exhaust fan to help disperse any lingering fumes.

2. Air Out the Oven: Before using the oven to cook food, heat the oven empty for a while to help burn off any remaining chemical residues. You can set the oven to a high temperature for about 15-20 minutes and then turn it off. Open the oven door to allow the fumes to escape.

3. Avoid Using the Oven for a While: If the smell persists after ventilation, it's best to avoid using the oven for cooking until the odor has dissipated completely. Opt for alternative cooking methods like stovetop cooking or using a microwave.

4. Clean the Oven Again: If the smell doesn't go away, consider cleaning the oven again using milder and safer cleaning methods. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water or vinegar to clean the oven. Make sure to follow the oven manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

5. Contact the Cleaner: Speak with your house cleaner about the issue and let them know about the lingering smell. They might have used an inappropriate cleaner or missed thoroughly rinsing the oven after cleaning.

6. Seek Professional Help: If the problem persists and you are concerned about the safety of your oven and your health, consider seeking advice from a professional appliance repair technician or contacting the oven manufacturer for guidance.

As a general precaution, ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated whenever you use harsh cleaning chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when cleaning appliances to avoid potential health and safety issues.