What’s the most frustrating thing in your kitchen to clean?
For some of us, it’s the oven racks. They’re so fiddly, with thin wires that are tedious to scrub (especially if they’re caked in grease).
Still, it’s important to clean them regularly. The racks collect grease and baked-on food faster than you think, and they can become a health or fire hazard. The burnt residue may also create unpleasant odours or lead to corrosion.
But how to clean oven racks, fiddly wires and all? Some of our favourite methods are:
Getting oven racks clean can feel grating (get it?), but your oven and food will thank you. So slide them out and let’s get that grease off!
How Often Do You Need to Clean Oven Racks?
Regular cleaning lessens dirt buildup, so wipe the racks clean after cooking. You can use a damp cloth or quickly wash them in the sink.
Deep clean your oven racks every 3–4 months when you clean the oven. This tackles any built-up grease and food that hasn’t been washed off.
Of course, if you’ve just hosted a big dinner and your oven’s taken a beating, add an oven clean to your Maid2Match cleaning service! We’ll tackle any racks, trays, and the rest of your kitchen to get everything spotless again.
Before You Clean Your Oven Racks
Always let the oven racks cool down enough before working! Don’t let them cool completely, though, as the food and grease can harden onto the surface.
Instead, clean the racks when they’re just warm (not hot) to touch, so the food is still loose enough to wash off.
Check the manufacturer’s manual for any specific cleaning instructions. They may advise against using certain cleaners, which could void your warranty.
Figure out where you can clean your oven racks beforehand. It’s easiest to wash them in the kitchen sink, but if that’s not big enough, use the laundry sink or even a large plastic bin lined with an old towel.
Make sure you wear protective gear when working! Rubber gloves will protect your hands, while a face mask prevents you from inhaling fumes from stronger cleaners.
Our Top Oven Rack Cleaning Methods
There’s no single “best” way to clean oven racks — how you clean them depends on the level of dirt and the level of effort you want to put in.
Here are a few different but effective methods, from gentle options to heavy-duty cleaners.
Cleaning oven racks with dish soap
STRENGTH: Low
EFFORT: Moderate
Hot, soapy water works best for light, everyday cleaning! This method is most effective right after use, when the food residue hasn’t hardened yet.
Soak the racks in some hot water for a few minutes to loosen the grime. Afterwards, wash off the gunk with anti-grease dish soap and a scrubby sponge, getting into all the nooks and crannies.
You can lessen the scrubbing by using a dish detergent spray like Dawn Platinum Powerwash or The Pink Stuff Miracle Wash-Up Spray. Spritz the product all over the rack, then let it sit before doing a little scrubbing or simply rinsing off.
Cleaning oven racks with a dishwasher tablet
STRENGTH: Low
EFFORT: Low
If your kitchen sink isn’t big enough, you can clean oven racks in a laundry sink or plastic tub with hot water and a dishwasher tablet!
Dish tabs are more potent than dish soap thanks to active ingredients (like enzymes), so be sure to wear rubber gloves.
Position the racks in the sink or tub, then fill it with enough hot water that the racks are fully submerged. Add a dish tab or two, then leave things to soak for a few hours (or even overnight).
Once the grimy oven racks are done “marinating” (ha!), drain the sink and scrub off the food gunk with a sponge and some dish soap. Rinse them fully before drying.
Cleaning oven racks with baking soda
STRENGTH: Moderate
EFFORT: High
Baking soda is highly alkaline and mildly abrasive, making it an ideal oven rack cleaner. This method gets messy, though, so work in the sink or another easy-to-clean area.
Still, if you’re looking to clean oven racks naturally, this is an effective method!
Make a thick paste with baking soda and warm water. (Optional: a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power.) With a damp sponge, spread the paste over the racks, then leave it to work for up to an hour.
Use the sponge to scour off the dirt afterwards, or try using aluminium foil! Crumple some foil into a ball and use that to scrub the racks clean.
