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No need to scrub, put the oven rack in a bag: it will be as good as new again

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No Need to Scrub! Put the Oven Rack in a Bag – It’ll Be as Good as New Again

Let’s be honest — cleaning oven racks is one of those chores we all dread. The baked-on grease, food residue, and stubborn grime seem to laugh in the face of traditional scrubbing. But what if we told you there’s a simple, no-scrub trick that brings your oven racks back to life with almost zero effort?

It’s true! All you need is a plastic bag, a few common ingredients, and a bit of patience. This clever cleaning hack has been passed around by savvy home cooks and cleaning pros for years — and now it’s your turn to give it a try.


🧼 The Genius Oven Rack Cleaning Hack

Forget the steel wool and elbow grease — this method works while you relax. Here’s how to do it:

🛒 What You’ll Need:

  • A large plastic garbage bag (or sealable storage bag big enough for your racks)
  • Dishwasher detergent or ammonia
  • Warm water
  • Old towels or newspapers (for protecting the surface)
  • Gloves (optional, but helpful)

🧪 Method 1: With Dishwasher Detergent

  1. Remove the oven racks and place them inside a large garbage bag.
  2. Add ½ cup of powdered dishwasher detergent (or a few squirts of liquid).
  3. Pour in enough hot water to cover the racks once the bag is sealed.
  4. Seal the bag tightly and lay it flat on an old towel or in the bathtub.
  5. Let it sit overnight (8–12 hours is ideal).
  6. The next day, open the bag carefully (use gloves!) and rinse the racks with warm water.
  7. Use a sponge or soft brush to wipe away any remaining residue — it should slide right off!

🧪 Method 2: With Ammonia (Super Effective)

Important: Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from children and pets.

  1. Place oven racks in a large sealable garbage bag.
  2. Add ½ cup of ammonia to the bag.
  3. Seal the bag tightly and place it outside (like on a patio or balcony) overnight.
  4. The fumes (not the liquid) will loosen the grime on the racks.
  5. The next day, open the bag in fresh air and rinse the racks thoroughly with warm water.