How to Clean Greasy Oven Racks: 4 Methods

My mother never made a fruit pie—cherry, apple, peach—that didn’t overflow in the oven, leaving sticky juices dripping from the oven racks. I learned from her mistake, but I still have messy racks thanks to the melted cheese clinging to the metal from dozens of frozen pizzas baked directly on the racks. I tried running the oven’s self-cleaning cycle, but the racks still weren’t clean.

Fortunately, I’ve found several methods to clean oven racks of grease and baked-on food without a lot of scrubbing. Below are the step-by-step instructions for each method, along with tips for keeping your oven racks pristine.

Method 1: Oven Cleaner and a Garbage Bag

I love this method because there is very little mess. I take the racks outside on the patio to “soak” and then use the garden hose to rinse them off. You can accomplish the same thing in the bathtub or shower.

1. Place the oven racks in a large, plastic garbage bag.
2. Spray heavily with commercial oven cleaner.
3. Close the bag and let the racks soak for at least an hour or up to overnight.
4. Remove the racks from the bag and rinse away the grease and baked-on food with water.
5. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

Method 2: Dishwasher Detergent and Hot Water

Dishwasher detergent is much more potent than dish soap to cut through grease and grime. This method takes longer and may require some scrubbing to get rid of those last stuck-on bits.

1. Line the bottom of the bathtub or sink with an old towel.
2. Place the oven racks on the towel and add enough hot water to cover the racks.
3. Add 1/2 cup of liquid or powdered dishwasher detergent to the water. If you only have dishwasher pods, add two pods.
4. Allow the racks to soak 8 hours or overnight.
5. Drain the water, clean the racks with a scrubbing sponge, rinse well, and dry with a microfiber cloth.
6. Rinse out the towel and the tub or sink.

Method 3: Vinegar and Baking Soda

You probably have vinegar and baking soda in the pantry, and when mixed together, they make a pretty good oven rack cleaner. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps dissolve grease, and the baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to scrub it away. This method is more environmentally friendly but will require more elbow grease from you if the racks are really dirty.

1. Line your sink or bathtub with an old towel.
2. Spray the racks heavily with distilled white vinegar.
3. Sprinkle with baking soda and allow the combination to bubble and fizz.
4. When the fizzing stops (usually 5 to 10 minutes), use a scrubbing sponge to clean the racks.
5. Rinse with hot water and dry with a lint-free, microfiber cloth.
6. Repeat the steps if the racks aren’t sparkling clean.

Method 4: Bar Keepers Friend

Visit any commercial kitchen, and you’ll find a can of Bar Keepers Friend, because it works wonders on stainless steel surfaces. Combining the power of oxalic acid, an organic compound found in many fruits and vegetables, and feldspar as a mild abrasive, it is an effective oven rack cleaner that doesn’t require soaking time.

1. Line your sink or tub with an old towel.
2. In a small bowl, make a paste of Bar Keepers Friend and some water. The paste should be the consistency of peanut butter.
3. Use a small brush (a basting brush works well) to spread the paste on the oven racks.
4. Let the racks sit for 45 to 60 minutes.
5. Use a scrubbing sponge to clean the racks.
6. Rinse well with hot water and dry the racks.

How Often to Clean Oven Racks

If you cook most meals at home, the oven racks should be cleaned at least seasonally to remove bits of food and grease that can cause odors or affect the taste of foods. Occasional oven users can get by with bi-annual rack cleaning. I’ve learned to use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the racks immediately after cooking a pizza directly on the rack. The cheesy bits are still soft and easy to remove.

Whether you choose the soaking or scrubbing methods offered here, always protect your sink, bathtub, or countertops with an old towel when cleaning the racks to prevent accidental scrapes and scuff marks.

Tips to Help Keep Oven Racks Clean

• Don’t cook directly on the racks. Use a pan or baking sheet to cook food on the racks.
• Place casseroles and pie pans on a baking sheet or silicone liner to catch spills.
• When foods leave a mess on your racks, clean it up as soon as possible before it becomes baked on.