Cleaning dirty oven racks are an annoying chore and as expected, there are a number of guaranteed tips and tricks out there that will make the job easier. That is, as long as you buy the special product, don't mind harsh chemicals, or have a well-ventilated area for ammonia fumes. But there is another tried and true old-school method: A cup of dish soap and the power of water.
Dish Soap vs. Commercial Cleaners
There’s a time and place for standard oven rack cleaners or heavy-duty commercial oven cleaners, especially when dealing with baked-on grease and stubborn stains. But it is just one more thing to buy and store. Especially if the results aren't as easy as the commercial suggests. If you're going to spend some time on tough grease anyway, might as well use a product that you already have on hand. Dish soap breaks down grease effectively, costs less, and smells nicer. It's our favorite method and worth trying before you jump straight to chemical cleaners.
Do dishwasher tablets really work, or is that just TikTok hype?
Everyone wants to simplify the oven rack cleaning experience. Dishwasher tablets have gained a reputation as a miracle cleaning hack, and while can be an effective method for grimy oven racks or even dirty grill racks, they’re not a magic bullet. If you already own them, it can be a cleaning method worth trying, as their degreasing power and enzymes are designed to clean. But to say they have a superior cleaning power to regular dish soap's surfactants is an exaggeration. Either option will involve some active scrubbing time.
How to Clean Oven Racks With Dish Soap
You'll Need
- Large storage tub, utility sink, or bathtub (even a clean trash bin can work)
- Scrub brush
- Scrubbing sponge
- Dish soap (preferably a grease-fighting formula)
- Old towels (or an old shower curtain liner)
- Optional: Baking soda for extra grime-busting power
- Optional: Rubber gloves (liquid dish soap is mild but you may want the coverage)
1. Prep Your Workspace
- Line your bathtub with towels or a plastic liner. The cushion of towels should prevent scratching. You may want to lay towels around a plastic storage tub in case of splashing.
- Place the racks inside, laying them flat.
2. Brush Down Oven Racks
Use the scrubbing brush to knock loose baked-on food and oven debris off crusty oven racks.
3. Soak the Racks
- Fill the tub with hot water, submerging the racks completely.
- Add 1 cup of dish soap and swish the water to mix.
- Let the racks soak for 4-6 hours (or overnight for stubborn grease).
4. Scrub Away Residue
- In the soapy water, use an abrasive sponge or bristle brush and elbow grease to scrub racks clean. The grease will have a thick peanut butter consistency but it will come off with time and special attention and intense scrubbing.
- Drain the water and refill it with hot water if needed.
- For tough grime (or if you're using a natural dish soap), sprinkle a little baking soda on the scrubber for a cleaning paste with an abrasive texture.
5. Rinse and Dry
- Rinse racks clean with warm water to remove soapy water and baking soda residue.
- Air dry clean racks on a flat surface or wipe them down with a clean towel before placing them back in the oven.
FAQ
How often should I clean my oven racks?
This is definitely a deep cleaning activity whose frequently depends both on how often you use your oven and the types of food you cook. You can delay a deep clean by cleaning out loose debris and wiping down greasy oven racks with a damp sponge as it happens (cool oven racks first!) Frequent cleaning prevents baked-on grime from hardening into difficult stains too. So depending on your habits, your oven racks might need a deep clean every few months or maybe only once a year if you don't see much built-up grime.
Can I use aluminum foil to line the racks instead of cleaning them?
Using aluminum foil as a protective layer can trap heat and disrupt cooking times; it’s better to clean your racks than rely on foil. Plus, foil can scratch the oven surface and cause brown stains. Another option is to put your oven-safe dish on a baking sheet to protect against spills.
Is it safe to clean oven racks in the dishwasher?
Maybe. Some racks are dishwasher-safe and that the racks aren't blocking any dishwasher jets. In this case, use a regular dishwasher detergent. In these cases, it'll take care of any crusty grime but it’s not always effective for tough stains or the dirtiest oven racks. If the rack isn't labeled dishwasher safe, it's because the high heat during the cleaning cycle may warp some types of racks, so you should stick to handwashing dishes after they soak. This is the same reason you should not run an oven on a self-clean cycle with oven racks inside.
