Ever looked at your oven racks and thought, “Well, at least I know where my missing lasagna from 2022 went”? It’s like those racks are auditioning for a role in a horror movie, with their layers of grime and grease. But fear not! We’re about to turn this horror story into a feel-good cleaning saga with just baking soda and vinegar.
Why baking soda and vinegar?
You might be tempted to grab the strongest, most chemical-laden cleaner on the shelf to clean oven racks. Think about baking soda and vinegar before you do that. They’re excellent for cleaning and have a lot of benefits.
- Natural cleaning agents – Baking soda and vinegar are free of harsh chemicals and have been trusted for generations. They are reliable and effective in household cleaning.
- Safe for health – Unlike chemical cleaners, they don’t produce toxic fumes, making them safe to use in homes with pets and children.
- Environmentally friendly – These ingredients break down naturally and do not pollute. Choosing them over chemical cleaners helps protect the planet.
- Cost-effective – Both baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive and easy to find, making them a budget-friendly cleaning option.
- Proven effectiveness – Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness and vinegar’s acidity form a powerful duo that effectively tackles grime and grease. They not only clean grime but also answer questions about how to clean oven trays with baking soda and vinegar.
So, next time you’re wondering how to clean your oven with baking soda and vinegar, remember these ingredients are not only effective but also easy on your wallet and the planet.
Step-by-step guide to clean oven racks with baking soda and vinegar
Probably, your racks have seen better days. Curious about the how to clean oven racks with baking soda and vinegar? Well, here’s how.
What you will need:
- Cleaning gloves
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 tsp of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- A microfibre cloth
- A kitchen sponge or scrub brush
- Large garbage bag (for garbage bag soaking method)
- Bathtub (for bathtub soaking method)
- Hot water
- Paper towels
Step 1. Remove the oven racks
Ensure the oven is completely cool before removing the racks. Place them in a large sink or bathtub, or spread them out on old towels if space allows.
Step 2. Apply the baking soda paste
Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water. Don’t make it too thick or too thin. Just a consistency that is good for spreading. Use a brush to spread evenly across all surfaces of each rack.
Important: Protect your hands by wearing gloves. Don’t forget to safeguard your eyes. Put on protective glasses.
Step 3. Soak the oven racks
Here’s how to clean oven racks with baking soda and vinegar using different methods:
Garbage bag method
Don’t have a sink, tub, or shower to place your greasy oven racks? No problem! We have the perfect hack – use a big, sturdy garbage bag that can resist punctures and tears. Put the racks in one or two heavy-duty plastic bags outside if possible. Add white vinegar into the bag carefully. Seal it tightly, allowing chemical reaction to occur safely within the confines of bag overnight. Be sure to lay the bag flat so the vinegar can reach as much of the rack surfaces as possible. Allow the racks to sit overnight to loosen up the build-up grime.
Bathtub method
Put your oven racks in your kitchen or utility sink if it’s big enough. Don’t worry if you don’t have a big sink. Bathtubs are great for that purpose. To protect your tub or shower from scratches, stains, and grime, spread old towels. Then, put your oven racks on the towels. Pour white vinegar directly onto them, ensuring full coverage. Once the foam stops, fill the tub with hot water until all the racks are submerged. Let it sit for at least 8 hours undisturbed. Baking soda might need more time to work on stubborn grease.
Vinegar wallpaper method
For smaller spaces or quick clean-ups, try the vinegar wallpaper method. Apply vinegar to paper towels and tape them to racks, covering all grimy spots. Let them sit for about 2 hours. This method allows the vinegar to break down the grease and grime effectively. There is no need for a large soaking area. It’s a great option when you’re short on space or time.
Step 4. Wipe and scrub off residue
Wait for the foaming reaction, then soak the racks in hot water for a few hours. Baking soda paste will soften the grime so you can scrub it easier. Take the racks out of the soaking water. Use a scrub brush or scouring pad to remove residue from both sides. Be thorough, especially in the nooks and crannies where grease hides. Rinse the racks well with hot water.
