How to Clean Oven Racks (Easy Methods That Actually Work)

Learn how to clean oven racks using several easy methods - including the popular dryer sheet soak, the fastest scrub option, and simple no-bathtub alternatives.

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Have you ever met somebody who actually likes cleaning an oven? I don't think I have. It's just not fun. There are some cleaning tasks I can get behind (I actually like vacuuming), but oven cleaning isn't one of them. So I try to make it as easy and painless as possible.

It's on my Journey to Clean monthly kitchen-week list, so I have to think about it regularly - but I don't do a full deep-clean every month. That's just overkill.

Below are a few simple methods so you can choose what works best for your oven, your schedule, and your patience level.

Best Ways to Clean Oven Racks (Pick the Right Method for You)

If you're wondering how to clean oven racks, the truth is there isn't just one "best" method - it really just depends on how dirty your racks are, how much time you have, and what supplies you're comfortable using.

Quick recommendation: For most people, the easiest way to clean oven racks is a hot-water soak with dryer sheets for 3-4 hours, then wipe clean. No tub? Use a trash bag or storage bin. Note: Always check your oven manual - some racks have coatings that can discolor with harsh cleaners or high heat.

Best Overall (Low Effort): Bathtub + Dryer Sheet Method

(See the full details on the bathtub + dryer sheet method.)

Best for: Regular maintenance, moderate grease, minimal scrubbing
Hands-on time: 10-15 minutes
Soak time: 3-8 hours

This is the easiest method for most homes.

1. Place oven racks in a bathtub or large container.
2. Cover with the hottest water you can safely use.
3. Let soak for 3-4 hours.
4. Wipe down and lightly scrub stubborn spots.
5. Rinse and dry completely.

The long soak loosens baked-on grease so most of it wipes away without heavy scrubbing. It's ideal if you want results without harsh chemical fumes or exhausting elbow grease.

This method balances effectiveness and effort, which is why it's my go-to.

Fastest Method: Scrub With Degreasing Paste

Best for: Heavy, baked-on grease
Hands-on time: 20-30 minutes
Soak time: Minimal

If your oven racks are extremely dirty and you want fast results, a degreasing cleaner or powdered cleanser (like Bar Keeper's Friend) works quickly.

1. Remove racks and place them on a protected surface.
2. Apply degreasing paste or cleanser.
3. Scrub with a non-scratch pad or brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

This method requires more scrubbing, but it works quickly on thick, stuck-on grease.

Tip: Always test a small spot first and avoid steel wool, which can scratch the finish.

No Bathtub? Try the Trash Bag or Storage Bin Method...

(See the full no-bathtub-method.)

Best for: Small bathrooms, apartments, or no tub access

If you don't have a bathtub large enough for your racks, you can still soak them effectively.

Option 1: Heavy-duty trash bag

1. Place racks inside a large, thick trash bag.
2. Add hot water and cleaning solution.
3. Seal tightly and lay flat (outdoors or in a garage is ideal).
4. Let soak for 3-4 hours or overnight.

Option 2: Large plastic storage bin

1. Place racks inside a bin.
2. Fill with hot water and cleaning solution.
3. Let soak as usual.

Both options allow you to get the same soaking benefits without using your tub.

Want to Avoid Harsh Chemicals? Steam or Vinegar Option

Best for: Light-to-moderate buildup, low-odor preference

If you prefer a gentler approach:

1. Place racks in a large container.
2. Cover with hot water.
3. Add 1 cup of white vinegar or a few tablespoons of dish soap.
4. Let soak for 3-4 hours.
5. Wipe and scrub lightly.

Another option is to create steam in the oven using a vinegar-water solution before cleaning the racks. The steam helps loosen grease, making scrubbing easier afterward.

This method is slower than stronger degreasers, but it minimizes fumes and chemical exposure.

How to Clean Oven Racks with Dryer Sheets (Bathtub Method)

By far, the dirtiest part of my oven is always the racks. I'm pretty good about wiping up spills on the bottom, but those racks? They take the brunt of everything.

A few years ago, I read about this slightly weird trick for cleaning oven racks with dryer sheets - and I'll be honest, I didn't expect much.

But it works. Like really, really well!

This is my go-to method every few months when the racks start looking rough but I don't feel like scrubbing for hours.

