This cleaning method works for several reasons. The fabric softeners and static-reducing chemicals in dryer sheets are highly effective at loosening up stubborn, baked-on grime without requiring elbow grease. When soaked in hot, soapy water, the chemicals penetrate deep into the gunk, making it easier to wipe away. The added dish soap cuts through the oily residue that often coats oven racks, making the entire process a breeze.
The best part? This method requires very little scrubbing. You don’t need to scour the metal with harsh steel wool or abrasive pads that can scratch or damage the racks over time. The dryer sheets gently scrub the metal without being abrasive, so your racks will not only be clean but will also stay in good condition.
Extra Tips for Stubborn Grime
If you have spots that are particularly grimy or difficult to clean, you can use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive scrubber to lightly scrub those areas after soaking. The grime should come off easily with minimal effort.
For heavily burnt-on stains, you can add a bit of baking soda to the water to boost the cleaning power. The slight abrasiveness of the baking soda will help lift off any charred spots.
If you don’t have dryer sheets, you can try aluminum foil rolled into a ball as a substitute. While it’s not as soft, it can still be effective for lightly scrubbing the racks.
Why You Should Try This Hack
If you’ve ever tried to scrub oven racks with a wire brush or abrasive cleaner, you know how exhausting and time-consuming it can be. This trick saves you both time and effort. By allowing the dryer sheets to do the work while the racks soak, you free up your time for other things and avoid the backbreaking labor of scrubbing each bar. Plus, this method is affordable and uses items you probably already have at home.
Not only will your oven racks be spotless and gleaming, but your kitchen will also smell pleasantly fresh thanks to the scented dryer sheets.