Oven racks tend to collect grease, burnt food, and grime over time, making them one of the dirtiest parts of your kitchen. If left uncleaned, they can affect your oven’s efficiency and even cause smoke while baking. Instead of scrubbing endlessly, try these simple and effective methods—including both DIY and store-bought solutions—to restore your oven racks to a sparkling clean state.
1. Soaking in a Bathtub with Dish Soap
A long soak in warm, soapy water can break down grease and loosen baked-on residue.
Steps:
- Place an old towel in your bathtub to prevent scratches.
- Fill the tub with warm water and add a generous amount of Dawn Dish Soap
- Submerge the oven racks and let them soak overnight.
- Scrub with a sponge or soft-bristle brush, rinse, and dry completely.
Why It Works:
Dish soap cuts through grease, making scrubbing much easier.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak
This natural cleaning method uses a chemical reaction to break down grime.
How to Do It:
- Lay your oven racks in a large sink or bathtub.
- Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda generously over them.
- Pour white vinegar on top and let it fizz for a few minutes.
- Fill the tub with hot water and let the racks soak for at least 6 hours.
- Scrub off any remaining grime and rinse.
Why It Works:
The fizzing reaction helps lift stubborn buildup while vinegar cuts through grease.
3. Ammonia in a Sealed Garbage Bag
Ammonia fumes break down thick grease and burnt residue with minimal scrubbing.
Instructions:
- Place your oven racks inside a large garbage bag.
- Add Aqueon’s Clear Ammonia then seal the bag tightly.
- Leave the bag outdoors overnight (away from children and pets).
- Open the bag in a well-ventilated area, then rinse and scrub off loosened grime.
Why It Works:
Ammonia’s strong fumes dissolve grease and grime, making it easy to wipe away.
⚠️ Caution: Always wear gloves and never mix ammonia with other cleaners.
4. Dishwasher Tablets for Spot Cleaning
Dishwasher tablets contain grease-fighting agents that work well on oven racks.
Steps:
- Slightly dampen a Finish Powerball Dishwasher Tablet with warm water.
- Scrub greasy areas directly with the tablet.
- Wipe off residue with a damp cloth and rinse.
Why It Works:
Dishwasher tablets are designed to break down tough grease, making them great for spot cleaning.
5. Baking Soda Paste for Heavy Grime
A baking soda paste can help lift stubborn residue without harsh chemicals.
How to Apply:
- Mix Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with a little water until a thick paste forms.
- Spread it generously over the dirtiest areas.
- Let it sit for at least 2 hours (or overnight for heavy grime).
- Scrub with a sponge or brush, rinse, and dry.
Why It Works:
The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps remove buildup without damaging the racks.
6. Commercial Oven Rack Cleaners
If you want a powerful cleaning solution without DIY prep, commercial oven rack cleaners can do the job quickly.
Recommended Products:
- Easy-Off Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner – Strong degreaser that cuts through baked-on grime.
- Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner – Comes with a soaking bag for an easy cleanup process.
- Weiman Oven & Grill Cleaner – Non-toxic formula safe for stainless steel racks.
How to Use:
- Lay the oven racks on an old towel or garbage bag in a well-ventilated area.
- Spray them generously with the cleaner.
- Let them sit for the recommended time (usually 15–30 minutes).
- Scrub with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
Why It Works:
These products contain powerful degreasers that break down grime quickly.
⚠️ Caution: Always wear gloves and follow product instructions for safety.
7. Steam Cleaning with Boiling Water
Steam naturally loosens grime and makes scrubbing easier.
Steps:
- Place the oven racks inside a large sink or bathtub.
- Pour boiling water over them to soften grease.
- Let them sit in hot water for about 30 minutes.
- Scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse.
Why It Works:
Steam helps loosen grime, reducing the effort needed for scrubbing.
Also Read: Quick DIY Oven Cleaning Tips
Final Tips for Keeping Oven Racks Clean
- Use an oven liner: A Non-Stick Oven Liner can catch spills and prevent grime buildup.
- Wipe down racks regularly: A simple wipe after cooking prevents residue from hardening.
- Remove racks before self-cleaning: High oven temperatures can discolor and warp racks, making them harder to slide in and out.
By using these seven methods, your oven racks can stay clean and grease-free without endless scrubbing. Try them out and see which one works best for you!