Supplies You'll Need

You don't need anything fancy:

• A large bathtub
• 8-10 dryer sheets
• The hottest water you can safely run
• A melamine sponge (like a Magic Eraser)
• Microfiber cloths
• White vinegar (optional)
• Rubber gloves (you might want them - trust me)

That's it. No harsh oven cleaner fumes. No complicated mixtures.

Step 1: Soak Oven Racks in Hot Water

Start by removing your oven racks and placing them in the biggest bathtub you have. (I have a double oven, so I usually have four racks in there at once.)

Fill the tub with the hottest water you can - enough to completely cover the racks.

The hot water alone will start loosening up some of that baked-on grease. You don't need to mix anything yet - just let the heat start doing its thing.

Step 2: Add Dryer Sheets

Here's where it gets a little strange.

Take about 8-10 dryer sheets and toss them right into the water with the racks. No special technique. No stirring required.

Let everything soak for at least 3-4 hours (overnight is even better for heavy buildup). There's something about the fabric softener in the dryer sheets that helps break down baked-on messes.

If you're sensitive to fragrance, use unscented dryer sheets or swap in dish soap.

Step 3: Wipe and Lightly Scrub

After a few hours, use the wet dryer sheets to start wiping down the racks.

Most of the grime should come off with very little pressure. I'm not exaggerating - it's kind of satisfying.

For the really stubborn spots, grab a melamine sponge and lightly scrub.

You can also use a small scrub brush, scouring pad, or even an old toothbrush for tight corners.

Just a heads up: the water will be pretty gross at this point. This is where those rubber gloves come in handy.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you're happy with how they look, drain the tub and rinse the racks really well.

Make sure you spray them down thoroughly to remove any residue from the dryer sheets. You don't want any leftover film heating up the next time you bake.

Dry the racks completely before putting them back into the oven.

Now - will they look brand new? Probably not.

But they'll be clean. And for me, that's the goal. I'm not aiming for showroom perfection - I just want grease and baked-on food gone.

How Long Should You Soak Oven Racks?

I usually let mine soak for at least 3-4 hours.

If they're especially dirty, I'll leave them overnight. The longer they soak, the easier the grime wipes off.

If you're short on time, a couple of hours will still make a noticeable difference - you might just need a little more scrubbing.

Does This Method Work on Heavy Baked-On Grease?

Yes - just keep some realistic expectations here.

For moderate buildup, this method works beautifully with minimal scrubbing.

For really thick, baked-on grease, you'll probably need to follow up with a melamine sponge or small scrub brush after soaking. The dryer sheets loosen everything up so you're not fighting the grime from scratch.

If your racks haven't been cleaned in years, expect to do a little extra work. But compared to scrubbing them dry? This method makes it so much easier.

How to Clean Oven Racks Without Scrubbing

Let's be honest - the worst part of cleaning oven racks is the scrubbing. Standing over a tub, hunched over wire racks, trying to muscle off baked-on grease? Not my favorite way to spend an afternoon.

If your goal is to clean oven racks without heavy scrubbing, the key is simple: let time do the work for you.

Extended Soak Method

If you want to minimize scrubbing, increase soaking time.

Instead of letting your racks sit for just a couple of hours, plan for a long soak - 6 to 8 hours if possible.

1. Place racks in a bathtub or large container.
2. Cover completely with very hot water.
3. Add your cleaning agent (dryer sheets, dish soap, or vinegar).
4. Walk away.

The longer they sit, the more grease softens and loosens on its own. When you come back, most of the grime should wipe off easily with very light pressure.

This method works especially well for regular maintenance cleaning, when buildup isn't years old.

Overnight Option

If your racks are especially dirty and you really don't want to scrub, let them soak overnight.

I've done this before when I didn't want to deal with it after dinner. I just filled the tub before bed and handled it the next morning.

By that point, the baked-on mess has had plenty of time to break down. Most of it will slide off with a wipe using the soaked dryer sheets or a soft sponge.

It's the lowest-effort option because you're trading time for elbow grease.

When Some Scrubbing Is Still Necessary

I'll be honest - there's no truly "zero scrub" method if your racks are heavily coated in burnt-on grease.

If they haven't been cleaned in years, you may still need to:

• Use a melamine sponge
• Lightly scrub stubborn corners
• Go over a few spots twice

The good news? A long soak makes that scrubbing minimal. You're not fighting hardened grease - you're just finishing what the soak already loosened.

