How to Clean Your Oven Racks of Grease and Baked-On Food—Without Scrubbing Forever

Large appliances can be daunting to clean, with multiple parts requiring specific care. Take for example, ovens. While many ovens have helpful self-cleaning features, the oven racks need to be removed first to prevent damage. And unfortunately, the racks may be the dirtiest part of your oven. "Oven racks have a way of collecting memories from every meal cooked," says cleaning professional Trish Duarte. "The cheese bubbles over, the sauce splatters, and, before you know it, they're more grimy than glamorous."

Fortunately, cleaning your oven racks doesn't have to be a difficult task, or one requiring harsh sprays and expensive solutions. And the more often you clean them, the easier it will be. ”Regular cleaning every few months keeps your racks in great shape,” Duarte says.

Read on to learn how to properly clean your oven racks.

Supplies Needed:

A scrub brush, sponge, or #0000 steel wool for tougher, baked-on food and grease spots are the best tools to use when cleaning oven racks. You may also want a pair of cleaning gloves to protect your hands.

• Washing soda
• Oxygen bleach
• Dish soap
• Scrub brush or sponge
• #0000 steel wool (optional)
  

Cleaning Instructions:

Ready to tackle the grime? "This method is simple, eco-friendly, and avoids harsh oven cleaner fumes," according to Duarte. Whether you're dealing with baked-on grease or food debris, these expert tips will leave your racks sparkling clean.

Step 1: Make Your Cleaning Solution

Duarte prefers making her own oven rack cleaner by combining 1/2 to 1 cup of washing soda (such as Arm & Hammer) with 1/4 cup of oxygen bleach (OxiClean can be used as an alternative), plus a squirt of dish soap. 

Step 2: Use the Sink or Tub

You’ll want plenty of space to soak and clean your oven racks, so if they don’t fit in your kitchen sink, go to the tub. 

“Use 1/2 cup of washing soda if you're soaking your oven racks in a sink, and 1 cup if you're using a bathtub,” Duarte suggests. “This way, you'll have just the right amount of cleaning power for the space you're working with.” 

Step 3: Soak in Hot Water

Fill the sink or tub with hot water and mix in your cleaning solution. Then, let your racks soak for 4 to 12 hours. 

“I love letting them soak overnight because it gives the solution plenty of time to tackle those stubborn spots, saving me from a scrubbing workout,” Duarte explains. “My arms and hands definitely appreciate the break.” 

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Step 4: Scrub After Soaking

"After soaking, scrub the racks with your brush or sponge," Duarte says. You can gently scrub stubborn spots with your steel wool, and "for extra-tough carbon deposits," Duarte adds, "sprinkle a bit of dry washing soda on your sponge for added power." 

Step 5: Rinse and Dry 

“Rinse the racks thoroughly with warm water and dry them completely with a towel to avoid rust,” Duarte says.

Re-install the racks in your oven once they're totally dry, and you're good to go. "Your oven racks will be ready to crisp up that next pizza, and you'll enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them shine again."