How to Clean Oven Racks Like a Pro

No one likes learning how to clean an oven, especially how to clean oven racks. Even so, there comes a point in time when you can’t ignore the baked-on gunk and grime any longer. The large racks and greasy residue often make the job more difficult than it should be. Consider one of these tried-and-true oven rack cleaning methods to remove layers of grease, grime, and food residue. All you need are a few simple pantry items—or a quick run to the store—to cross this job off your cleaning checklist and make your racks look as good as new.

Why Clean Your Oven Racks?

Remember that lasagna that boiled over a bit? Or that time you put that frozen pizza directly on the rack? Knowing when and how to clean oven racks can protect you from smoke, burnt odors, and even a small fire from ruining your next dinner. Not only does this affect the performance of your oven, but it can make the racks difficult to pull in and out when you need them to.

Overall, clean your oven racks once or twice a year, or whenever you bake a messy meal. You can also pair your biannual oven rack cleaning with when you clean your stove burners.

Best Ways to Clean Oven Racks

The best ways to clean oven racks really come down to what size is the mess. You likely won't need to break out the commercial cleaner if you're just doing a standard scrub. However, if you just moved into an apartment with years of caked-on casseroles, you may need to move further down our list.

1. Baking Soda Method

Cut down on how much elbow grease you need to clean your oven racks by giving it time to soak. You should not be able to use a basic sponge or steel wool to break clean the grease with ease.

1. Line your bathtub with a towel to protect the bathtub finish.

2. Lay your oven racks over the top. 

3. Fill the water just above the racks.

4. Pour in 1 cup of baking soda. 

5. Let the racks soak overnight, and then drain the tub in the morning.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

We all know by now that cleaning with vinegar and baking soda is the most versatile DIY go-to. If you don't have a full night to let your oven racks soak in the tub, distilled white vinegar can speed up the process.

1. Fill your tub, sink, or a large plastic container with water. If you opt for your tub or sink, line it with a towel first.

2. Soak your oven rack below the water.

3. Add 1 cup of baking soda.

4. Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar and let the solution fizz and bubble until it goes down.

5. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Or if you're feeling patient, wait 30 minutes.

6. Drain the container and scrub the racks with a bit of dish soap.

3. Tub, Dryer Sheet, and Detergent Method

The dryer sheet method is a fascinating one that is often met with mixed results, though it's still worth a shot. The theory goes that dryer sheets and dishwasher detergent will work to break down the bond between the cooked-on grease and metal. Here's how to do it.

1. Line your tub with a towel and soak your rack as you did in options one and two.

2. Layer dryer sheets over the top of the racks, directly in the water.

3. Add 1/4 cup of dishwasher detergent.

4. Let the mixture sit overnight.

5. Remove the racks in the morning and scrub with a sponge or scouring pad.

4. Dishwasher Detergent Method

If you don't have them on hand, you can follow the same steps as above without the dryer sheets. Some DIYers rave that dishwashing detergent will do just as much work as the combo of dryer sheets and detergent. You may need to scrub a little harder to get rid of the old grease, but this option requires fewer supplies to get the job done.

1. Line your tub with a towel and soak your rack as you did in options one and two.

2. Add 1/4 cup of dishwasher detergent.

3. Let the mixture sit overnight.

4. Remove the racks in the morning and scrub with a sponge or scouring pad.

5. Aluminum Foil Method

Filed under "kitchen cleaning life hacks," you can also try the aluminum foil method. 

1. Line your tub or sink with towels. 

2. Cover the racks loosely with aluminum foil and submerge them in hot water. 

3. Drop one or two dishwasher detergent pods in the tub.

4. Let them sit for two to three hours. 

5. Remove the racks from the water and use the balled-up foil to remove any excess grease and grime.

6. Trash Bag and Heavy Duty Cleaner Method

You'll need to head outdoors for this one and break out your mask and goggles. That being said, the toughest grease calls for some tougher oven rack cleaning tools. Here's how to do it.

1. Choose a commercial oven cleaning spray of your choice.

2. Remove your oven racks and spray them with the cleaning solution outside.

3. Place them in a garbage bag and seal it for up to 30 minutes.

4. Wearing your mask and gloves, remove the rack from the bag, and rinse in the sink. 

5. Remove the broken-down grease with a good rinse and light scrub.

7. Bar Keepers Friend® Paste Method

Professionals will swear by Bar Keepers Friend—hence its well-earned name. It is, however, a pretty intense product, so just as the step above, you should always work in a well-ventilated space with protective gear. While you should always follow the specific instructions on the container, the steps are quite basic.

1. Combine the powder with a bit of water to create a thick paste, not unlike the consistency of toothpaste. 

2. Cover your oven rack with the paste and allow it to sit for up to an hour. 

3. Rinse and scrub away the removed grease.

Tips for Keeping Your Oven Racks Clean

The best way to avoid epic deep cleans is to take care while cooking. While some splashes and spills are unavoidable for the busy home chef, there are some tips to keep in mind.

• Never place pizzas—or any other food—directly on the oven rack.

• Place a baking sheet below your casserole dish in the event of spillage.

• Don't line your oven rack or the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil unless the recipe calls for it, as it can affect the heat of your oven.

• Remove your racks once a month to rinse and remove any grease buildup.

• Remove rust from metal racks ASAP or consider replacing them.

• Spritz your oven racks with a solution of water, white vinegar, and a bit of baking soda once a week.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean Your Oven Racks

While you won't spend a pretty penny on cleaning your oven racks, it is time- and labor-intensive. If you hire a local house cleaner, they can take care of the tough stuff for an average of $170 for the whole house. Keep in mind that you may pay a bit extra for deep cleaning jobs like oven rack cleaning, but some oven TLC can be invaluable before or after the holidays or around spring cleaning.

Kaitlyn Pacheco contributed to this piece.