Cleaning oven racks without using an oven cleaner can be achieved with a few simple household items and some elbow grease. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean oven racks using alternative methods:
Remove the oven racks: Take out the oven racks from the oven and place them on a protected surface, like an old towel or a large trash bag, to avoid making a mess.
Soak the racks: Fill a bathtub or a large basin with hot water. Add a few tablespoons of dish soap and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water. Mix until the baking soda dissolves. Submerge the oven racks in the soapy water, ensuring they are fully covered. Let them soak for at least a few hours or overnight to loosen the grime and grease.
Scrub the racks: After soaking, use a sponge, scrub brush, or even an old toothbrush to scrub away the remaining grime. The combination of hot water, dish soap, and baking soda should help to break down and lift the grease and dirt.
Use a vinegar solution: For stubborn stains or burnt-on residue, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the remaining stains and let it sit for a few minutes. The vinegar's acidity should help dissolve the tough grime.
Scrub again: After letting the vinegar solution sit for a few minutes, scrub the racks again with your sponge or scrub brush until all the stains are removed.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the oven racks thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or vinegar residue.
Dry the racks: Pat the oven racks dry with a clean towel or allow them to air dry before placing them back in the oven.
Remember that cleaning oven racks can be a messy and time-consuming task, so it's essential to be patient and persistent in your efforts. Additionally, regular maintenance and wiping down oven racks after each use can help prevent heavy build-up and make future cleaning easier.