It’s safe to say cleaning the grimy, sticky grease off an oven rack isn’t the most enjoyable household chore - but it is necessary. So, we have put together a simple guide on whether or not oven racks can go into the dishwasher and ways to clean them that you may not have considered before.

Can my oven racks go in the dishwasher?

Most modern dishwashers come with dishwasher safe racks which make it very tricky to fit an oven rack inside. However, if there is room in your dishwasher then there’s no reason why you can’t give it a go. Although placing your oven racks in the dishwasher may sound like the easiest, hassle-free way to clean them, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best way (remember that!).

Oven racks gather a lot of built-up grime and grease that is often baked over and over. This means that it is going to need some real elbow grease to come off! A dishwasher is perfect for removing dirt off dishes and cutlery because the dirt isn’t deeply embedded. But dealing with dirt and grime on oven racks is often a whole different story. No need to worry though, if you try to clean the oven racks in the dishwasher and it doesn't work, give the follow tips a go and you will have sparkling clean oven racks in no time.

Cleaning your oven racks in the bathtub

That's right, you can get rid of the stubborn burnt on food by soaking the oven racks in the bath. Simply fill the bathtub enough to completely submerge the racks in hot water and add ½ cup of dishwashing soap and 3 cups of your favourite washing detergent. Leave them to soak for a good 24 hours. Return to the bathtub once the 24 hours are up, using either a old toothbrush or non-scratch scorer, and give the racks a good scrub. The grease and grime should come off with ease.

Use tin foil and a dishwasher tablet to clean the oven racks

Using the tin foil (also known as aluminium foil) from the back of your kitchen cupboard, wrap it all around the oven rack. Fill the bathtub with hot water and completely submerge the wrapped oven racks in the water. Throw in a dishwasher tablet, and watch it dissolve in the bathtub. This will react with the foil creating a cleansing agent. Leave the oven racks to soak in the bathtub for 2 hours and then drain all of the water from the bathtub. Then simply remove all of the foil and wipe the oven racks down - the grease should come away with ease. Finally, rinse the racks when all the food and grime has been removed.

Or use a professional oven cleaning service

So the answer to the questions is yes, oven racks can be cleaned in the dishwasher (if they fit). Or they can be cleaned in the bathtub with the help of cleaning agents and hot water. However, the best and easiest way to clean oven racks is with Crystal Oven Cleaning. Our team of specialists take all removable parts, including oven racks out of the oven to be cleaned in the unique, no-added caustic solution. We will put the work in to make your oven sparkle once again. Get in touch TODAY and let's get that oven showroom clean once again.