Yes, you can use steel wool on oven racks for tough, baked-on grime, especially after soaking them, but use fine-grade (#0000) and be gentle to avoid scratching the finish, which could lead to rust; some sources warn against it, recommending non-abrasive tools instead, but it's a common solution for stubborn spots on standard racks.
While steel wool is off limits for the glass and interior of the oven, you can use it for the racks.
The Best Way to Clean Oven Racks
Don't use or any abrasive or harsh cleaners, cloths, scouring pads or steel wool. Some nylon scourers may also scratch.
Baking soda is non-toxic, inexpensive, easy-to-use, and remarkably effective on cleaning oven grease. Baking soda is alkaline, and oven grease made of food particles is typically acidic. Baking soda neutralizes acids and breaks down the grease, allowing you to wipe it up without a lot of elbow grease.
8 Things You Should Never Ever Clean with Steel Wool
Remove your oven racks and soak them in hot water with a dish detergent. Put on gloves and make a paste by mixing ½ cup of non-abrasive cleaning powder such as Brillo® Cameo® with ¼ cup of water.
7 Oven Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Dryer sheets contain softeners that can help remove crusty grime.
If the oven racks are relatively dirty, we recommend placing them into a bucket or sink of hot water with a capful of Bio Oven Cleaner.
Oven Rack Cleaning Method: Dishwasher Detergent
The method: Lay an old towel in the bottom of a bathtub, place the oven rack on top, then dissolve about 1/2 cup of liquid or powder dishwasher detergent in a warm bath. Let the oven rack soak overnight, then rinse clean with a scrubby sponge and water.
NEVER EVER use steel wool (wire wool) to clean stainless steel. It is usually made of carbon steel and any fragments left behind will rust onto the stainless steel surface. Using any kind of scourer which has previously been used on ordinary (carbon) steel is also a no-no for the same reason.
Cleaning caked-on grease from oven racks can be a difficult task. But fortunately, WD-40 can make this task significantly easier, less messy and less time-consuming.
Cleaning Oven Racks Place an old towel in your tub or shower and place the oven racks on the towel. Spray the racks liberally with vinegar. Liberally pour baking soda all over the racks and let sit for 10 minutes. Then cover them with hot water and let sit for 10 minutes.
Scratching the Surface
Steel wool is made of very fine, abrasive strands of steel. While effective on some surfaces, these fibres are too harsh for most steel sinks. Even though your sink may be made from durable stainless steel, steel wool can cause scratches that ruin its smooth finish.
The hotter the steel wool gets, the more likely the oxidation reaction will happen. It can burn, unlike a nail, screw, knife, or forks because of the increased surface area ratio.
Cleaning the Toilet
Just drop a dishwasher tablet in toilet bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and flush it. The tablet will help to break down any stains or buildup in the bowl, leaving it fresh and clean.
A commercial cleaner is the most efficient option if the oven cavity is heavily soiled. These products contain powerful ingredients that quickly cut through grease and baked-on food spills with minimal scrubbing.