The Easy Way To Clean Grease From Oven Racks Is Already Hiding In Your Kitchen

Oven racks are grime magnets. After just a few uses, they're coated in a thick layer of grease that clings on for dear life. Scrubbing that sticky, burnt mess can feel like a punishment. But what if the answer wasn't some overpriced, harsh cleaner or hours of soaking? What if it's something already sitting in your kitchen, probably next to salt? Turns out, cornflour, the same powder you use to thicken sauces, can help remove grease stains and bring your grimy oven racks back to life. It allows you to loosen the residue, which makes cleanup dramatically easier.

There's something satisfying about solving everyday problems with what you already have. Truth is, older generations swore by simple pantry staples for a reason, and those tricks still hold up. Grease may be stubborn, but so is ingenuity, and your kitchen's been hiding a bit of that all along. So, before you throw out those racks or spend hours elbow-deep in suds, it's worth asking: what else in your home has overlooked potential you've been walking past every day?

There are two ridiculously easy ways to tackle that greasy build-up, and both start with the same underrated ingredient, cornflour. The first method involves making a thick, spreadable paste. Mix about ½ cup of cornflour with just enough hot water to form a glue-like consistency. Slather this paste generously over the greasy areas of the oven rack. Make sure to coat every grimy corner. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This gives the cornflour time to bind with the grease. Once it's dried out slightly, scrub lightly with a sponge or brush and watch the gunk lift away with minimal effort.

The second method is even more hands-off. Fill your sink (or tub, if the racks don't fit) with warm water and stir ½ cup of cornflour until it dissolves. If that doesn't do the trick, don't hesitate to add a little more. Submerge the oven racks completely and let them soak for a couple of minutes. The cornflour suspension helps loosen baked-on grease. After soaking, a quick rinse and gentle scrub is usually enough to clean the oven racks.

First things first, never use sharp tools like steel wool or metal scrapers to remove buildup. It might seem like the fastest way to get rid of stubborn grease, but it can scratch the metal surface and strip protective coatings. This makes the racks more prone to rust and future grime. Ideally, stick to non-abrasive brushes. Your racks will thank you for it.

Equally important is choosing the right cleaning products. Steer clear of anything containing chloride, especially chlorine bleach. While it might seem like a powerful solution, it can actually corrode stainless steel over time and cause discoloration. If you want your racks to stay shiny and functional, gentle and chloride-free is the way to go. And don't wait until they're covered in grime to act. Give them a deep clean every three months, or even monthly if you cook frequently. Regular maintenance keeps buildup from turning into a time-consuming mess later on. Treat your oven racks with the same attention you'd give to any other appliance, and they'll stay in top form.