Although we all love to cook, we can all agree that cleaning the oven is the least fun part. Burnt food residue and grease that accumulates on the grates can make any meal less enjoyable, as the oven emits unpleasant odors. Cleaning grills is usually a painstaking task that requires a lot of scrubbing and time.
But what if we told you that there is a simple trick that will make this task easier for you? All you need is aluminum foil, dishwasher detergent and some free time. This way, your oven will shine like new again, without any unnecessary effort!
How to clean oven racks?
1. Preparation:
First, remove the racks from the oven. If you have just baked them, wait for them to cool down to avoid burns. Prepare the aluminum foil that you will need for the next step. Wrap the grids in several layers of aluminum foil. Make sure the grates are completely covered, as this will be key to cleaning efficiency. This layer of aluminum foil will create a kind of "heat cloud" that will help soften the burned remains.
2. Preparing the bath:
Pour hot water into the bathtub, enough to cover the grates. Place old towels on the bottom of the tub to prevent scratching the surface of the tub. When the tub is ready, carefully place the wrapped grates in it. Use at least two dishwasher tablets - depending on how dirty the racks are. Place the tablets directly on the aluminum foil.
3. Irrigation:
The grates should be soaked for at least two to three hours. During this time, the powerful enzymes from the dishwasher tablets will be released into the hot water and help break down grease and burnt food residue. A longer soak will provide better results, especially if the grates are very dirty.
4. Cleaning:
After soaking, unroll the aluminum foil grids. Most dirt should loosen or even come off on its own. Gently rub off the remaining residue with a sponge or old cloth. Do not use metal sponges as they can damage the surface of the grates. If some parts are still stubborn, you can soak them in a solution of hot water and detergent for a few minutes.
5. Rinsing and drying:
When you are satisfied with the result, rinse the grates thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner. Place them on a dry towel and let them dry completely before returning them to the oven.
6. Maintenance:
To keep the grates clean for as long as possible, check them regularly for grease or food residue. Try placing a baking tray under food that may drip to avoid unnecessary soiling.
With this simple process, you will save time and energy that would otherwise be spent on prolonged scrubbing. The dishwasher tablet and aluminum foil method is a surefire solution that will make your grills as good as new!
