Cleaning Oven Racks

Are your oven racks gross with caked on food and grease? I tried over 15 different ways for cleaning oven racks. This was the lowest toxic option that worked the best with minimal scrubbing or elbow grease needed.

To see cleaning oven racks live in-action, check out my Instagram HERE.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Cleaning Oven Racks

I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with cleaning oven racks. There’s something satisfying about seeing the grime and buildup slowly dissolve away, revealing the shiny, polished metal beneath. It’s a tangible result of hard work, and knowing the oven is clean and ready for use gives me a great feeling of pride and achievement.

Cleaning oven racks also appeals to my love for organization and order. I enjoy tasks where I can put things back in their proper condition, and oven racks are no exception. The process of scrubbing away layers of dirt and restoring them to their original state is almost meditative for me. It brings a sense of calm and focus that I find fulfilling.

Finally, I love how clean oven racks contribute to a healthier, fresher kitchen. Cooking in a clean oven just feels better. It not only helps the food taste better but also reduces the risk of lingering odors or smoke. Knowing that I’m taking a small but important step towards maintaining a hygienic and efficient kitchen makes cleaning the racks totally worth it.

🧽 Materials for Cleaning Oven Racks

Dish soap is an excellent option for cleaning oven racks due to its powerful grease-cutting ability. It contains surfactants, which reduce surface tension, allowing water to mix with oils and grime, effectively loosening them from surfaces. To clean oven racks, place them in a large tub or sink filled with hot water and add a generous amount of dish soap.

The hot water helps soften baked-on food, while the soap breaks down the grease and residue. Let the racks soak for several hours or overnight, then scrub off any remaining grime with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly, and your oven racks will be clean and grease-free!

🧼 How to Do

Dishwashing pods can be an effective and easy way to clean oven racks, thanks to their concentrated cleaning power. The pods contain a mix of surfactants, enzymes, and grease-fighting agents that break down tough baked-on grime. To clean your oven racks, place them in a large bathtub or sink filled with hot water, and dissolve a few dishwashing pods into the water. Let the racks soak for a couple of hours.

As the water softens the grease and residue, the cleaning agents in the pods will lift off stubborn stains. After soaking, use a scrub brush to gently remove any remaining debris. Rinse the racks thoroughly, and they’ll be sparkling clean without much effort!

🪄 Tips and Tricks

One effective method for cleaning oven racks is to soak the racks in your bathtub. Fill the tub with hot water and add a few dishwasher tablets or a cup of baking soda mixed with vinegar. Let the racks soak for several hours or overnight. This will help loosen the grease and grime, making it easier to scrub off with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. If you’re dealing with stubborn spots, a paste made from baking soda and water can work wonders for spot cleaning.

To prevent future buildup, line the bottom of your oven with a non-stick oven liner or place a baking sheet under your dishes when roasting. Regularly wiping down spills and grease can also help keep your oven racks cleaner for longer, minimizing the need for heavy scrubbing.

🗒 Variations

No tox options for cleaning oven racks? The best option was leave the oven racks outside overnight in the spring weather (above 60 degrees) on a dewy night. My grandma use to do this and it works with the right weather. I posted a video last year on it too. 

🗒 Substitutions

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Create a paste using baking soda and water, and apply it to the racks. Let it sit for a few hours, then spray with vinegar. The chemical reaction helps break down grime and grease. Scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Laundry Detergent: Dissolve powdered laundry detergent in hot water and soak the oven racks. Its stain-fighting agents can help remove tough grease and baked-on food.

Lemon Juice: Combine lemon juice with baking soda to create a natural cleaning paste. The acidity of the lemon cuts through grease while leaving a fresh scent.

Salt and Baking Soda: Mix salt and baking soda for an abrasive scrub. This works well for stubborn spots without damaging the racks.

🫙 How to Store

Caring for your oven is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. Regularly wipe down the interior after cooking to prevent grease and food buildup, which can affect cooking efficiency and even pose fire hazards.

For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub away stubborn stains, or opt for a specialized oven cleaner for tougher grime. Check the oven seals periodically to ensure they’re intact, as worn seals can lead to heat loss.

Keeping your oven clean and well-maintained ensures it functions properly and lasts longer.

🤔 Common Questions