Methods for Cleaning Oven Racks
At Dough Tech, some of our many bakery products we’re proud of are our oven racks. Available in various styles and with reinforced gussets for heavy use, our racks even come with lifting devices if you require them and are perfect for any application needed.
We can also offer expertise on these and all our other kitchen products, and one of the most common questions here relates to cleaning. With that in mind, here are four different options when it comes to cleaning your oven racks.
Dryer Sheets and Dishwashing Liquid
Our first couple methods discussed will involve basic items you can find at any store, and these are often the most efficient cleaning processes for small and medium-sized bakeries. The first involves dryer sheets, dishwashing liquid, warm water and a tub or basin of some kind.
Line the tub or basin with dryer sheets, then lay your oven racks on top of these sheets. Fill the basin with enough warm water to cover the racks, then add a half-cup of dishwashing liquid before letting it all sit overnight. In the morning, drain the basin and wipe the racks using gloves and the soaked dryer sheets – their powerful antistatic found in the sheets will help separate food from your racks easily and with little hassle.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another method involving a basin or tub involves setting the racks in the tub with no water, then sprinkling baking soda over top of them. From here, use some vinegar to cover them – this will lead to a foaming of the solution.
After the foam stops, run hot water into the basin until the racks are covered, then leave things overnight. In the morning, use a dish towel to remove all grease and debris, which will have been loosened by the solution. If any heavy gunk remains, try a toothbrush or a firm-bristled scrub brush to remove it. If you need more abrasive scrubbing for a tough spot, add some salt. Be sure to rinse racks thoroughly before placing them back in the oven.
Commercial Cleaners
In some cases, you may prefer designated commercial oven cleaners for your racks. Our primary advice here if this is your choice is to keep ventilation in mind – these cleaners often produce toxic fumes, so clean racks either outside or in a well-vented area. Cover a surface with a plastic or paper covering, then lay racks down in layers and spray cleaner on them. Always use gloves and proper safety equipment. Scrub and clean as directed by the product.
Trash Bag and Ammonia Method
If you have an outdoor area where you can leave racks overnight, you might consider a unique method that creates very little mess. Place the oven racks in a large unused trash bag, then add a half-quart of ammonia before tightly tying the bag – this is essential, as leaking ammonia is dangerous.
Let the sealed bag sit overnight outside; you can lay them flat if you want, but this is not technically necessary because racks will be cleaned by the circulating ammonia fumes. Open the bag the next morning with care – be sure not to inhale fumes, and wear both gloves and goggles. Spray the racks thoroughly with a hose and notice how grease just dissolves straight off.
For more on cleaning oven racks, or to learn about any of our mixers, water meters or other products, speak to the staff at Dough Tech today.
