5 Ways To Clean Dirty Oven Racks

Experts share their favorite methods for tackling the task.

There are two types of cleaning that happen in our houses: the daily organizing to make things appear clean and the dreaded deep cleans that only happen a few times a year. Cleaning the oven racks is one of those deep cleaning projects we like to put off until the racks are completely covered in burnt pizza cheese, and we're probably not alone. But how do you scrub them spotless? We've asked multiple experts for advice on making this daunting task much easier.

Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for oven racks to become dirty and sticky. "Baked-on grease, grime, and burnt bits are likely to accumulate over time, especially if you're someone who bakes frequently or makes most meals at home, which makes it more difficult to clean as time goes on," explains Amelia Hensley, the engineering director of Cooking Systems at GE Appliances. "Cleaning these more frequently can also help reduce smells from foods that have been burnt onto the racks while cooking."

In terms of how often you should clean your oven racks, it depends. "Once or twice a year is good for most homes, especially if major spills are cleaned up right away," says Hensley. "It becomes less of a chore if the oven is wiped down after big spills or after cooking a large meal (i.e., after a party, holiday, etc.)."

If you're cooking most meals at home, it is recommended to clean the oven more often, like four to five times per year. Hensley also recommends wiping down racks immediately after cooking directly on the rack (like a pizza).

Wherever you wash the racks, the most important thing is to not damage other surfaces. "Make sure everything is protected, pets and children are out of the way, and you've gathered all the tools and time you will need to complete the project once you start it," says Sabrina Fierman, the president of high-end cleaning service New York's Little Elves.

Whenever possible, clean your racks outside so you don't risk damaging other surfaces. "Take your racks outside, and spray them off with a garden hose," Hensley says. That being said, many city dwellers don't have this option.

For normal cleaning, Hensley recommends a counter or floor, but make sure to cover the surface with a towel to prevent damage from cleaning products. Heavily soiled racks may need to be soaked in a large sink or bathtub—a cushion of towels should be placed in the tub to prevent damage. Do not submerge the sliding mechanism, Hensley warns.

There are several methods for cleaning oven racks. Below is a list of items you need for these methods, but note that you won't need every one of these items for each method. Read the instructions for your selected method before you start gathering materials.

One of the best ways to clean your oven as a whole is to spray it down with vinegar, then sprinkle baking soda, and, after 10 or so minutes, wipe everything clean. You can also make a baking soda and vinegar paste to scrub down tougher spots. However, if you hate the smell of vinegar (and who can blame you?), here are five other popular ways to clean your oven racks.

To clean oven racks using dish detergent, Fierman suggests doing the scrubbing in your bathtub. "First, line the tub with an old towel to avoid scratching it, then place racks on top and cover with hot water and a 1/2 cup of dish soap," she says. "Leave the racks in the soapy water solution overnight for about 12 hours, and make sure that nobody will have to use the bathtub during this time." Scrub the grates with an old rag or abrasive dish sponge and rinse well.

Fierman notes that while this technique is simple enough, it's probably not effective for very dirty grates.

Dryer sheets contain softeners that can help remove crusty grime. To incorporate dryer sheets into your oven rack-cleaning, line a layer of dryer sheets on top of your old towel in the bottom of the bathtub, add the rack(s), and cover the rack(s) with more dryer sheets.

"Then add 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent and warm water to cover, let sit for 12 hours, then drain the solution, throw away the dryer sheets, and sponge clean with an abrasive sponge," Fierman says. "Rinse, and dry well."

However, while this technique does work for some, it's actually Fierman's least favorite method. "It's not as effective for very dirty grates," she says.

If you use an oven cleaner, like Easy-Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner, to scrub your racks, Fierman says to do so outside or in a well-ventilated room and to make sure all surfaces outside of the oven are protected. "Oven cleaners are very strong and can easily damage wood or stone surfaces," she explains. "Follow the manufacturer's directions on the oven cleaner can."

If you're leaving the racks inside the oven, which Hensley recommends, make sure the oven is cool before thoroughly spraying the interior and letting it sit. (Note: Deep cleaning often requires allowing the product to sit for a longer period of time.) Then wipe off the cleaner with a wet rag or paper towels.

You'll want to wear gloves when cleaning or consider getting a fume-free cleaner—Easy Off can be corrosive, so you don't want to get it on your skin or in your eyes.

Hensley notes that while commercial oven cleaners may be used for the racks, some cleaners cause discoloration. "Be sure to do a small test area to check the results, and rinse the racks thoroughly after cleaning," she says.

Bar Keeper's Friend's cleaning power comes from oxalic acid, an organic compound found in many fruits and vegetables. And luckily, using this cleaning method doesn't require soaking.

"This is the most effective method and requires very little time and elbow grease," says Fierman. "Bar Keeper's Friend will not damage your other kitchen surfaces if it splashes, but I'd still recommend doing this in the tub with an old towel to protect the tub or do it outside."

First, make a paste with water and brush it on the racks to cover them completely. Let it sit for 45 to 60 minutes and then scrub off with an abrasive sponge and rinse well.

Hensley agrees that this can be an effective way to get grease out, but, as with commercial cleaners, you should always do a small test area to check the results on your specific oven rack to ensure the color and luster are maintained.

You may be wondering whether you can save yourself some elbow grease with a self-cleaning oven. Some racks can be left inside the oven during a self-clean cycle and wiped clean after the cycle completes. However, you should be wary of running the self-cleaning cycle, which heats the oven to 800 to 1,000 degrees and can be a fire hazard or even break your oven.

"Always be sure to check the manuals or product specifications to be sure," Hensley says. That's because the temperature can discolor or warp oven racks that aren't designed to withstand such high heat.

"I recommend running the self-cleaning option of your oven (if you have it) with the grates in place," Fierman agrees. "Anything left over can usually be removed with a damp cloth, a dusting of Bar Keeper's Friend, and warm water. Otherwise, a well-protected bathtub will do the trick." But again, check with the manufacturer first.

To keep your racks clean, don’t cook directly on them. Use a pan to cook food on or to place your full casserole or pie pan onto to catch spills before they occur. If a mess does happen, clean up spills or messy bakes early so that grime and grease don’t build up. Also make sure everything you place inside the oven is oven-safe.

After cleaning, or whenever you notice difficulty pulling racks in and out, Hensley recommends wiping the rack frame with vegetable oil to help keep them sliding smoothly—but check the instruction manual first. "Some racks may come with a special lubricant for the ball bearings in the sliding mechanism," she says. "Take care to not get water or cleaning products in the sliding mechanism and use the lubricant as specified by the manufacturer."