How to Clean Oven Racks Effortlessly (My Nana’s Secret Trick)

There’s something about a sparkling kitchen that just makes you breathe easier, isn’t there? For me, it’s always been the oven. I don’t know why, but if the oven is grimy, I feel like the whole kitchen is dingy. The problem? Oven racks collect grease and baked-on bits like it’s their full-time job. Scraping and scrubbing feels endless—until I remembered my nana’s little secret. She swore by the simplest trick, and honestly, it still feels like magic every time I use it. No harsh chemicals. No aching arms. Just clean, shiny racks by the time you wake up the next morning.

Why You’ll Love This Method

• Zero scrubbing involved (yes, really!)

• Uses one everyday product you already have in the house

• No harsh smells or chemicals

• Overnight soak does all the work for you

• Results look like brand-new oven racks

What You’ll Need

1. A bathtub or a large plastic tub

2. Hot water (the hotter, the better)

3. A single dishwasher tablet

That’s it. Just three things. No special cleaner, no fancy gadgets.

Step-by-Step Directions

Here’s exactly how I do it—slow and steady, just like Nana showed me:

1. Remove the oven racks carefully.
   First things first, make sure your oven is completely cool and turned off. This isn’t a rush job—you don’t want to wrestle hot metal. Slide the racks out slowly and carry them to your cleaning spot. I usually use my bathtub because it’s big enough, but if that’s not an option, a large plastic storage bin works too.

2. Set up your cleaning space.
   Lay an old towel in the bottom of the tub if you’re worried about scratches. Place the oven racks inside, making sure they’re sitting flat. It may feel like you’re about to give them a spa treatment, and honestly, that’s pretty close.

3. Fill with hot water.
   Turn on the tap and let the tub fill until the racks are completely submerged. Don’t skimp here—the water needs to cover the racks fully. Hot water is key because it softens up the baked-on mess, making it easier for the tablet to do its job.

4. Drop in the dishwasher tablet.
   Plunk one tablet right into the water. That’s it. No need for scrubbing pads, sprays, or homemade pastes. The tablet will fizz and slowly release its cleaning agents into the hot water.

5. Let it soak overnight.
   This is the best part—you walk away. Leave the racks soaking while you go about your evening. By morning, the magic has happened. The grease and grime that seemed welded to the metal loosens and floats away.

6. Rinse and dry.
   In the morning, pull the racks out and run them under the shower or hose to rinse away any residue. You’ll notice the grime slides right off. Dry them with a clean towel (or let them air-dry if you’re not in a hurry) and slide them back into the oven. They’ll look shiny and practically new.

A Few Handy Tips & Variations

• For smaller tubs: If your oven racks don’t quite fit, soak one end overnight, then flip and repeat the next day.

• For extra stubborn grime: Toss in two dishwasher tablets instead of one.

• If you don’t have tablets: Powder or gel dishwasher detergent works too—about ½ cup does the trick.

• Worried about your tub? Line the bottom with a beach towel to protect from scratches.

Storage & Maintenance

Now, you can’t exactly “store” clean oven racks, but you can keep them cleaner longer. Try giving them a quick wipe every month or so with a damp cloth to keep grease from building up. That way, you won’t need the full overnight soak as often.

Final Thoughts

I love how a little trick passed down from my nana makes my kitchen feel brighter and my life just a tad easier. Cleaning oven racks used to be one of those chores I dreaded, but now it’s practically effortless. If you give this hack a try, I’d love to hear how it worked for you. Did you use the bathtub method, or did you find a creative way to make it work in your space? Leave a note in the comments—I’m always curious about how others make old-school tricks their own.