Detergent is the unexpected solution to cleaning dirty oven racks

dirty kitchen oven – irkus/Shutterstock

When cleaning our kitchens, the oven rack is one of the elements that we most overlook and that often requires special attention. We set pots , roast our turkeys, and bake our favorite cookies without worrying about the residue and stains that accumulate on oven racks over time. Spending hours removing crusty, caked-on bits doesn't sound appealing, and leaving racks in the oven during a self-clean cycle isn't an option.

Unfortunately, this is due to the self-cleaning cycle, which uses extremely high temperatures that can discolor and potentially damage the metal of the oven racks. As is often the case, the most effective solution to this perennial problem is neither new nor high-tech. There's also no need to go to the specialty section of the hardware store because you probably have it on hand at home: laundry detergent.

Yes, the same powder or liquid detergent that freshens up stained clothes and brightens whites can also work wonders on stubborn rust stains. Simply combine the cleaning power of detergent and a little effort, and your dirty oven racks will look like new.

Read more: 11 cleaning tips to keep your oven spotless

Steps to clean dirty oven racks with detergent

Woman pouring detergent onto a sponge – Mr. Boiko Oleg/Shutterstock

The first step is to make sure the racks have cooled sufficiently if you have recently used the oven. Then start removing the oven racks from your kitchen appliance. Prepare your bathtub by filling it with hot water, or get a bathtub or sink large enough to submerge your shelves. Add a generous amount of detergent to the hot water, making sure to mix well. The idea is to make a soap mixture that is a little more concentrated than what you would use to wash clothes.

Next, completely submerge the oven racks in soapy water, making sure they are well covered. Allow the racks to soak for at least six hours or, even better, overnight. This longer soaking time allows the cleaning agent to penetrate and soften stubborn, stuck-on dirt. After soaking, take a non-abrasive scouring pad or brush and gently scrub the stains.

With a cleaning product, you will find that most dirt can be easily removed and stubborn stains that once seemed impossible are now very easy to remove. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the grates, rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them. Your sparkling clean grills are now ready for new baking adventures.

Read the original article on Tasting Table .

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