How to clean oven racks with dishwasher tablets

Nobody enjoys cleaning oven racks, and everybody postpones it until last. And how would you not? Over time, oven racks collect grease, grime, and stubborn food spills, which feel nearly impossible to remove. How can anyone look forward to scrubbing away at those caked-on stains only to find they’re still there? If only there was an easier way… Or is there?

Now, you will discover the surprisingly simple method of how to clean oven racks with dishwasher tablets. It’s a great, no-fuss solution that’s perfect for busy kitchens, even here in Australia, where appliances take a real beating.

Why use dishwasher tablets?

Dishwasher tablets might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about cleaning oven racks. Still, they’re actually pretty effective because they contain enzymes and surfactants. Enzymes break down grease and food residues. On the other hand, surfactants lift and dissolve the grime. That’s what makes the dishwasher tablet cleaning method so handy for tough, greasy oven racks. Too bad you can’t clean the entire oven using the same method.

Select biodegradable dishwasher tablets if you wish to be more environmentally conscious. They’re the next best thing next to natural oven cleaners. You won’t be leaving behind potentially dangerous chemicals because they are made to decompose more naturally. Despite the fact that these environmentally friendly alternatives are kinder, be sure to thoroughly rinse your oven racks to get rid of any remaining residue.

Another reason to use tablets for dishwashers? They are an affordable substitute for those pricy, frequently hazardous industrial cleaners. Additionally, there is no need to soak in harsh chemicals or scrub away for hours.

Steps to clean the oven racks with the dishwasher tablet

Now that you’re convinced about the dishwasher tablet cleaning method, and likely so, let’s obtain some items.

What you will need

To get your oven racks sparkling clean, gather these materials:

Materials:

Optional:

Prepare the oven racks

The oven racks should be gently removed from the oven first. If they have just been used, wait until they have cooled down before handling. Considering that oven racks might remain hot for a long time, you don’t want to burn yourself. Wearing gloves will protect your hands if they’re still a little too warm.

Once they’re cool enough, grab some aluminium foil. Now you will learn how to clean oven racks with foil and dishwasher tablet. Wrap it around the racks. Cover as much of them as possible. This step might seem a little odd, but there is a reason. Foil traps heat around the racks. This will help loosen up stubborn grease and baked-on grime.

The foil also helps contain any gunk or residue that will come off during the soak. You will not be left with a mess to clean up in your bathtub, bin, or wherever you’re soaking the racks. Plus, if you’re using something like baking soda and vinegar, the foil can amplify the reaction by keeping it concentrated on the racks.

Mind you, if you don’t have a bathtub, use a big storage container or a large sink. Both work just as well for the dishwasher tablet cleaning hack.

Soak the racks well

Once your racks are all wrapped and in place, it’s time to prepare the soak. Place the old towel or bathmat at the bottom of the container. Fill it with hot water and throw in one or two dishwasher tablets. The water should be really hot. This is key when cleaning oven racks with dishwasher tablets. The heat helps the enzymes break down the grease and grime more effectively.

Next, carefully submerge the racks completely in the water. The goal here is to submerge the entire surface of the rack in the cleaning solution. When you’re done with that, leave them to soak. You might even add some white vinegar to the mix. It certainly will help.

4-6 hours or overnight works either way. The longer they soak, the easier it will be to wipe away the impurities.

Scrubbing time

You might have thought there will be none of that, but sadly, you were wrong. Still, it won’t be as hard as when you don’t use dishwasher tablet hacks.

Grab a sponge or cloth and start wiping down the racks. Most of the grime and grease should come off easily now. Be gentle, though. Use soft, non-abrasive sponges or cloths to avoid scratching the metal surface. Avoid rough scrubbers like steel wool, as they can scratch the surface. A microfiber cloth works well for lifting dirt without causing damage.

If you notice stubborn spots, make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive but safe for most surfaces.

Rinse very well

Rinse under running water until all the detergent residues are completely washed off. You don’t want any leftover soap or cleaner lingering on the racks.

If you notice any stubborn stains that didn’t come off during the first round, don’t worry. Just repeat the process. Sometimes, a bit more soaking can help lift those tough spots more easily. You can even try soaking them for a bit longer or adding a bit of baking soda to the mix

Your racks need to be squeaky clean before drying. Once they’re properly rinsed, they’ll be ready to dry and go back into your oven, looking as good as new!

How to maintain your oven racks

Now when the racks are clean, you want to keep them that way.

1. Wipe them down regularly. After heavy cooking, grab a damp cloth and wipe away grease or food bits. It’s much easier to clean before everything hardens;
2. Use oven liners. Place oven-safe liners or trays on the racks to catch drips. They’re easy to wash and keep your racks mess-free;
3. Be gentle when cleaning. Avoid harsh scrubbing tools. They can scratch the racks, making them harder to clean next time;
4. Plan deep cleans. Soak your racks with the dishwasher tablet method every couple of months. It’s quick, easy, and keeps them looking great;
5. Add a layer of protection. Rub a little cooking oil onto the racks before using the oven. It helps stop grease from sticking;
6. Care for sliding racks. Some oven racks come with a special lubricant for the ball bearings in their sliding mechanism. Avoid getting water or cleaning products in this mechanism.