If you leave them in they will discolor. Personally, that's pretty low on my list of concerns but you may have a different opinion.

I have a Caloric gas stove/oven with self -cleaning feature. I use it (the cleaning function) about twice a year-not enough,I know! Anyhow,while I clean the oven, I take the racks out, spray them with Easy Off (the cold formula spray) and wrap in plastic dry cleaning bags and put them outside (several hours or overnight. Hose them off and they are as clean as the oven!

Thanks Mike, discolor is bad, my husband would throw a fit if chrome doesn't sparkle. LOL and SIGH!

Jannie, Thanks, I will give that a try except I will bring them in and wash them off in the sink. I don't have a place to hose off oven cleaner where it wont kill the grass or get our dog sick.

"Thanks Mike, discolor is bad, my husband would throw a fit if chrome doesn't sparkle. LOL and SIGH!"

Well, then DH can clean them himself, eh? ;)