Oven racks accumulate grime and grease rapidly, thanks to the splatters and spills that occur during cooking. Even with the convenience of self-cleaning features in modern ovens, these mechanisms subject racks to high temperatures, risking discoloration, loss of surface luster, and damage to the user-friendly coatings. Thus, it’s advisable, whether your oven boasts self-cleaning capabilities or not, to opt for the traditional approach and remove the racks for a thorough cleaning. Thankfully, we’ve assembled seven dependable methods that rely on readily available household items to simplify the task, ensuring a swift and effortless restoration of your oven racks’ shine.
How to clean the oven rack in the bath :
- Lay an old towel in your bathtub and place the oven rack on it.
- Fill the tub with hot water, adding either half a cup of dish detergent or 3/4 cup of washing powder. Leave overnight.
- For a detergent alternative, sprinkle baking soda and distilled white vinegar on the rack, followed by hot water. Soak overnight.
- In the morning, scrub the rack with an old dish towel to vanquish grease, employing an old toothbrush for stubborn spots. A dash of salt can work wonders for tenacious stains.
- Thoroughly rinse the racks before reinstalling them.
Ammonia in a Garbage Bag:
- In a well-ventilated area or outdoors, place oven racks in a garbage bag and add one pint of ammonia. Seal and let it rest overnight.
- In the morning, allow the bag to air out to dissipate ammonia fumes.
- Remove the racks, rinse them with a garden hose or in the shower, and reinstall.
How to care for oven racks using dry cleaning paper and detergent :
- Fill a sink or basin with hot water and add dishwashing detergent to degrease the rack.
- Place several sheets of dry cleaning paper in the water, causing it to bubble.
- After several hours or overnight, drain the water and use the dryer sheets to wipe away any remaining debris. Stubborn residues should come off easily.
- Rinse the racks thoroughly and reinstall them in your oven.
How to Clean Oven Racks with Bar Keeper’s Friend and Water :
- Form a paste by mixing Bar Keeper’s Friend with water in a small bowl.
- Place the oven rack in the sink and lightly moisten it.
- Apply the paste to a sponge or pad, then gently scrub to eliminate grease and grime.
- Wash and reinstall the rack.
How to clean oven racks with orange essential oil :
- In a small glass bowl, create a paste with baking soda, vinegar, and a few drops of orange essential oil, known for its antibacterial properties and pleasant citrus aroma.
- Apply the paste to the rack using a damp sponge, allowing it to sit for 6-8 hours.
- Gently scrub to remove grease and grime, then rinse and reinstall.
Commercial Oven Cleaner (with Caution):
- Preferably, clean oven racks outdoors to minimize exposure to toxic fumes. Consider eco-friendly options like Carbona biodegradable oven cleaner.
- Protect your work surface with plastic sheeting or newspaper.
- Spray oven cleaner liberally on the racks and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the racks with a rag or toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.
How to care for oven racks using aluminum foil
- Wrap the oven rack ladder in aluminum foil and submerge it in a basin of hot water.
- Drop a dishwasher tab into the water; its detergent will react with the foil.
- After 2 hours, drain the basin, remove the foil, and easily wipe off the grease. Rinse and reinstall.
FAQs on Cleaning Oven Racks:
- Removing Baked-On Grease Stains: Any of the methods above can work wonders for tackling baked-on grease stains on oven racks.
- Dealing with Discolored Racks: Combat discoloration by spraying the rack with distilled white vinegar, followed by a sprinkling of baking soda. After a few minutes, scrub with a bristle brush.
- Using Magic Eraser: Magic Eraser, generally safe for most metals, can be more effective than sponges or rags. However, avoid using it on stainless steel or non-stick surfaces and steer clear of combining it with chemicals.
- Bathtub Rack Cleaning: If your racks are too large for the sink, the bathtub is a suitable alternative. Protect the tub’s surface with an old towel for an easier cleanup.
Don’t let grimy oven racks hinder your culinary adventures. Employ these methods for a quick and hassle-free restoration, ensuring your oven racks remain in tip-top shape for your cooking endeavors.
SOURCE of pictur : shutterstock
