Which household chores do you hate to do? Cleaning the oven is one of the top-hated chores in the UK, and the technology that seems to fix this issue is a self-cleaning oven. It is exciting to have a spotless range right under your reach.
Just as its name implies, a self-cleaning oven cleans itself by burning away food deposits and leftovers at around 932 degrees Fahrenheit. It sounds convenient, cost-effective, and time-saving, thus, making them ideal for consumers.
An oven should have pleasant aromas, but what if it starts to smell like burning plastic? Stay onboard to learn more.
Table of Contents
Why Your Oven Smells Like Burnt Plastic and the Solutions
Ways to Get Rid of the Burnt Plastic Smell
The most unpleasant smells are that of burnt plastic. It spreads quickly, making it distinct contrary to other odors. To eradicate the smell, you may have to repeat some of the processes several times before it fades away.
The methods to do it differ depending on whether your oven is new or regularly used shortly before the smell begins. In this section, we shall handle how you can fix each issue, and without wasting much time, we dive in.
Forgotten Zip Ties
Zip ties are used to secure the grills and other appliances during transit. A common mistake people make is forgetting to inspect the oven before using it. You may accidentally burn the zip ties that are now causing the burnt plastic smell out of the excitement.
Solution
First, take out the inserts of the oven and, put them on a flat surface, put the ice pack on the burnt plastic residue for them to harden for easy removal.
Once the ice melts, check and remove the residue from the oven cavity
Do a good clean down using mild dishwashing soap and a scrubbing cloth.
Dry the oven cavity with a microfiber cloth and leave the inserts to dry.
Fill a cup with an odor absorber like white vinegar, baking soda, or activated charcoal, put it inside the microwave cavity, and lock the door.
When it is time to remove the odor absorber, the pungent plastic smell of burnt plastic should have gone. Replace the inserts, and have fun with your cooking.
It is a New Oven
Brand new ovens tend to have a burnt plastic-like smell caused by the high heat on the insulation around the oven cavity for the first time.
In other cases, the protective oil coating used during the manufacturing process when it burns can also cause the smell.
Solution
Remove any zip-ties and other plastic parts used in transit
Wipe down the oven cavity and insert using a kitchen cloth and hot soapy water.
Use a white vinegar and water solution or lemon and water solution according to your choice and place it inside the oven. Conduct the self-cleaning cycle for 30 minutes to –1 hour, then take it off. The process leaves your range clean and smelling fresh.
Note that running the self–cleaning circle isn’t a must, only that it will consume more time.
- Burn in the oven, turn on the fan, and open nearby windows
- Heat the oven to 400-550 degrees Fahrenheit/ 204-288 Celsius
- Let the range run for 30-60 minutes once the temperature is attained.
- Do this continuously until the smell fades.
- Upon cooling, wipe the oven using a washcloth, and warm soapy water
- Electrical Malfunction
The burnt plastic smell could indicate an electrical wiring problem if the oven isn’t brand new. The problem arises when an electrical malfunction short-circuits your oven’s wiring. A short circuit will cause other oven components to burn, rendering a burning rubber-like smell.
Burnt electrical components in an oven insinuate there would be a problem with the heating element and can be hazardous.
Solution
Unplug the oven from the source of power
Examine the inside for any signs of burned wiring insulation or oven components
If any, consult an expert to inspect further and fix the problem.
A Wiring Issue
The wire will be heated up and burnt if the connection is loose. Secure all contacts where the heating element is connected.
Burnt Plastic Container
The smell may be due to a forgotten plastic container inside the oven as it melts away.
Solution
Let the molten plastic harden for effortless removal, and use an ice pack to fasten the process.
Remove the residue once it is cool and other debris in the oven cavity.
Scrub the inside of the oven and its racks using a dish-friendly scrubber and hot soapy water.
Dry the oven and its inserts using a clean plate
Deodorize your oven by pouring some baking soda on a plate and placing it in your oven.
Your oven will be free of odors and clean when removing the baking powder.
It is important to use oven-safe crockery like those made of ceramic, food-grade silicone and stainless steel, and cast iron.
Stop using plastic dishes or wood in your oven as they warp or melt.
Strong Chemicals
If you cleaned your oven, using strong chemicals would cause the smell.
The Danger of Inhaling the Burnt Plastic Fume
It is not healthy to inhale the fumes from burnt plastic. However, your health depends on the type of plastic material burning; for example, PVC and polyurethane release poisonous fumes such as carbon monoxide, dioxins, sulfur dioxide, cyanide, and volatile organic compounds, which can directly impact your health.
Steps to Follow
The fumes emitted by the self-cleaning oven can be dangerous, but improving the room’s ventilation will prevent their inhaling for the better. Start with these basic steps:
- Open a nearby window near the machine to let the fumes escape to the outside.
- Install a fan in the kitchen
- Improve the venting process
- Don’t use the self–cleaning feature in a closed area
The self–cleaning feature doesn’t mean your kitchen is toxic. Oh no, toxicity occurs when you turn on the part in an enclosed space.
Odors, smoke, and smells are normal happenings, particularly if you just installed a brand new oven. You will experience some odor and smoke, but the manufacturing process causes these. It will disperse and is normal.
The burnt plastic smell should not make you panic because they are normal occurrences with many appliances. Use the suggestions above to easily eliminate odors from your oven and enjoy a haven of pleasant aromas and not burnt plastic smells.
