Check out these pro tips to make your job easier.
Even if you call yourself a cleaning enthusiast, we doubt whether cleaning oven racks tops your list of things you enjoy doing! After all, cleaning away the heavy grease, grime and food residue accumulated on your racks can be quite a task, even if you have a self-cleaning oven. But there is no denying that this is an essential task, for health, hygiene, and aesthetic reasons. It is a known fact that if your racks are caked with grease, they could also cause your food to smell and taste bad. Besides, a heavy build-up of food residues could also damage your oven’s heating element over time, which can be expensive to repair.
Unfortunately, the longer you put this task off, the dirtier they will get. You certainly wouldn’t want to cook your next meal on gunky oven racks, would you? There are even people who go as far as to replace their oven racks when they get seriously gunky. But this isn’t necessary, if you use any of these pro tips that we are going to be sharing with you in this blog. Read on to know more about oven rack cleaning hacks to get your racks sparkling clean!
4 Proven Ways for Cleaning your Oven Racks
A quick search online will bring up multiple articles, each with their own version of the best ways to clean dirty oven racks. We’ve decided to make it simple, and list only the most proven techniques which can give you clean oven racks with minimal effort. The tips shared below have been tried and vetted by cleaning experts, and we believe they will work well for you too!
1. The Bathtub Soak Way
There are two ways in which you could use your bathtub to clean your oven racks, depending upon the cleaning materials you have at hand. In both cases, start by laying an old towel in your bathtub and placing the oven racks over it.
In the first option, sprinkle baking soda over the racks and douse it with distilled white vinegar. The chemical reaction will cause foaming. Submerge the racks in very hot water and let them sit overnight. You could add a few drops of orange essential oil for its antimicrobial properties. The next morning, scrub away the grease and grime with an old toothbrush or towel. Stubborn bits can be brushed away with some salt for added abrasion.
In the second option, soak the racks in very hot water and add generous squirts of dishwashing liquid or powder detergent. Let them sit overnight. By the morning, scrub with a sponge to remove any remaining buildup. Some people also use dryer sheets, but in our experience, they do not make much difference.
2. The Trash Bag & Ammonia Way
This method is best tried outdoors. Place the soiled oven racks in a trash bag, add one pint of ammonia, seal the bag, and leave it overnight. The ammonia will loosen the grime, and by morning, minimal scrubbing is needed. Rinse the racks with a garden hose or in a shower before using them again. Take care when unsealing the bag, as ammonia fumes are strong.
3. The Bar Keepers Friend Way
This method requires minimal time and effort. Make a paste of Bar Keepers Friend and water (not too thick or runny). Place the dirty racks in a sink or bathtub and rinse lightly. Apply the paste evenly using a scrubber or basting brush. Allow the racks to sit for around an hour, then rinse with warm soapy water.
Cleaning oven racks can be easy if you have the right materials and techniques. Regular cleaning will not only make it easier for you but also keep the racks in great shape and ensure your food is prepared in a hygienic environment. Try these methods to find the one that works best for you. If you choose to get the Goldline 75-litre, 15 function Pyrolytic Electric Oven, you can leave the rest of your oven cleaning worries behind.
FAQs
Is it good to use an oven cleaner to clean oven racks?
Oven cleaners are specially formulated to tackle tough grime and grease on oven racks. While potent and effective, they could be harmful to your health. It is best to explore natural solutions such as baking soda and vinegar.
Can I use a dishwasher to clean oven racks?
It is possible to clean your oven racks in a dishwasher, but we wouldn’t recommend it as the high heat and strong detergents can damage the racks and reduce their lifespan.
How often should one clean oven racks?
This depends on your cooking habits and how dirty the racks get. Usually, it is recommended to perform a deep clean every six months. You may clean them more frequently based on usage.
