Maintaining a clean oven is crucial for your health, hygiene, and the taste of your food. Imagine sliding a perfectly crafted pizza onto an oven rack coated with months of baked-on residue. While cleaning the oven itself is important, don’t forget about the racks—they need special attention.
Always remove the oven racks before cleaning the oven. Carefully take them out to avoid dropping food particles on the floor or smearing grease on the walls. This will save you from extra cleaning tasks.
Lay out some newspapers on your patio or driveway, and place the oven racks on top. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, spray the racks with oven cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for the recommended time to dissolve the grease and grime.
If the racks are still dirty after that, place them in a large plastic bag, like a trash bag or garden leaf bag. Add 1/2 cup of ammonia to the bag, which will break down any remaining stubborn grime. Remember, ammonia is a strong chemical, so keep it away from children and pets, and ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area.
Seal the bag tightly to avoid leaks, and store it in a safe spot, such as a shelf in your garage, away from kids and pets. Let it sit overnight.
The next day, take the bag outside before opening it. With gloves on, remove the racks and discard the bag. Be cautious, as the contents might be unpleasant.
Inspect the racks. If any grime remains, gently scrub it off with a soft sponge or a green scrub pad. Rinse the racks thoroughly to remove all traces of the cleaner and ammonia. You can let them air dry in a clean, dust-free area or wipe them down with a soft cloth. Once completely dry, return the racks to the oven.
Oven cleaning is a tough job, and after handling this, the last thing you’ll want to do is tackle the carpet, furniture, or other surfaces. Leave that to K-Tech Kleening.