If your goal is to avoid exhausting, aggressive scrubbing, extending the soak time is the simplest way to do it.

And for me, that's always worth the wait.

How to Clean Oven Racks Without a Bathtub

Not everyone has a big soaking tub. And honestly? Even if you do, you might not love the idea of filling it with greasy oven water.

Good news - you absolutely do not need a bathtub to clean oven racks! You just need a container big enough to soak them.

Large Trash Bag Method

This is one of the simplest no-bathtub options.

You'll need:

• A heavy-duty (thick) trash bag
• Your cleaning solution (dryer sheets, dish soap, etc.)
• A place to lay it flat - garage, patio, or laundry room

Here's how to do it:

1. Slide the oven racks into the trash bag.
2. Add very hot water and your cleaning solution.
3. Seal the bag tightly.
4. Lay it flat somewhere safe where it won't leak.

Let the racks soak for 3-4 hours (or overnight). When you open the bag, most of the grime should wipe away just like it does in the bathtub method.

A quick tip: I recommend doing this outside or in a utility area just in case the bag leaks. Better safe than scrubbing greasy water off your kitchen floor.

Outdoor Hose Method

If the weather's nice and your racks are really dirty, taking this project outside is actually a great option.

Here's what I like about this method: it keeps the mess out of your house.

1. Lay the racks on an old towel or plastic sheet outside.
2. Spray them down with a hose to loosen surface grime.
3. Apply your cleaner and let it sit.
4. Rinse thoroughly with the hose.

You can still combine this with a soaking step (like the trash bag method) before rinsing.

This method works especially well for very greasy racks because you don't have to worry about clogging a tub or dealing with dirty bathwater.

Storage Bin Alternative

If you have a large plastic storage bin (the kind used for holiday decorations), it works perfectly for soaking oven racks.

1. Place racks inside the bin.
2. Fill with hot water until fully covered.
3. Add dryer sheets or your preferred cleaner.
4. Let soak for 3-4 hours.
5. Drain and rinse.

This option is great because you can reuse the bin for future deep cleans. Just label it for cleaning use so it doesn't go back to storing sweaters.

The bottom line? A bathtub is convenient, but it's not required.

If you can fully submerge the racks in hot water and give them time to soak, you can clean oven racks almost anywhere - garage, patio, laundry room, or backyard included.

Can You Leave Oven Racks in During the Self-Clean Cycle?

This is a question I get a lot - and it's a good one.

If your oven has a self-clean feature, it seems logical to just leave the racks inside and let the high heat burn everything off. Easy, right?

Not exactly.

Before you hit that self-clean button, here's what you should know.

What Manufacturers Recommend

Most oven manufacturers do not recommend leaving racks inside during the self-clean cycle.

The self-clean setting heats the oven to extremely high temperatures (often around 800-900 degrees). That intense heat is designed to turn food residue into ash - but it can also affect the metal finish on your racks.

Many brands specifically advise removing the racks before running self-clean. Some will say it's technically safe, but warn that it may damage the appearance or performance over time.

Because recommendations vary by model, the safest approach is always to check your oven's manual. If it doesn't clearly say racks can stay in, it's better to remove them.

Risks of Warping or Discoloration

Even if racks don't technically "break" in the self-clean cycle, they can:

• Lose their smooth finish
• Become discolored
• Warp slightly
• Slide less easily in and out of the oven

That smooth glide coating on many racks can wear down under extreme heat. Once that happens, racks may feel rough or stick when you pull them out.

In some cases, they can even become harder to reposition properly.

Will this happen every time? Not necessarily. But it's common enough that I personally don't risk it.

When It's Safe (and When It's Not)

If your manufacturer explicitly states that racks can remain inside during self-clean, you can choose to do so - just understand they may not look or function the same afterward.

It's generally safer to:

• Remove racks before starting the cycle
• Clean racks separately using a soaking method
• Let the oven cool completely before wiping out ash

If your racks are heavily coated in grease, the self-clean cycle might not magically restore them to like-new condition anyway.

For me, running the self-clean cycle while the racks soak separately works best. The oven interior gets cleaned, and I avoid the risk of damaging the racks.

When it comes to high heat and appliance parts, a little caution goes a long way!

Now you know exactly how to clean oven racks - whether you want the fastest method or the lowest-effort soak! Let me know any more good cleaning tips in the comments below. And make sure to follow along for the latest cleaning posts!