Oven trays can be tricky to get clean as not only does food and grease splatter everywhere but these substances can also become baked onto the surface, making it nearly impossible to remove. 

Many people can delay cleaning an oven tray but it should be washed after every use as the food residue can harbour bacteria which can be a health risk but can also become smoky and emit a horrible smell when cooking. 

Luckily, Sophie Franklin, a cleaning expert from Maids2Match has shared there is an easy way to get oven trays sparkling clean again without scrubbing as all you need are two ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard. 

She said: “Some oils and fats are harder to remove than others, but who’s counting? 

“This no-sweat method is so effective in making your oven trays squeaky clean, you may just find yourself volunteering to cook dinner every day.”

How to remove grease from an oven baking tray 

All you have to do is wipe off any extra grease or debris from the surface of the oven tray and then fill the sink with hot soapy water.

Then add baking soda and white vinegar to the water, place the tray in the sink and leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour for particularly stubborn stains.

Sophie said: “There’s no need to buy special chemicals for this one. You just need good old baking soda and white vinegar. Don’t forget to wear gloves to protect your hands.” 

Baking soda is alkaline, which means it can break down the grease and burned food while its gritty texture makes it easier to wipe away grease without having to scrub. 

White vinegar is mildly acidic which helps kill the bacteria, neutralise any horrible burned smells and also helps dissolve any food particles. 

When baking soda as a base combines with vinegar as an acid it creates a chemical reaction which will produce bubbles and fizzing, which also helps to physically loosen grease, grime and anything else sticking to the oven tray’s surface. 

Once the tray is done soaking, add a drop of washing-up liquid to a non-abrasive scouring pad and wipe the tray. 

You should find that the grease easily slides off and is incredibly quick to clean. Dry with a microfiber cloth and place back in the oven. 

Sophie said: “With this tried-and-tested cleaning method, you’ll find that removing stubborn grime from your oven tray is actually simple and easy to do. “

This simple cleaning method will not only clean an oven tray but can also be used to clean an oven rack if it is also burned with grease and food.