Oven Cleaning Hacks: Oven Racks, Glass, and Trays

Introduction

Cleaning your oven can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, it doesn’t have to be. This guide will provide you with effective hacks for cleaning oven racks, glass, and trays, ensuring your oven stays in top condition.

Cleaning Oven Racks

Oven racks can accumulate grease and grime over time, making them difficult to clean. Here are some proven methods to get them sparkling clean:

Soaking in the Bathtub

• Materials Needed: Old towel, dish soap or laundry detergent, hot water, sponge or soft brush.
• Steps:

1. Lay an old towel in the bottom of your bathtub to prevent scratches.
2. Place the oven racks on top of the towel.
3. Fill the tub with hot water until the racks are fully submerged.
4. Add 1/2 cup of dish soap or 3/4 cup of laundry detergent.
5. Let the racks soak overnight.
6. In the morning, scrub the racks with a sponge or soft brush to remove any remaining grease and grime.
7. Rinse thoroughly and dry before placing them back in the oven.

Soaking in Hot Water and Dish Soap:

• Materials Needed: Large Container, dish soap, sponge or brush.
• Steps:

• Remove the racks from the oven and place them in a bathtub or large container.
• Fill the tub with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Let the racks soak for several hours or overnight.
• Use a sponge or brush to scrub off the loosened grime.
• Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Materials Needed: Baking soda, white vinegar, hot water, soft cloth or sponge.
• Steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the oven racks.
2. Pour white vinegar over the baking soda and let it foam.
3. Once the foaming stops, add hot water to cover the racks.
4. Let the racks soak overnight.
5. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe off any remaining grease. For stubborn spots, use a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies.
6. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. Dishwasher Tabs

• Materials Needed: Dishwasher tabs, boiling water, non-scratching sponge.
• Steps:

1. Place the oven racks in a large bin or bathtub.
2. Add three dishwasher tabs and pour boiling water over them to dissolve.
3. Let the racks soak for a few hours.
4. Scrub with a non-scratching sponge to remove loosened dirt.
5. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Trash Bag Method:

• Place the racks in a large trash bag.
• Spray with a degreasing cleaner like Easy-Off.
• Seal the bag and let it sit for 30-45 minutes.
• Remove the racks and scrub with paper towels or a sponge.
• Rinse with warm, soapy water

Cleaning Oven Glass

Oven glass can become cloudy and stained from baked-on food and grease. Here are some methods to clean it effectively:

1. Baking Soda Paste

• Materials Needed: Baking soda, water, soft cloth.
• Steps:

1. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the oven glass and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

2. Vinegar and Water Solution

• Materials Needed: White vinegar, water, spray bottle, microfiber cloth.
• Steps:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the oven glass.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Oven Trays

Oven trays can become heavily soiled with baked-on food and grease. Here are some methods to clean them:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Materials Needed: Baking soda, white vinegar, hot water, scrub brush.
• Steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the oven tray.
2. Pour white vinegar over the baking soda and let it foam.
3. Once the foaming stops, add hot water to cover the tray.
4. Let the tray soak for a few hours.
5. Scrub with a brush to remove any remaining grease and grime.
6. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

2. Dish Soap and Aluminum Foil

• Materials Needed: Dish soap, aluminum foil, hot water.
• Steps:

1. Fill the sink with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a ball.
3. Use the aluminum foil ball to scrub the tray, focusing on stubborn spots.
4. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your oven after each use to prevent buildup.
• Use Liners: Place aluminum foil or oven liners on the bottom of your oven to catch spills.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar to avoid damaging your oven.