So, I usually buy Easy Off Fume Free cleaner for my oven. However, in the effort to save money and use off brands, I purchased the Great Value brand of oven cleaner. I read and followed the directions for the quick clean, where you heat the oven to 200 first.
I opened the door to the oven and started to spray, at the back, as instructed. Immediately, fume clouds were large and growing, I finished spraying, quickly aiming at the problem spot on the bottom of the oven, and closed the door. The instructions said to leave the door open, but NO WAY was I letting more of the fumes into my kitchen than I already felt overwhelmed by.
I was already coughing and choking, but tried to drink water. Gwen was curious, so she started coming into the kitchen and I tried to tell her to get back. She didn't listen, so I raised my voice and said to leave the kitchen or she'd get sick! She then started to point down her throat and caugh and cry. I grabbed her cup and got her to the living room, safely. The older children by now were asking what the smell was. I quickly explained and started opening windows, turned the central air to FAN so it could blow air out the windows, and proceeded to have prayer with the kids so they could get to bed.
I have never felt so out of control of my own breathing, the coughing was scary the way it felt like my lungs didn't have their power. I was worried about the kids too, but after determining that the air issue wasn't in the part of the house where they sleep, I prayed they would sleep well.
I turned out the lights, so as not to attract bugs, and opened the kitchen door for about half an hour. Then, after closing the door, left the windows open for a few more hours. Once the kitchen chemical haze had lifted, I opened the oven and cleaned it up. I didn't go to bed until I was certain we'd not suffocate in our sleep.
So, while I am all for using off brands when possible, there a few things you should use the right brand on.
#1 Easy Off Fume Free oven cleaner (never had a problem with it before)
#2 Philly Cream Cheese for Cheesecake (has nothing to do with this post, except that it applies to the brand thing)
#3 Ritz Crackers (they taste the best)
andn there are probably a few more, but I am not SO picky that I want to think of them right now.
Save yourself some good health and don't use the Great Value oven cleaner. Really.
