self-clean

No scrubbing needed

Self-clean describes an appliance or surface designed to clean itself automatically, without manual scrubbing.

Most commonly applied to ovens that use high heat to burn off grease and residue: Just run the self-clean cycle after Thanksgiving dinner.

Self-cleaning windows, litter boxes, and pools work through various mechanisms—coatings that repel dirt, automated raking, or chemical dispensers.

appliances

oven

Enclosed cooking chamber

pyrolyticDecomposed by heat alone
cycleRepeating sequence of events
residueMatter left behind

high-temperature · ash · liner · catalytic · coating · rack · interior · grease · grime · function

filters

HEPA

Strict air filtration standard

vacuumAbsence of matter
furnaceEnclosed heat-producing structure
HVACIndoor climate management

cartridge · regeneration · backwash · sediment · dust · particulate · washable · reusable · membrane · purification

surfaces

coating

Applied surface covering

nonstickResists food adhesion
hydrophobicRepels aqueous substances
nanotechnologyAtomic-scale manipulation science

antibacterial · glass · window · tile · toilet · antimicrobial · repellent · stain-resistant · shower · ceramic

biological

cat

Small furry housepet

groomingSelf-care for appearance
lickingTongue contact repeatedly
preeningGrooming with vanity

mucus · membrane · eye · vaginal · flora · wound · skin · natural · mechanism · bacteria

Categories

oven cleaningdegreaser, scrubbing, soaking, wiping, scraping
appliance controlspower button, off switch, dial, knob, timer
ovensmicrowave oven, gas oven, electric oven, toaster oven, convection oven
stovesgas stove, electric stove, wood stove, cookstove, range

Opposites

maintenance effort

self-cleanhigh-maintenance

Requiring excessive attention

labor-intensive · low-tech

Family

self, clean, selves, cleans, cleaned, cleaning, cleaner, cleaners, cleanest

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G