How to Clean Oven Racks Naturally

Anyone who cooks regularly knows that oven racks are magnets for grease and burnt-on grime. Over time, that buildup can cause smoke, uneven cooking, and unpleasant smells. Cleaning them isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite job — but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare either.

While many store-bought oven cleaners work fast, they often come with harsh chemicals that release fumes into your kitchen. If you’d rather skip the chemical smell and clean your racks safely, there are plenty of natural alternatives that work just as well.

Here’s how to clean oven racks using simple household products like baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and even dishwasher tablets — all without damaging the metal or coating.

How Often Should You Clean Oven Racks?

For most households, cleaning oven racks every two to three months is enough to keep things under control. If you cook often or do a lot of roasting, it’s worth giving them a quick clean once a month. The longer grease and burnt food sit on the metal, the harder they become to remove later on.

Cleaning Oven Racks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic natural cleaning method uses ingredients you already have at home and delivers excellent results.

You’ll need:

Baking soda (or borax if you have it)
White vinegar
A scrub pad or old toothbrush
An old towel

Here’s what to do:

Line the bottom of your bathtub (or a large basin) with an old towel to prevent scratching.
Place the oven racks on top of the towel.
Pour white vinegar generously over the racks, then sprinkle baking soda on top.
Let the mixture fizz for 10 to 15 minutes.
Fill the tub with hot water until the racks are fully submerged, then leave them to soak overnight.
The next day, scrub away any remaining grease with a scrub pad or toothbrush.
If you come across stubborn spots, add a bit of kosher salt for a mild abrasive effect.
Rinse the racks thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry before putting them back in the oven.

This method breaks down grease naturally and leaves your oven racks shining without any harsh chemicals.

Cleaning with Dish Soap

If you prefer something simple and gentle, dish soap works surprisingly well.

Fill a bathtub or large container with hot water and lay an old towel at the bottom.
Submerge the racks completely.
Add half a cup of dishwashing liquid to the water and let everything soak overnight.
In the morning, scrub the racks using the towel or an old brush.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let them dry naturally.

For an extra boost, combine this with the baking soda and vinegar method. The reaction between the ingredients helps loosen stubborn grease faster.

Cleaning Oven Racks with Foil and Dishwasher Tablets

This trick sounds unusual but works incredibly well — it’s one of the easiest ways to clean racks with minimal scrubbing.

Wrap each rack loosely in aluminium foil.
Place the wrapped racks in your bathtub and fill it with hot water.
Drop in two dishwasher tablets and let them dissolve.
Leave the racks to soak for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight.
Drain the tub, unwrap the racks, and watch as the grease wipes off easily.
Rinse and air dry.

The reaction between the foil and the dishwasher tablets helps lift baked-on grime with almost no effort.

Cleaning Oven Racks in the Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is large enough, this is the most convenient option. Simply remove any loose debris from the racks first, then load them in. Use a standard wash cycle with hot water and no dishes inside. The racks will come out much cleaner, though you might still need to wipe away a few stubborn spots afterwards.

Why You Shouldn’t Use the Self-Cleaning Cycle for Oven Racks

It might seem tempting to throw your oven racks in during a self-cleaning cycle, but it’s not recommended. The extreme heat can damage the racks’ chrome or stainless steel coating, making them discoloured or rough to slide in and out. The process can also warp the metal slightly over time.

Hand-cleaning your racks, even just occasionally, will keep them in much better shape and extend their lifespan.

Keeping Your Oven Cleaner for Longer

Once your racks are sparkling, it’s worth adopting a few simple habits to keep them that way:

Wipe away spills as soon as the oven cools.
Use roasting bags or foil trays to reduce splatter.
Give racks a quick soak every month to prevent buildup.
Avoid using abrasive metal pads that can scratch and dull the surface.

When to Call a Professional

Natural cleaning methods work wonders, but they can take time and patience. If you’d rather skip the scrubbing — or if your entire oven needs a deep clean — consider booking a professional oven cleaning service.

Professionals use specialised dip-tank systems to soak and clean every removable part of the oven, including the racks, trays, and doors. The result is a spotless, grease-free appliance that looks brand new and is safe to cook in immediately afterwards.

Final Thoughts

Oven racks take a lot of abuse over time, but with regular care, they can stay shiny and functional for years. Whether you use baking soda and vinegar, dish soap, or the foil-and-tablet trick, natural cleaning methods are safer for your home and just as effective as store-bought products.

A clean oven doesn’t just look better — it cooks better too. Less smoke, no burnt smells, and evenly cooked food every time. Take the time to clean your oven racks naturally, and you’ll make your whole kitchen feel fresher.