The holiday season means more time in the kitchen—and the last thing you want is for your oven to give out right before Thanksgiving dinner. A bit of early maintenance can help prevent everything from last-minute malfunctions to dangerous kitchen hazards.

Start with a Pre-Thanksgiving Deep Clean

If you’re hosting the big meal this year, don’t wait until the week of Thanksgiving to give your appliances a scrub. While most people clean their stovetops regularly, ovens are often overlooked.

Pro tip: Clean your oven at least 2–3 times a year. If you cook often—especially around the holidays—you may want to do it more frequently to avoid food buildup, odors, and uneven cooking.

Be Aware of Electrical Hazards

Stoves and ovens contain electrical components that need careful handling. Open heating coils, knobs, and internal wires can become dangerous when exposed to:

  • Harsh cleaning chemicals
  • Heavy-duty scrubbing
  • Excess moisture or water

Rule of thumb: Always clean around attachments gently and avoid soaking electronic areas. Damaging these components could lead to short circuits or even electric shock.

How Self-Cleaning Ovens Actually Work

Most modern ovens come with a self-cleaning function—but it’s important to know how to use it properly.

The self-clean cycle superheats the oven to burn off food residue. Once the cycle finishes and the oven has cooled, simply wipe out the ash.

If you choose to clean it manually:

  • Unplug the oven first to avoid electrical risk.
  • Use cleaners made for self-cleaning ovens only, as other chemicals may cause damage.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Taking time now for basic upkeep means fewer headaches (and hazards) later. Whether you’re prepping a turkey or baking cookies, your kitchen appliances will thank you.

Have a safe, smooth, and happy Thanksgiving.

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