Keeping a commercial kitchen spotless is no small task. There are lots of areas that need regular attention, and the oven is one of the most used appliances in any busy kitchen. Yet, one part that often gets overlooked is the oven racks. They’re big, clunky, and notoriously difficult to clean, and the longer you leave them, the harder the job becomes!
Fortunately, with the right preparation and approach, cleaning oven racks doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore.
At CRW Cleaning Solutions, we’re experts in commercial cleaning and have tried and tested the best techniques for tackling even the grimiest oven racks. In this post, we’ll share our professional tips and step-by-step methods to help you clean your oven racks like a pro.
- Regular Cleaning Boosts Safety and Performance: Dirty racks can alter food taste, create smoke, and increase fire risks. Clean racks improve cooking results and extend oven lifespan.
- Soak Before Scrubbing: Use hot water with natural cleaners (baking soda, vinegar) or commercial solutions and soak racks for 6–12 hours to loosen tough grease and grime.
- Scrub Gently and Thoroughly: Soft sponges, microfiber cloths, and small brushes remove buildup without scratching. Target corners with a toothbrush or foil ball for stubborn spots.
- Maintain While Cooking: Quick wipe-downs, steam cleaning, and preventative measures like using baking sheets or covering dishes reduce mess and make deep cleans easier.
- Professional Support Helps: For busy or commercial kitchens, professional cleaning ensures thorough results, prolongs oven life, and keeps your kitchen safe and hygienic.
The Importance Of Keeping Your Oven and Racks Clean
Keeping your oven and racks clean isn’t just about appearances. It’s an essential step for safety, performance, and food quality. Over time, grease, food residue, and burnt-on particles can build up on oven surfaces and racks, which can become a serious fire hazard.
Beyond safety, a clean oven helps maintain a professional-looking kitchen and extends the lifespan of your equipment. Grease, grime, and food residue can cause corrosion, rust, or wear on the metal over time. By keeping your oven and racks clean, you reduce the risk of damage, prevent performance issues, and ensure your equipment continues to work efficiently for longer
But there’s another often-overlooked factor: taste. Dirty oven racks can actually alter the flavour of your meals. Grease and burnt-on food residues can produce smoke or unpleasant odours when heated, which can transfer to your dishes, leaving a slightly bitter, burnt, or “off” taste. Leftover food particles can also harbour bacteria, impacting both flavour and food hygiene. Essentially, even the freshest ingredients can be compromised if cooked on dirty racks!
Experts generally recommend giving your racks a thorough clean every three to six months, depending on how often you use your oven.
If you cook frequently, especially with greasy foods or dishes that tend to splatter, you may need to clean them more often. Regular cleaning not only keeps your kitchen looking professional but also prevents stubborn buildup that’s harder to remove over time. By staying on top of your oven rack maintenance, you’ll enjoy safer, more efficient cooking—and tastier meals!
Getting Ready: Prep Your Space and Tools
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to cleaning oven racks. Setting up your space properly not only keeps you safe but also makes the whole process quicker and more effective.
Ventilate the Area and Protect Surfaces
Before you start, make sure your cleaning area is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using chemical cleaners. Open windows wide to let fresh air circulate, and consider extra ventilation if you’re sensitive to strong odours. Protect your surfaces by laying down an old towel on countertops or floors to catch drips.
Commercial oven cleaners often contain chemicals that can release strong fumes. If you choose to clean outdoors, keep racks away from furniture or sensitive surfaces to prevent accidental damage.
Gather Gloves, Sponges, and Cleaner
Having the right tools makes cleaning much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Protective Gear: Wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals or hot water. Extra-long gloves that cover your wrists and arms are ideal for commercial cleaners. In some cases, you might also need a mask and protective eyewear.
- Cleaning Tools: Soft sponges or non-abrasive scrub brushes are perfect for general cleaning. A toothbrush or small specialised brush helps tackle stubborn spots, and microfiber cloths are great for final polishing. Avoid scouring pads that could scratch your racks.
- Cleaning Agents: You can choose between natural options like baking soda, white vinegar, and water, or commercial oven cleaners. If you go with commercial products, follow safety instructions carefully; they often require careful handling due to strong chemicals.
Safety First!
Whatever method you choose, always prioritise safety. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, keep children and pets out of the area, and cover any cuts on your hands with waterproof plasters.
Soak the Racks for Easy Cleaning
Soaking your oven racks is the secret to easy cleaning. It breaks down tough grease and grime, making the cleaning process much easier and less time-consuming.
Choose a Soaking Location: Tub, Sink, or Bag
Where you soak your racks depends on the space available and the size of your racks:
- Bathtub Method: Perfect for multiple or standard-sized racks. Lay old towels on the bottom to protect your tub from scratches or stains, then place the racks on top. This method gives you plenty of room to work.
- Sink Option: A large utility sink works well for smaller racks. Make sure the racks can be fully submerged and protect the surface from potential scratches.
- Garbage Bag Technique: Heavy-duty plastic bags are ideal for tight spaces. Soak your racks outdoors or in areas with limited space. Add your cleaning solution and seal the bag tightly for best results.
