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4. Let It Soak
Allow the oven rack to soak in the solution for at least 90 minutes. If the rack is particularly dirty, consider letting it sit overnight. The longer it soaks, the easier the cleaning process will be. During this time, the dishwasher tablet and baking soda will work together to dissolve the built-up grime, softening it for easy removal.
5. Scrub the Rack
After the soaking time has passed, it’s time to scrub away any remaining grime. Carefully open the bag over the sink to avoid spills, and put on protective gloves to shield your hands from the cleaning solution.
Take a sponge or scrubber and gently scrub the oven rack. You’ll likely find that the dirt and grease come off with minimal effort, thanks to the cleaning power of the solution. Focus on any areas with stubborn stains, and continue scrubbing until the rack is completely clean.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve scrubbed away all the dirt, rinse the oven rack thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse off all detergent residue to avoid any unwanted smells or chemical traces when you next use your oven.
After rinsing, allow the rack to air dry or use a clean towel to dry it off.
Why This Method Works
This method works because the combination of a dishwasher tablet and baking soda creates a powerful cleaning solution that effectively breaks down baked-on grease and food residue. Dishwasher tablets are designed to tackle tough grime, and when dissolved in hot water, their cleaning agents become even more effective. Baking soda, with its mild abrasive properties, helps scrub away stubborn stains without scratching or damaging the metal.
The plastic bag serves a crucial role in this process by keeping the cleaning solution in contact with the rack for an extended period, allowing it to penetrate and soften the grime. This soaking step is what makes the dirt so easy to scrub off afterward.
Benefits of This Cleaning Hack
Minimal Effort: Instead of scrubbing for hours, this method requires very little manual effort. The cleaning solution does most of the hard work for you.
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