Clean and Restore Your Oven Racks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Last update: 6 days ago

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 your oven racks. Think about baking soda and vinegar before you do that. They make the best homemade oven rack cleaner and come with a lot of benefits.

So, next time you’re wondering how to naturally clean your oven, remember vinegar and baking soda are not only effective but also easy on your wallet and the planet.

Steps to clean oven racks with baking soda and vinegar

Probably, your racks have seen better days. Not to worry, though, because with baking soda and vinegar, they will be transformed in no time. Well, here’s how.

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.

Step 3. Soak the oven racks

There are several popular methods for cleaning oven racks with baking soda and vinegar, and we will look into each one in detail now:

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.

Give the baking soda enough time to work, as it might need more time to dissolve stubborn grease. Let the racks soak for at least 8-12 hours before you move on to the next step.

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 the chemical reaction to occur safely within the confines of the 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.

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 and persistent, especially in the nooks and crannies where grease hides. Rinse the racks well with hot water.

Step 5. Dry and reinstall

Pat-dry the cleaned pieces using a paper towel or a clean cloth. Once the racks are dry, you can put them back in the oven. 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!

What are some common oven rack cleaning mistakes to avoid?

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 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?

You can use the oven right after cleaning with baking soda. The former is a mild abrasive, making it effective at removing dried, stuck-on food without leaving any chemical residue behind, like most store-bought oven cleaners.

Is there a way to keep oven racks clean?

Preventing oven racks from getting dirty in the first place is the best way to save yourself the cleaning. Place a baking sheet or wrap the racks in aluminium foil to catch drips and splatters. Cover foods, if possible, while they are in the oven.

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. As soon as the oven is cool, wipe up spills and splatters to prevent dirt from sticking to surfaces.

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.

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 fill 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.

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