Get your oven racks professionally cleaned!
Let Fantastic Cleaners handle it for you!
Final steps and maintenance tips
Drying and reinstalling
Pat-dry the cleaned pieces using a paper towel or a clean cloth before placing them back inside the oven.
Once the racks are dry, you can put them back in place. If they aren’t sliding smoothly, apply a bit of cooking oil to wax paper and rub it along the side rails to help them move more easily. Now sit back and relax with a cake or whatever you like!
If you’re also wondering how to clean oven with vinegar, the same steps will work.
What to avoid when cleaning oven racks
Avoid taking shortcuts, like using the dishwasher. The high heat and detergents can cause discolouration. Don’t use harsh, abrasive cleaners. They can really damage the racks and leave harmful residue. Also, the self-cleaning cycle in your oven won’t effectively clean the racks. It might leave you with even more.
What is the easiest way to clean oven racks?
Preventing oven racks from getting dirty is the easiest way to clean them. Place a baking sheet or wrap the racks in aluminium foil to catch drips and splatters. Another simple tip is to clean them regularly with baking soda and vinegar after each use. This way, they won’t get truly grimy, making deep cleans unnecessary.
How often should you clean oven racks?
Every time you deep clean your oven, clean the racks. If you catch a spill right away, spot clean both the oven and racks. Let’s be honest, you don’t want any more baked-on food.
What happens if you leave baking soda on too long?
Baking soda is generally safe for many metal surfaces, but use caution with aluminium. You can apply it quickly and rinse it off to avoid issues. However, leaving it on for too long can cause oxidation. Thus, the surface of the aluminium may change colour.
Is it safe to cook in the oven after cleaning with baking soda?
Finding out how to clean oven with baking soda and vinegar is a game-changer. The baking soda is a mild abrasive, making it effective at removing dried, stuck-on food. There’s no need to turn the oven on, and you can use it right after cleaning with baking soda.
Things to never mix with baking soda
When it comes to cleaning around your house, avoid mixing baking soda with certain items.
- Hydrogen peroxide (in a closed container)
- Ammonia
- Chlorine bleach
- Chemical cleaners
- Alcohol
- Other cleaning agents
Additional tips to keep your oven racks clean longer
- As soon as the oven is cool, wipe up spills and splatters.
- Remove chunks of debris from racks before placing the racks in the water. This can remove some of the black build-up and stuck-on grime, making the racks easier to clean.
- Put a baking sheet under fruit pies or baked goods you think might boil over.
- Protect the tub by laying an old towel or rags under the corners of the oven racks if you are concerned about scratching your tub.
- Allow enough time for the oven rack cleaner to dwell. Before you start wiping, give the baking soda and water some time to work (also called dwell time). Let the racks soak for at least 12 hours before you wipe off the grime.
- Be persistent. Oven rack dirt is stubborn, baked-on grease. If grime and black scorch marks persist after wiping, use a more abrasive tool like a stainless-steel sponge, dish scouring pad, or an old toothbrush to scrub the nooks and corners.
- Cover foods, if possible, while they are in the oven.
When you learn how to clean oven racks properly, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, better-smelling kitchen. The food will be tastier. Moreover, you’ll have a cleaner, safer home.
Does the thought of cleaning your oven fills you with dread? Have you been putting off this dreaded task? Then give us a call! Our friendly, fully trained professionals can schedule a convenient time for oven cleaning. They will leave it as good as new in just a few hours—without any fuss, mess, or hassle for you! We use the best oven cleaner for baked-on grease in Australia.
Takeaways
- Baking soda and vinegar effectively clean stubborn grime and grease on oven racks.
- These natural agents are free of harsh chemicals, ensuring a healthier cleaning process.
- Follow the step-by-step guide using methods like the garbage bag, bathtub, or vinegar wallpaper for thorough cleaning.
- Regularly clean racks, cover them during cooking, and promptly address spills to minimise build-up.
- Using bicarb soda to clean oven surfaces is a simple way to achieve a spotless finish.
