Ah yes 😄 — this is one of those super-simple “oven rack hack” cleaning tricks! It works surprisingly well because it soaks the grime in a controlled space, making scrubbing almost unnecessary. Here’s the safe, step-by-step way to do it:
🧽 Oven Rack Cleaning Hack (Plastic Bag Method)
What You Need:
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1 large heavy-duty trash bag or extra-large freezer bag
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1/2–1 cup ammonia (or a commercial oven cleaner alternative)
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Gloves
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Old towels (to protect surfaces)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Place oven rack in the bag:
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Make sure the rack fits loosely; it can be slightly folded if needed.
2️⃣ Add ammonia:
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Pour about 1/2–1 cup ammonia into the bag.
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The fumes help break down grease overnight.
3️⃣ Seal the bag tightly:
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Leave it on a towel or in the sink to catch any leaks.
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Let it sit overnight (8–12 hours).
4️⃣ Remove and rinse:
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Carefully open the bag (wear gloves!).
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Rinse the rack under hot water. Most of the gunk should wipe off easily with a sponge.
5️⃣ Optional:
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For any remaining spots, use a soft-bristled brush or scrub pad.
⚠️ Safety Tips:
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Use gloves and work in a ventilated area — ammonia fumes are strong.
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Never mix ammonia with bleach — it creates toxic gas.
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Heavy-duty trash bags are best; thin bags can leak.
💡 Bonus Tip:
If you want a chemical-free version, you can soak racks in hot water + baking soda + dish soap in your bathtub overnight — works almost as well for lighter grime.
If you want, I can also give a 5-minute quick hack for lightly dirty racks that doesn’t require ammonia or soaking overnight — perfect for maintenance cleaning.