7 Easy and Chemical-Free Ways to Clean Oven Racks at Home

By Lilo Last updated May 21, 2025

7 Easy Ways to Clean Oven Racks Without Harsh Chemicals

Cleaning oven racks may feel like a tedious chore, but it doesn’t have to involve toxic fumes or industrial-strength products. With a few accessible household items, you can remove grease and grime effectively—naturally and safely. These seven eco-friendly techniques help restore shine to your oven racks while being gentle on your health and the environment.

1. Soak in the Bathtub with Dish Soap or Washing Powder

One of the most popular and low-effort methods starts with a deep soak.

What to Do:

Line your bathtub with an old towel to protect the surface.
Fill it with hot water, then add either ½ cup of dish detergent or ¾ cup of washing powder.
Submerge your oven racks and leave them to soak overnight.
In the morning, scrub them with a sponge or old dishcloth. For tougher residue, use an old toothbrush.
For extra help, sprinkle some salt on the racks before scrubbing.

This method works well for grime that’s been baked on over time.

2. Use a Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

If you prefer pantry staples, this combination is highly effective.

Steps:

Create a thick paste using baking soda and a small amount of water.
Apply the paste to the oven racks.
Spray white vinegar over the paste and let the mixture fizz.
Leave it for several hours or overnight.
Scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse with warm water.

This natural reaction helps break down grease without the need for synthetic chemicals.

3. Try a Dryer Sheet Soak

Though unexpected, dryer sheets can make cleaning surprisingly easy.

How it Works:

Line your bathtub with several dryer sheets.
Place your oven racks on top, and layer more sheets over them.
Fill the tub with warm water, ensuring the racks are submerged.
Let soak for about 12 hours.
Remove, toss the sheets, and scrub the racks with an abrasive sponge.
Rinse thoroughly.

The softening agents in the dryer sheets help loosen grime, making scrubbing easier.

4. Use Commercial Oven Cleaner (With Caution)

If your racks are heavily soiled and need serious cleaning, a commercial cleaner can work—just use it responsibly.

Instructions:

Choose a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
Wear gloves for protection.
Spray the racks evenly and follow the product instructions.
Wait for the recommended time before scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly with water.

Although effective, this method should be used sparingly due to the strength of the chemicals.

5. Scrub with Bar Keeper’s Friend

For fast and efficient cleaning, this product works like a charm.

What to Do:

Mix Bar Keeper’s Friend with water to form a paste.
Apply the paste generously to your oven racks.
Let it sit for 45–60 minutes.
Scrub using a non-scratch sponge or brush.
Rinse thoroughly with water.

This method is favored for its ability to cut through built-up grease quickly.

6. Let Nature Help: The Outdoor Dew Method

This surprisingly effective trick uses natural moisture to do the heavy lifting.

Process:

Lay your oven racks on the grass in your yard overnight.
Let the morning dew soften any grime.
Wipe the racks clean the next morning.

It’s cost-free, chemical-free, and surprisingly effective for light to moderate buildup.

7. Clean in the Dishwasher (If They Fit)

If your oven racks are small enough, your dishwasher can help out.

Steps:

Place the racks in the top section of your dishwasher.
Run a regular cycle without detergent.
After washing, inspect the racks and manually scrub any remaining spots.

Keep in mind this method works best for lightly soiled racks and may not suit all oven sizes.

Bonus Tips for Keeping Oven Racks Clean

Clean regularly to prevent buildup.
Wipe spills immediately before they harden.
Use oven liners to catch drips and crumbs.
Always dry racks completely before putting them back or storing them.

With these natural and simple solutions, keeping your oven racks clean becomes an easy task—no toxic chemicals required. Choose the method that works best for your schedule and oven type, and enjoy a safer, shinier kitchen.