Keeping your kitchen clean means paying attention to all the parts, including the oven racks. A common question homeowners ask is can you wash oven racks in the dishwasher? This article will dive into that question, looking at the pros and cons and give you some alternatives to keep your oven racks spotless.
What are Oven Racks
Oven racks are built to withstand high heat and heavy use. Made of carbon steel or stainless steel, these racks have a chrome coating to prevent sticking and rust. The construction is tough but the surface can be damaged by abrasive cleaners and harsh conditions which can happen in a dishwasher cycle.
Pros of Putting Oven Racks in the Dishwasher
Effort and Convenience: The biggest pro of using a dishwasher to clean oven racks is convenience and efficiency. If the racks aren’t too dirty, the dishwasher can remove recent buildup of grease and food particles and reduce the manual scrubbing by hand.
Effective Cleaning: Dishwashers with high intensity settings can give a good clean, if the oven racks fit in the unit.
Cons of Putting Oven Racks in the Dishwasher
Damage: Washing oven racks in the dishwasher can cause several problems. The harsh environment of high heat and strong detergents can strip the coating off the racks and cause rust. If the racks are forced in the dishwasher, they can damage the spray arms or other racks and cost you money to repair.
Inadequate Cleaning: Oven racks have complex shapes that the dishwasher jets can’t reach. This can leave patches of grease or baked on food after the wash cycle and you’ll need to clean by hand.
Alternatives to the Dishwasher
Since using the dishwasher has its downsides, manual cleaning is a good option. This method not only prevents damage to your oven racks but is also more ecofriendly and gentler on your dishes.
Manual Scrubbing: For those who prefer a hands-on approach, manual scrubbing your oven racks can be very effective. You can make a cleaning paste using baking soda and water, coat the racks, let it sit and then scrub. This method is gentle and can remove baked on grime.
Soaking Method: Another method is to soak the oven racks in a tub with warm water and a dishwasher tablet or laundry detergent overnight. This will loosen the grime and you can clean the racks with minimal scrubbing.
Commercial Oven Cleaners: If manual methods are too much work, commercial oven cleaners are an option. These are designed to dissolve grease and food residue fast but you need proper ventilation and protective gear because of the chemicals.
Expert
Kitchen appliance experts recommend not to wash oven racks in the dishwasher. The consensus is that while it may seem convenient, the long-term effect on both the dishwasher and the oven racks itself can be bad. Manufacturers usually provide guidelines in the user manual on how to care and maintain oven racks and recommend manual cleaning as the safest option.
Conclusion
Can you put oven racks in the dishwasher? It’s complicated. While it’s technically possible in some cases, it’s generally not recommended to do so to preserve your oven racks and dishwasher. Manual cleaning may be more time consuming but it’s safer and often a better clean.
Contact Us
If you’re overwhelmed or have appliance maintenance questions, we can help. The experts at Family First Companies can give you personalized advice and solutions to keep your kitchen appliances in top shape. Whether you need cleaning tips or repairs, we can give you peace of mind and get it done.
