Many self-cleaning ovens are lined with Teflon, which at very high temperatures can produce fumes that are toxic to small pets like birds, and may cause respiratory irritation in humans. And while being in the house during the self-cleaning process could expose you to fumes, it’s also a good idea to be present in case of excess smoke as food burns off. To play it safe, avoid the self-cleaning button and try our easy method for cleaning your oven instead. RELATED: 7 Oven-Cleaning Hacks That Don’t Involve Any Harsh Chemicals Besides appearing on surfaces around the home, mildew can grow on clothing and bath towels. Clean your washing machine of mildew, and be sure to put away only completely dry, not damp, clothing.