Is Cleaning Oven Racks in the Bathtub Actually a Good Idea?
At first glance, cleaning oven racks in the bathtub feels wrong. Mixing kitchen grime with a bathroom fixture sounds like a shortcut that could easily backfire. And yet, this method keeps showing up in real-life cleaning routines for one simple reason: it works, especially when racks are heavily soiled.
The key is not just where you clean them, but how you do it.
Why the Bathtub Works So Well
Oven racks are oversized, rigid, and awkward. Most sinks are too small, and partial soaking rarely loosens baked-on grease evenly. A bathtub solves this by allowing:
- full submersion
- long, uninterrupted soaking
- contained mess
That full soak is what makes the difference. Heat and time do most of the work before you ever scrub.
How to Clean Oven Racks in the Bathtub (The Right Way)
This is the same method we use in our step-by-step tutorial, just simplified for context.
- Remove the racks and protect the tub – Lay folded towels along the bottom and up the sides of the bathtub. This prevents metal from scratching or scuffing the surface.
- Place the racks carefully – Set the oven racks into the tub, even if they need to sit at a slight angle. The important part is keeping them separated from the tub walls with towels.
- Fill with very hot water – Close the drain and fill the tub until the racks are completely submerged. Hot water helps soften grease and baked-on residue.
- Add dish detergent – Pour in about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent. Powder or liquid both work. If the water is tolerable, gently swirl to distribute.
- Let them soak – Walk away for at least four hours. During this time, grease loosens and grime lifts without scrubbing.
- Wipe clean – After soaking, use a non-metal scouring pad, sponge, or rag to wipe down each wire. The buildup should come off easily.
- Rinse and reset – Rinse the racks thoroughly using the shower, remove the towels, drain the tub, and return the clean racks to the oven.
What Actually Does the Cleaning
Despite how dramatic the dirty water looks, the bathtub itself isn’t the magic. Heat, detergent, and time are. Scrubbing at the end is just finishing work. That’s why this method feels surprisingly easy compared to traditional scrubbing in a sink.
The Biggest Risk and How to Avoid It
The main risk isn’t hygiene. It’s damage to the tub.
Metal racks resting directly on porcelain or acrylic can cause scratches or dull marks. Using towels as a barrier and avoiding shifting the racks once the tub is full prevents almost all of these issues.
Is It Sanitary?
Yes, as long as you rinse properly. Bathtubs are non-porous and designed to be cleaned. Any residue washes away during cleanup, and the tub gets rinsed immediately afterward.
When This Method Makes Sense
This approach is ideal when:
- racks are heavily coated in grease
- you want minimal physical effort
- soaking time isn’t an issue
For lightly dirty racks, quicker methods may be enough.
Cleaning oven racks in the bathtub is actually a good idea when the setup is done correctly. The bathtub provides the space needed for soaking to work evenly, turning a frustrating chore into a manageable one.
Protect the tub, give the racks time, and let the soak do the heavy lifting. When those steps are followed, this unconventional method earns its popularity.