Frustrated with grimy oven racks? Discover this simple, no-scrub technique for achieving sparkling clean oven racks with minimal effort! For the longest time, I had struggled with cleaning my oven racks. I would dutifully remove them whenever I cleaned the oven, only to find myself scrubbing away at the stubborn grime. Most of the time, I only managed to scrape off the top layer of dirt. I had heard some tips about soaking them in a bathtub with dryer sheets, but that just didn’t sit right with me. So, I was thrilled when a reader shared an incredibly simple method using ammonia! This technique makes cleaning oven racks a breeze without the need for endless scrubbing. After soaking, a quick wipe will reveal that most of the greasy buildup simply comes off. If you’re ready to restore your oven racks to their former glory, check out this straightforward trick using ammonia.
Simple Tip for Cleaning Oven Racks
To clean your oven racks without any scrubbing, gather the following materials:
- Trash Bags
- Ammonia
- Oven Racks
- Mr. Clean or Similar Sponge (optional)
You will need a couple of trash bags large enough to accommodate your oven racks, along with some ammonia. I found mine at CVS, but if you’re having trouble locating it in stores, you can easily order it from Amazon. Just take a look at how dirty my oven racks were before I began the cleaning process!
Getting Started with Cleaning the Oven Racks
Carefully place your oven racks into the trash bags, ensuring that you don’t rip or tear the bags. I opted for two sturdy trash bags to prevent any spills or leaks during the process. It’s crucial to use high-quality trash bags to avoid any mishaps. Next, in a well-ventilated area, pour some ammonia into the bags—about 1-2 cups should suffice. I did this in my garage, but you can also do it outside if you prefer. There’s no need to cover the racks; the ammonia fumes work their magic on the dirt.
*Pro Tip: A reader suggested placing a small bowl filled with ammonia in the trash bag to prevent leaks, and this method has proven to be very effective. Once you’ve added the ammonia, seal the trash bags tightly to ensure that the fumes do not escape. I used packing tape to secure them for a tight seal.
Soaking the Oven Racks
Now, lay the trash bags flat on the ground and let the oven racks soak for at least 2 hours. The longer you let them soak, the easier it will be to wipe away the grime. However, I’ve heard of instances where the finish on the oven racks came off after being soaked overnight. To be safe, I soaked mine for about 3 hours without any issues.
Cleaning the Oven Racks
After soaking, carefully open the trash bags and take out the oven racks. Keep in mind that they will be wet and potentially messy, so it’s best to do this over a large trash can. Take the racks to your kitchen sink for a thorough rinse. I recommend running hot water over them to help wash away any remaining ammonia residue. Even though some grime may still cling to the racks after soaking, it will come off easily with a quick wipe. I used a Mr. Clean sponge and a little dish soap, and the grease slid right off! If you don’t have a sponge or brush handy, you can also place them in your dishwasher for an additional cleaning boost.
Now, my oven looks fantastic, and the racks are spotless without the need for excessive scrubbing. I was amazed at the transformation! If you want to get your oven racks clean with minimal effort, give this ammonia trick a try. You’ll be thrilled with the results! Plus, to prevent future messes from spills, consider investing in oven liners, which are fantastic for keeping the bottom of your oven clean and are easy to wash.
Looking for more cleaning advice? Check out these brilliant kitchen cleaning hacks that will make your life easier!
How Do I Clean Baked-On Grease Off Oven Racks?
Using ammonia to soften and remove baked-on food and grease is an effective method for cleaning oven racks. In just a few hours, your oven racks will look as good as new.
Is it Safe to Clean with Ammonia?
Yes, cleaning with ammonia is safe for your home. Just remember that it has a strong odor, so it’s best to keep your space well-ventilated. Also, never mix ammonia with bleach, as this can create dangerous fumes!