Okay, so here’s the thing—we’ve all been there. You open your oven, ready to bake something amazing, and bam! you notice those racks are looking… well, let’s just say they’ve seen better days. Grease, baked-on bits, random splatters—it’s not pretty. Then you think, Wait, can I just pop these things in the dishwasher and call it a day? Great question. Let’s talk about it.
So, can you actually do it?
Short answer? Yes… but also no. Confusing, right? Here’s the deal: most oven racks are made of stainless steel or chrome, so technically, they can go in the dishwasher without immediately falling apart. The problem is that dishwashers use super hot water, strong detergents, and a whole lot of movement. Over time, this combo can dull the finish on your racks or even cause them to rust.
And let’s not forget—those racks are usually huge. Unless you’ve got a mega-sized dishwasher, you’ll be playing Tetris just to fit them in there.
The dishwasher isn’t the magic fix
Even if you manage to squeeze them in, the dishwasher isn’t always strong enough to remove that baked-on gunk. You know, the stuff that’s basically fused to the metal like it’s part of the rack now. Yeah, that stuff usually needs some elbow grease (sorry, there’s no avoiding it entirely).
Think of it like this: the dishwasher is great for your plates and glasses, but when it comes to oven racks, it’s like asking a feather duster to clean your barbecue grill—it’ll help a bit, but not a lot.
The better way to clean them
Alright, if the dishwasher isn’t your hero here, what’s the game plan? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Try this:
Take the racks out (obviously).
Soak them in a bathtub or big sink filled with hot water and a splash of dish soap. If you’ve got some dryer sheets lying around, toss a few in—they actually help break down the grime.
Wait it out for a couple of hours (or overnight if they’re really bad).
Scrub lightly with a sponge or brush. Most of that baked-on mess should slide right off.
Easy, right? Sure, it’s not as quick as pressing a button on your dishwasher, but it actually works.
Any tips to keep them clean longer?
Glad you asked! Here’s a little secret: line the bottom of your oven with a removable oven liner or even just foil (as long as it’s safe for your model). This way, spills don’t turn into a nightmare later. Also, give the racks a quick wipe-down every now and then—don’t wait until they’re coated in a year’s worth of lasagna overflow.
So, can you put oven racks in the dishwasher? Technically, yes. But should you? Eh… probably not if you care about keeping them shiny and rust-free. A good soak and scrub will get you better results without risking damage.
Next time you’re staring down those dirty racks, skip the dishwasher and go for the old-school method—you’ll thank yourself later.
