Can Oven Racks Go into the Dishwasher?
It’s safe to say cleaning the grimy, sticky grease off an oven rack isn’t the most enjoyable job in the world. So, we have put together a simple guide on whether or not oven racks should go into the dishwasher.
Can they go in the Dishwasher?
Most modern dishwashers tend to 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.
Oven racks have a lot of built-up grime and grease that has been 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 it’s a whole different story when dealing with oven racks. No need to worry though, simply follow the top tips below and you will have sparkling clean oven racks before you know it.
Cleaning Oven Racks in the Bathtub
Who doesn’t love a long hot soak in the bath? Why not let your oven racks experience the same! Simply fill the bathtub with hot water, completely submerge the racks in the hot water and add ½ cup of dishwashing soap and 3 to 4 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 hard toothbrush or non-scratch scorer, give the racks a good scrub. The grease and grime should all come away.
Cleaning Oven Racks with Natural Orange Essential Oil
Firstly, you will need to create a paste, to do this you will need to mix together baking soda, vinegar and a couple drops of orange essential oil. The orange in the oil gives off a lovely citrus odour whilst containing powerful antimicrobial compounds. Put the racks over the sink and using a slightly damp sponge, apply your paste to the racks. Leave it to soak into the rack for up to 8 hours, once the 8 hours are up, scrub the racks lightly, this will remove the grease and grime. Rinse off the oils and it’s done with no chemicals.
Using Aluminium Foil to Clean Racks
Using foil, wrap it all around the oven rack, in and out of the rungs. Fill the bathtub with very hot water and place the wrapped oven racks inside the water. Using one dishwasher tablet, dissolve it into the bathtub. This will react with the foil creating a cleansing agent. Leave the oven racks to soak in the bathtub for 2-3 hours and then drain all of the water from the bathtub. Remove all of the foil and wipe down, the grease should come away easily. Rinse off the racks when it’s all removed.
Commercial Oven Cleaners
The majority of commercial oven cleaners that you will find in the supermarket will most definitely produce toxic fumes, so if you are thinking of using one of these products, please ensure you clean the racks outside in the fresh air where the area is well ventilated and always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and skin! Using either old newspaper or perhaps an old shower curtain, lay down the oven racks separately. Spray the oven cleaner generously onto both sides of the racks. Then leave them to sit for at least 15 minutes (or the time scale provided on the product.) Revisit the racks after the given time. Then using either a toothbrush or rag, scrub the racks down to remove the grease and grime. Then rinse, we would suggest using a garden hose to ensure all of the product is completely removed. It’s essential to remove all product before placing back inside the oven as the fumes can be very toxic.
Professional Oven Rack Cleaning
So yes, oven racks can be cleaned in the dishwasher (if they fit). However, the best and easiest way to clean oven racks is with Ovenclean. Ovenclean specialists take all removable parts, including oven racks out of the oven to be cleaned in the unique, no-added caustic solution.
