Cleaning the oven is one of the least favorite things we do, but not when it comes to removing the toughest, most encrusted dirt. Sometimes, no matter how hard you scrub, the dirt just won’t come off. The problem then comes when you use it again: the dirt heats up and the substances and odors are absorbed by the food you are cooking.
One of the most tedious tasks is to clean oven racks. Its thin metal bars make it difficult to clean and it takes time and patience to remove all the dirt embedded in it. It is advisable to wash them after each use so that the dirt and grease do not harden and are easier to remove with a simple sponge and a little neutral soap.
How to clean oven racks
Poor cleaning of this appliance can alter the taste of the food and, in the worst case, even encourage the development of microorganisms capable of causing food poisoning, not to mention the bad smells that emanate every time this appliance is turned on.
Moreover, the fact that the grill accumulates food residues or burnt oils can lead to the production of acrylamide, a substance considered carcinogenic, which is formed when starchy foods – such as potatoes or corn – are cooked or fried at high temperatures. Therefore, when we repeatedly expose these foods to high temperatures, they tend to form toxic substances that can contaminate other preparations. So let’s see together how to clean the oven grill with some little home tricks!
Baking Soda
A natural and harmless product that gives excellent results is sodium bicarbonate, which is also very useful for cleaning other kitchen utensils and appliances, such as pots or microwaves. To clean the grill, simply soak it in warm water and add some baking soda. Leave to soak for an hour, depending on the amount of grime, and then rub the grill with a sponge. If you don’t get the desired result, you can repeat the process several times.
It is also possible to rub the grill with a paste-like mixture made with a small amount of water and baking Soda. Then it is enough to rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
Butter or oil
This trick requires that the oven rack is still a little hot. Spread the butter or oil on the metal bars, being careful not to burn yourself. Let it sit for a few minutes (try not to overdo it, so that the grease doesn’t stick more than necessary). Then rub with a metal sponge or a ball of aluminum paper and wash with soap and water.
Using a degreaser
If the above solutions do not work because the pan is very encrusted, there is nothing left to do but use the degreaser. First, find a large container, such as a sink, and fill it with hot water containing the degreaser. Then dip the grate in the mixture and leave it for 3 hours. If there is still residue, use a sponge or brush to complete the removal. Finally, rinse the grille with water and neutral soap and dry with a clean cloth.
