It’s safe to say most people wouldn’t choose “scrubbing the oven racks” as their favorite household chore. But it’s one of those things that has to be done occasionally, so we tapped experts for advice on making it less tedious. Below, pros share the easiest way to clean oven racks.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend a whole afternoon scrubbing to get your oven racks looking fresh. Dish soap and water can do most of the heavy lifting for you, but you need to give them time to work their magic. The same thing goes for using an oven cleaning spray. One of the most common cleaning mistakes is not allowing your cleaning products enough time to loosen grease or debris. If you’re using a store-bought cleaner, be sure you read the label to understand how long the product should be left on your rack.
Even baked-on messes can be tackled using the methods below. If you’re looking for even more tips, read our expert guide on how to clean an oven inside and out. And if you want to keep your momentum going, read up on the appliances cleaning pros say most people aren’t cleaning often enough.
How to Clean Oven Racks With Dish Soap
What You’ll Need
- Dish soap
- Scour pads or reusable scrubs
Wash your racks in the sink with warm, soapy water. (If you require more space for scrubbing, you can also clean oven racks in the bathtub — just lay down towels first to prevent scratching.) For stubborn gunk and grime, try a grease-cutting dish spray, like Dawn Powerwash. Spray dirty oven racks with a dish spray and let them sit in the sink or tub for several minutes. Scrub your racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad (depending on how dirty they are). Then, rinse racks clean and allow them to air dry on the counter or hand-dry with a dishtowel before re-inserting into the oven.
How to Clean Oven Racks With Oven Cleaner
If your racks are especially dirty (think burned food and tough grease), it might be best to try an oven cleaner. Always remove your oven racks first. Keep in mind some oven cleaners can damage wood or stone surfaces. Cover your workstation in several layers of newspaper or clean racks somewhere outside.
Below are a few favorites and how to use them, but always follow the instructions listed on the package. Also, take a look at your appliance manufacturer’s recommendations — some may suggest only using an oven cleaner to spot clean.
Expert tip: Always wear gloves during deep cleans.
- Easy-Off Oven Cleaner: Spray oven racks, allow to sit for 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a wet cloth. This cleaner, great for spot cleans, can be sprayed directly into the oven as long as it’s completely cool.
- Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner: Remove racks and lay them on a protected surface (several layers of newspaper works well). Spray foam cleaner and allow to sit for two to 10 minutes — try longer for tougher messes. Scrub racks with a scouring pad, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
For more options, see Best Oven Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Pros.
Should I Clean My Oven Racks With Baking Soda?
You can clean oven racks with baking soda by sprinkling it onto racks and scrubbing with a sponge or scouring pad, then finishing with a rinse. While this method may work for lightly soiled racks, it isn’t recommended for deep cleaning. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so this approach could require intense scrubbing and rinsing.
Should I Clean My Oven Racks With Vinegar?
Some choose to create a paste by mixing vinegar with baking soda, but this method isn’t recommended. Mixing baking soda and vinegar together is only effective while the mixture is bubbling, which won’t last long.
Should I Clean My Oven Racks With Dishwasher Tablets or Detergent?
Some recommend soaking dirty oven racks in warm water mixed with dishwasher detergent, but it’s not a method pros endorse. Not only does this require soaking oven racks overnight in the sink or bathtub, but it isn’t any more effective than using dish soap. Plus, your warm water won’t stay warm for long, making the detergent less effective. “Dishwashers periodically heat the water throughout the cycle,” says Forté. “You can’t do that in your sink or tub without diluting the mixture.”
For most situations, warm soapy water with a good scouring pad is all you need — and for heavily soiled racks, a quality oven cleaner will get the job done without the overnight soak.
