Inside: Tired of dirty oven racks? Check out this easy no-scrub trick for cleaning oven racks. You can clean oven racks without a bunch of scrubbing.
I have always known an easy tip to cleaning an oven, but until recently had no way of cleaning oven racks easily. I would always remove the racks while I was cleaning the oven and then scrub them down. Usually, I wouldn't get them really clean just the top layer of grime. So I was thrilled when a reader told me about this easy way to clean oven racks.
This simple tip is so easy and doesn't require a lot of scrubbing. After you soak them you can wipe them down and most of the grime and food just falls right off. If you want to get your oven racks looking clean and shiny check out this simple trick for cleaning oven racks. You can see how dirty my oven racks were, to begin with.
To start you will need a couple of trash bags large enough for your oven racks and some ammonia. I just bought mine at CVS but if you are having a hard time finding it at the store you can also get it from Amazon. Place your oven racks in the trash bags being careful not to rip or tear the trash bags. I used two trash bags just to make sure I didn't have any spills or leaks. I recommend using some pretty sturdy trash bags so you don't have problems with leaks or tears.
Then, in a well-ventilated area pour some ammonia into the trash bags. I did it in my garage but you can also do it outside. You don't need to cover the racks, just add about 1-2 cups of ammonia. The fumes from the ammonia are what actually does is cleaning oven racks.
Once you have the ammonia added to the trash bags then you will want to seal up the trash bags. I just used some packing tape to seal them up. Then lay them down flat on the ground and let them sit for at least 2 hours. The longer you let them sit the easier they are to scrub, however, I have heard stories of the finish coming off the oven racks when people let them sit overnight. I left them for about 3 hours.
After you let them sit for a couple of hours then you can open up the trash bags and carefully remove the oven racks. Remember they will be wet and messy so I recommend doing it over a large trash can.
Then take the oven racks to a sink so you can wipe them down. Even though the grime was still attached to the oven racks after soaking it quickly came off when I wiped them down. I didn't need to do a bunch of scrubbing to get them clean and shiny.
You can see in the picture below the grime and grease just wiped right off with a sponge.
My oven looks great and the oven racks are now clean without a bunch of scrubbing. I was amazed at the difference.
If you want to get your oven racks clean without a bunch of scrubbing then try this simple trick for cleaning oven racks. You will love it! Want some other cleaning tips? Check out these brilliant kitchen cleaning hacks you will love.
Materials List
- Sturdy Trash Bags
- Ammonia (You can get it at the store or here on Amazon)
Free Weekly Cleaning Checklist
Subscribe (free!) to my newsletter and as an added bonus I will send you this free weekly cleaning checklist.
J says
Okay....so I admittedly only clean my oven racks( and burner grates) when I can do it outside and hose them off in the grass after the ammonia or Dollar Store oven cleaner in a trash bag has done the heavy work. I don't even have to tape the bag - just fold it under. I have also held vthe bag open flat on the ground, held my breath and sprayed the oven cleaner into the bag before quickly folding it under.
Beth says
I just put a bowl of ammonia in the oven and leave it for several hours. But I'm not much of a neat freak so if the racks don't get super clean I just move on. I gave up long ago trying to keep up with every bit of dirt. It's easier to bar people from coming into my house.
Gina says
Another great way to clean the racks is take them outside on a sunny day lay them on newspaper. And spray them with oven cleaner, layer more newspaper over them and let them sit for a couple hours. Make sure no pets or kids can get to them. They wipe right up.
Julie says
Great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Colleen Yoho says
I use large heavy space-saving bags (like sold for vacuum sealing large bundles of bedding). Fill a glass custard cup with ammonia and close bag (do not vacuum seal!). Place in sun and ammonia gas will cut grease. Wash with soapy water and scrub sponge. Same principle; less messy:-)
Julie says
Thanks for sharing! That is a great idea. I can usually find those at the dollar store for a dollar so it is inexpensive too. Thanks!