Use Hot Water and the Right Cleaning Solution
Several cleaning solutions work well, depending on your preference:
- Dishwasher Detergent: Add about ½ cup of liquid or powder detergent to hot water. The heat helps break down grease effectively.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Spread a paste of baking soda and water on your racks, then spray with vinegar. The foaming reaction helps loosen stubborn grime.
- Dryer Sheets: Place dryer sheets in your tub, add the racks on top, and fill with hot water and dishwasher detergent. Dryer sheets make wiping away loosened grime much easier.
- Laundry Detergent Option: Pour around 1 cup of laundry detergent into hot water. The enzymes inthe detergent provide powerful grease-fighting action.
- Commercial Oven Cleaner: These products contain strong degreasers to tackle tough, burnt-on grease. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, wear protective gloves and eyewear, and ensure proper ventilation while using them.
Let the Racks Soak for 6–12 Hours
Time is key for soaking. Let your racks sit overnight or for at least 6–10 hours to allow cleaning agents to penetrate built-up grime. For extremely dirty racks, a full 12-hour soak delivers the best results. Lightly soiled racks may need only 4 hours, but leaving them longer never hurts and makes scrubbing much easier later.
Scrub and Rinse the Oven Racks
After soaking, it’s time to remove the loosened grime:
Use a Sponge or Brush to Remove Loosened Grime
Once the racks come out of the soaking solution, the grease and burnt-on food should be much easier to remove. Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubbing brush and apply light pressure. Avoid steel wool or rough scrubbers, as these can scratch the metal. Here’s what works best:
- Soft, Non-Abrasive Sponges or Microfiber Cloths: Lift dirt effectively without damaging the racks.
- Gentle Circular Motions: Help remove loosened debris evenly.
- Bar Keepers Friend Paste: After letting it set for 45 minutes, just 5 minutes of scrubbing is usually enough.
Tackle Corners with a Toothbrush or Foil Ball
Tight spaces and stubborn spots need a little extra attention:
- An old toothbrush works perfectly for corners where food gets stuck.
- Roll up some aluminium foil into a ball, dip it in cleaning paste, and scrub tough grime easily.
- Sprinkle some dry washing soda on your sponge to boost cleaning power on stubborn carbon deposits.
Rinse Thoroughly and Dry Completely
Run warm water over the racks until all cleaning solution is removed.
- Check corners and crevices where soap or paste can hide.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth or towel to dry the racks fully and prevent rust.
Make sure your racks are completely dry before reinstalling them in your oven. Any remaining moisture can lead to rust over time, so take the extra minute to ensure they’re fully dry.
Cleaning the Oven While Racks Soak
While your racks are soaking, it’s the perfect time to tackle the rest of the oven.
Wipe Down the Oven Interior with Oven Cleaner, Dish Soap, or Baking Soda
A baking soda paste is a great non-toxic option for cleaning the oven interior:
- Mix ½ cup of baking soda with about 3 tablespoons of water to form a spreadable paste.
- Use a spatula to spread the paste across all interior surfaces, avoiding the heating elements.
- Let the paste sit for several hours or overnight to tackle stubborn grime.
- Spray white vinegar over the dried paste. The foaming action helps lift stuck-on dirt.
- Gently scrub problem areas with a sponge and wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
For lightly soiled ovens, a simple mix of dish soap and warm water works well; just wipe away loose debris with a sponge for a quick refresh.
Use Lemon or Vinegar Steam for Stubborn Grease
Steam cleaning is a fast and natural way to tackle persistent grime:
- Lemon Method: Fill an oven-safe bowl with water, squeeze in the juice of a few lemons, and toss in the halves. Set your oven to 250°F and let it steam for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, the steam loosens tough grime for easy wiping.
- Vinegar Steam: Fill a bowl halfway with water and white vinegar, then let it sit in a preheated oven for 20–60 minutes. The acidic steam helps dissolve grease and stuck-on residue.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals on Self-Cleaning Ovens
Self-cleaning ovens require special care. Harsh commercial cleaners can damage the interior and reduce the effectiveness of the self-cleaning function. Baking soda paste is a safer alternative.
Tips for Keeping Oven Racks Clean
- Regular Deep Cleaning: Experts recommend a more thorough clean every three months, depending on usage. Quick action makes the biggest difference; wiping down racks after each use or cleaning spots immediately after cooking prevents debris from sticking. Even a light wipe every few weeks can significantly reduce the need for time-consuming deep cleans.
- Run Racks Through the Dishwasher (If Safe): Many oven racks are dishwasher-safe, which can make cleaning easier. Small racks fit comfortably, and for larger ones, removing the dishwasher basket can help. This method works best for light cleaning, not tough, baked-on grime.
- Use Proper Containers to Prevent Spills: Preventing messes before they happen is just as important as cleaning: Place baking sheets under foods that might bubble over. Keep food covered while cooking to reduce splatters.
Key Takeaways
Clean oven racks may seem like a small detail, but they are essential for cooking quality and safety. They help spread heat evenly, prevent flavours from mixing, reduce fire risks, and extend the life of your equipment. With the right approach, cleaning and keeping oven racks well-maintained becomes simple and efficient.
For busy kitchens or commercial spaces, professional help can make a big difference. At CRW Cleaning Solutions, we partner with you to ensure your kitchen stays spotless and safe. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning or learn more about our expert services, and let us help you maintain a cleaner, safer, and more efficient kitchen.