How To Clean Oven Racks In Bathtub With Baking Soda And Vinegar

How to Clean Oven Racks in Bathtub with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Cleaning oven racks can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done quickly and easily. One effective method is to use baking soda and vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution that will dissolve grease and grime. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning oven racks in the bathtub using baking soda and vinegar:

Materials You'll Need:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Large bathtub
Rubber gloves
Sponge or brush
Dish soap (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bathtub: Fill the bathtub with enough hot water to cover the oven racks. Add 1 cup of baking soda to the water and stir until dissolved.

Step 2: Submerge the Oven Racks: Carefully lower the oven racks into the baking soda solution. Ensure they are completely submerged and weigh them down with heavy objects if necessary.

Step 3: Add Vinegar: Slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bathtub. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzing action that helps loosen the grease and grime.

Step 4: Soak Overnight: Allow the oven racks to soak in the solution for at least 12 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the racks soak, the better the cleaning results will be.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse: After soaking, put on rubber gloves. Use a sponge or brush to gently scrub the racks, paying special attention to areas with heavy grease buildup. Rinse the racks thoroughly with hot water.

Step 6: Remove Stubborn Grime (Optional): If there is any stubborn grime remaining, apply a small amount of dish soap to a sponge and scrub the affected areas gently. Rinse the racks again with hot water.

Step 7: Dry and Oil: Once the oven racks are clean, use a clean cloth to dry them completely. To prevent rust, apply a thin layer of cooking oil or WD-40 to the racks with a paper towel.

Tips:

If your oven racks are heavily soiled, you may want to soak them for longer than 12 hours.
For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the soaking solution.
Wear rubber gloves when handling the cleaning solution to avoid irritation.
Be careful not to use too much force when scrubbing, as this could damage the racks.
Dry the oven racks thoroughly before using them to prevent rust.

By following these steps, you can easily clean your oven racks in the bathtub using baking soda and vinegar. This method is effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly.