It’s the holidays. A client asks you to deep clean the oven. You turn on the “Self-Clean” cycle. An hour later, the oven overheats, the thermal fuse blows, and the control board fries. The client demands a brand new $4,000 Wolf range, claiming you “broke” it.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturer Warnings: Many high-end manufacturers (Wolf/Viking) advise against using the self-clean feature because extreme heat kills the electronics. Using it can be considered negligence.
- Care, Custody, Control (CCC): Since you were “working on” the oven, standard GL might exclude the damage under the CCC exclusion. You need “Voluntary Property Damage” coverage.
- Repair vs. Replace: You owe them a working oven, not a new one. Replacing the control board (
800)isthelegalremedy,notbuyinganewrange(800)isthelegalremedy,notbuyinganewrange(4,000). - Waivers: Your contract should explicitly exclude liability for damage caused by “Self-Cleaning” cycles or “Age of Appliance.”
The “Why” (The Trap): The Self-Clean Suicide
In 2026, appliances are full of delicate microchips. The self-clean cycle hits 900°F. This fries chips.
The Trap: If you pressed the button, you caused the damage. The client will argue: “A professional should know that self-clean is dangerous.”
Insurance adjusters often deny these claims under “Faulty Workmanship”—saying you used the wrong method to clean the item.
The Investigation: Oven Liability
I checked policy wording regarding appliance damage.
1. Next Insurance
- My Analysis: Their “Damage to Property” extension typically covers this if it was accidental.
- The Catch: If they determine using self-clean on a 15-year-old oven was “gross negligence,” they might fight it.
2. Appliance Repair Experts
- Consensus: “Never use self-clean on an oven older than 5 years.”
- Cost: Board replacement is ~
600−600−1,000.
3. Contract Protection
- Strategy: Successful cleaners have a checkbox on their intake: “Do not use Self-Clean mode.”
Comparison Table: Repair vs. Replace
| Scenario | Cost | Who Pays? |
| Fuse Blown | $200 | You (Cash) |
| Control Board Fried | $800 | You/Insurance |
| Client Demands New Oven | $4,000 | Denied (Betterment) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Ban Self-Cleaning: Make it company policy. Use pumice stones and degreasers instead. It’s harder work, but zero risk.
- Troubleshoot First: Often, the oven just needs a “Thermal Fuse” reset (a $20 part). Call a tech before offering to buy a new oven.
- Check Your CCC Limit: Ensure your policy has at least $5,000 in “Voluntary Property Damage.”
- Age Defense: If the oven is 10+ years old, argue that the component failed due to age, not your action.
FAQ Section
Is it really my fault if the manufacturer put the button there?
Legally, it’s gray. But practically, you were the last one to touch it. You own the problem.
Can I ask the client to sign a waiver for the oven?
Yes. “We are not responsible for mechanical failure of appliances during cleaning.”
What if the glass shatters?
That is physical breakage, definitely covered by GL (if above deductible).