Cleaning the Baking Tray and Rack: Step by Step

How do you clean the baking tray and rack of a mini oven?

The best time to clean the baking tray and rack of your mini oven is right after use, once the oven has cooled down. Soak both parts in hot soapy water, scrub with a soft brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly and dry completely before putting them back. This prevents ingrained grease and stubborn burnt-on residue.

Below you will find the exact steps, handy tips for tough stains and an overview of what you should avoid.

Step by step: cleaning the baking tray and rack

Allow the oven to cool completely. Never remove a hot baking tray or rack — this can burn your hands and damage the surfaces.
Remove loose crumbs and debris. Tip the baking tray over a bin or use a soft brush to remove any coarse dirt before soaking.
Soak in hot soapy water. Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water and a generous squeeze of washing-up liquid. Leave the baking tray and rack to soak for at least 15 minutes.
Scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Never use steel wool or abrasive scouring pads — these will scratch the baking tray surface and damage the rack.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Make sure no soap residue remains, as this can burn during the next use and cause unpleasant odours.
Dry completely with a tea towel. Moisture on the rack or baking tray can cause rust when heated, especially on untreated metal.
Place the baking tray and rack back in the oven — check that they sit flat and secure before using the oven again.

Removing stubborn burnt-on grease: what works?

Sometimes washing-up liquid alone is not enough, for example after roasting meat or baking cheesy snacks. In that case, try one of these methods:

Baking soda + hot water: make a thick paste from baking soda and a little hot water, apply it to the burnt areas and leave for 30 minutes. Scrub and rinse off.
White vinegar: spray diluted white vinegar onto stubborn grease, wait 10 minutes and scrub. Vinegar cuts through grease without damaging the surface.
Extended soaking: for extremely burnt-on grime, a soak of several hours helps — fill the sink with hot soapy water and leave the parts overnight.

Avoid using harsh oven sprays on your baking tray and rack unless the manufacturer explicitly permits this. Chemical cleaning agents can damage coatings and the steel of the rack.

How often should you clean the baking tray and rack?

Clean the baking tray after every use that leaves behind grease or food residue. The rack can be thoroughly cleaned every two to three uses, provided you use baking paper or aluminium foil to catch drips.

A clean baking tray and rack not only ensure hygiene, but also improve heat distribution in the oven. Burnt-on grease acts as an insulator and can cause your food to cook unevenly.

What you should never do with your rack and baking tray

Do not put in the dishwasher — unless the manual explicitly states it is safe. High temperatures and aggressive dishwasher salt can damage or discolour the surfaces.
No steel wool or metal scouring pads — these leave scratches that promote rust.
Do not put back while still wet — moisture under heat causes steam and accelerates rust on unprotected metal.
No chlorine-based cleaning products — chlorine damages stainless steel over time.

Keeping the inside of your mini oven clean

A clean baking tray and rack make a big difference, but don't forget the inside of your oven too. The bakeVIA mini oven 45L features a fully enamelled interior, which makes cleaning considerably easier: a damp cloth with a little washing-up liquid is all you need for day-to-day maintenance. Enamelled walls absorb grease far less readily than untreated metal.

Also browse our full mini oven collection if you are looking for a model that is easy to keep clean.

Tip: use baking paper or a baking mat

Place a sheet of baking paper on the tray before every use. It catches dripping fat and melted cheese and saves you a large part of the cleaning effort. Replace the baking paper after each use — it is cheaper than half an hour of scrubbing.

Reusable silicone baking mats are an eco-friendly alternative: dishwasher safe, heat resistant and easy to cut to the exact size of your baking tray.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put the baking tray and rack of my mini oven in the dishwasher?

It depends on the model. Always check the manual of your bakeVIA mini oven. In most cases, hand-washing in hot soapy water is the safest option, as dishwasher salt and high temperatures can damage coatings and the steel surface.

How do I remove burnt-on grease from my rack?

Soak the rack in hot soapy water for at least 15 to 30 minutes. For stubborn stains, use a paste made from baking soda and water: apply it to the burnt areas, leave for 30 minutes and then scrub with a soft brush.

How often should I clean the baking tray?

Clean the baking tray after every use that leaves behind grease or food residue. The rack can be thoroughly cleaned every two to three uses, especially if you use baking paper or aluminium foil to catch any drips.