Depending on how dirty the racks are, it may take a lot of elbow grease. If you’re using aluminium foil, change it out once it’s gotten too dirty.
Rinse off all the baking soda before setting the oven racks aside to dry.
TIP: Baking soda and vinegar aren’t very effective together, but you can spritz on some vinegar to help clean off the baking soda! It should react with the residue to make it easier to rinse off.
Cleaning oven racks with Bar Keepers Friend
STRENGTH: Moderate
EFFORT: Moderate
You want to use the Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) Soft Cleanser or the Powder Cleanser for this, since they’re safe for food surfaces when used properly. But test it on a small spot first so you’re sure it won’t damage the racks.
Like the baking soda paste, this method can get messy, but BKF is very effective for tackling baked-on food and grease. It also cleans oven racks quickly!
Follow the instructions for applying the product — a soft, damp cloth usually works well. Let the product sit for the recommended time before rinsing off. You can reapply more BKF as needed, but don’t leave it on too long, as it can discolour the metal.
Give the racks a quick wash with some soapy water to remove any remaining residue.
Cleaning oven racks with oven cleaner
STRENGTH: High
EFFORT: Low
For very stubborn stains or burnt-on food, the most effective method is a good oven cleaner.
You can also use this method for deep cleaning oven racks every few months.
This uses a similar process to ammonia. Place the racks inside a large rubbish bag, then spray them thoroughly with the oven cleaner.
Tie the bag shut and lay it flat so the product doesn’t drip off the racks too much. Allow the oven cleaner to work for 30–45 minutes, or overnight for tougher grime.
Take out the racks afterwards and wipe off the gunk with some paper towels. Wash them with soap and warm water to remove any residue. Dry the racks before returning them to the oven.
Tips for Maintaining Your Oven Racks
As much as possible, avoid cooking food directly on the oven rack. Instead, use aluminium foil, oven liners, or an oven tray to catch drips and minimise food stains.
Clean off food residue ASAP, so it doesn’t dry or bake on. Even a quick wipe with a damp cloth after use can lessen the buildup of grease and grime!
Dry the racks thoroughly after wiping or washing to minimise the risk of rust or discolouration.
Skip any harsh, abrasive tools like steel wool or wire brushes. These can leave scratches or scuff marks on the metal, which may trap more dirt or lead to rust.
More About Oven Rack Cleaning: FAQs
Worried about accidentally damaging the racks? Got more questions about oven rack cleaning?
We’ve answered some common questions below.
What is the easiest way to clean dirty oven racks?
If you’re looking for ways to clean oven racks without scrubbing, your best option is oven cleaner. Be sure to work outdoors or in an open, well-ventilated space, as the product can give off fumes.
Can you put oven racks in the dishwasher?
Only if the manufacturer allows it — and if they fit! If yes to both, run them on a heavy-duty cycle.
However, dishwashers may not be able to fully clean racks with baked-on grease and food. It’s usually better to tackle your oven racks by hand so you can get all the grime off.
Can you clean an oven rack with dryer sheets?
Dryer sheets can work on dirty oven racks, since they contain compounds that loosen grime. However, they’re not very effective and may leave a residue that could damage the racks or be hazardous in the oven.
Stick to more effective methods and save your dryer sheets for the laundry.
Does the self-cleaning function work for oven racks?
No, you should not use the self-cleaning oven function to clean oven racks.
The high heat (around 500ºC) can damage the racks and trays, especially those made of stainless steel. Be sure to take out any accessories before you run the self-clean.
You can, however, steam clean oven racks inside the oven! Place a container of warm water and vinegar inside the oven after preheating to 120ºC. Shut the door and leave it for an hour to steam up.
Switch the oven off and let everything cool before you take out the racks. Wipe off the loosened gunk or give them a quick wash in the sink.
How do you get baked-on grease off of stainless steel oven racks?
For tough, baked-on grease or food on stainless steel racks, try Bar Keepers Friend or a safe oven cleaner. Double-check the product label to make sure it’s compatible with the material.
