In the kitchen, there’s always something in need of a deep clean — think food splatters on kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances, plus the grime that builds up inside dishwashers, messy microwaves and ovens. Luckily, it’s our mission to make these dreaded tasks — like cleaning greasy and crusty oven racks — a lot easier.
For expert advice on how to clean oven racks, we tapped Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, who recommends deep cleaning your oven racks three to four times a year. In the interim, make sure to wipe clean splatters, spills or spots when you notice them. It’s important to remove grease splatters and deposits that build up over time on oven racks, not only because your kitchen will look cleaner, but it can help prolong the life of your oven.
Below, we’ve highlighted the best ways to quickly and effectively clean your oven racks. Plus, keep scrolling for feedback on a few methods that we don’t recommend.
How to Clean Oven Racks With Dish Soap
What You’ll Need
Wash your racks in the sink with warm, soapy water. (If you require more space for scrubbing, you can also clean oven racks in the bath tub — just lay down towels first to prevent scratching). For stubborn gunk and grime, try a grease-cutting dish spray, like Dawn Powerwash. Spray dirty oven racks with a dish spray and let them sit in the sink or tub for several minutes. Scrub your racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad (depending on how dirty they are). Then, rinse racks clean and allow them to air dry on the counter or hand-dry with a dishtowel before re-inserting into the oven.
How to Clean Oven Racks With Oven Cleaner
If your racks are especially dirty (think burned food and tough grease), it might be best to try an oven cleaner. We always recommend that you first remove your oven racks. Keep in mind some oven cleaners can damage wood or stone surfaces. Cover your workstation in several layers of newspaper or clean racks someplace outside.
Below are a few of our favorites and how to use them, but always follow the instructions listed on the package. Also, take a look at your appliance manufacturer’s recommendations — some may suggest only using an oven cleaner to spot clean.
Expert tip: Always wear gloves during deep cleans.
- Easy-Off Oven Cleaner: Spray oven racks, allow to sit for 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a wet cloth. This cleaner, great for spot cleans, can be sprayed directly into the oven, as long it’s completely cool.
- Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner: Remove racks and lay them on a protected surface (several layers of newspaper works well). Spray foam cleaner and allow to sit for two to 10 minutes — try longer for tougher messes. Scrub racks with a scouring pad, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
RELATED: 8 Best Oven Cleaners of 2024, Tested by Cleaning Pros
Should I clean my oven racks with baking soda?
You can clean oven racks with baking soda, sprinkling it onto racks and scrubbing with a sponge or scouring pad, then finishing with a rinse. While this cleaning method may work for lightly soiled racks, we don’t suggest using baking soda to deep clean oven racks. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so this method could require intense scrubbing and rinsing.
Should I clean my oven racks with vinegar?
Some choose to create a paste by mixing vinegar with baking soda, but we don’t recommend this method. Mixing baking soda and vinegar together is only effective while the mixture is bubbling, which won’t last long.
Should I clean my oven racks with dishwasher tablets or detergent?
Some recommend soaking dirty oven racks in warm water mixed with dishwasher detergent, but we don’t. Not only does this method require you to soak oven racks overnight in the sink or bathtub, but it isn’t any more effective than using dish soap. Plus, your warm water won’t stay warm for long, making the detergent less effective. “Dishwashers periodically heat the water throughout the cycle,” says Forté. “You can’t do that in your sink or tub without diluting the mixture.”
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Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
