The Easy, Non-Toxic Way To Clean Even The Dirtiest Oven Racks

Cleaning oven racks is rarely anyone's idea of fun. It's one of those chores that's easy to put off and forget about, tucked away behind the oven doors and not visible to visitors. But if you're greeted by a scary sight of baked-on, greasy, and burnt gunk every time you open your oven, it's time to do something. The problem with oven racks isn't just the grease and cooked-in residue; it's also all those tiny edges and awkward nooks that make cleaning them feel like a never-ending task. The good news is that there are some clever ways to clean even the dirtiest oven racks without spending hours scrubbing. With just some baking soda and warm water, you can create a natural solution for a sparkling clean oven, wire racks included.

You should seriously consider natural cleaning methods for your oven racks because chemicals used in commercial cleaners are often toxic and caustic, putting you at risk. Sure, chemical cleaners work, but they could cause serious burns and injury if they come in contact with your skin. Not only that, but oven cleaner fumes are incredibly unpleasant and can irritate your throat.

The great news is that, there are tons of safe alternatives if you want to clean your oven without using chemicals. For example, baking soda is just sodium bicarbonate. It's wonderful at cleaning oven racks because it's mildly abrasive and alkaline, allowing it to break down acids in food particles and loosen grime. And since it's a natural ingredient that's safely used in baking and cooking, baking soda won't put you and your loved ones at risk of burns and sore throats, which is a pretty good reason to try it out.

The simplest and most effort-free way to clean oven racks is to mix warm water and baking soda and let the racks soak for a while. To do this, you'll need a bathtub or a large container where you can fit the racks and cover them with warm water. Mix about three cups of baking soda into the water, and leave the racks to soak alone overnight or for at least eight hours. It's a good idea to soak your racks while you tackle the rest of the oven if you're doing a complete cleaning. When the racks are finished soaking, grab a steel scrubbing sponge to remove any burnt-on grime. Then, dry them off, and place them back in the oven.

You can also power up most baking soda cleaning hacks with some add-ons. If your racks are extremely dirty, trying adding a bit of white vinegar or dish soap to the soaking mix. Make sure to stir the mixture so that all of the elements combine well before letting them soak.

If you don't have a container or bathtub to do an overnight soak, don't worry. Another way to clean oven racks with just baking soda and water is to create a smooth paste. Mix a few spoonfuls of baking soda with a spoonful of warm water (or more if the paste is too dry to stick), and apply it to the oven rack with an old toothbrush. Let the mixture dry completely, which should take around 20 minutes, before removing it with a sponge. For extra dirty racks, spray with a bit of white vinegar before wiping.