Clean gas range grates

How to Easily Clean Gas Stove Grates & Burners

Gas stovetops bring together powerful burners and durable grates to deliver a dynamic cooking experience. Gas stove surfaces, burners and grates can get dirty while cooking and require cleaning. This guide will teach you simple, everyday steps for cleaning your stove burners and grates as well as heavy-duty cleaning techniques for built-up or stuck-on grease and spills.

You should always check your appliance’s owner’s manual before beginning any cleaning process. Your specific model may come with its own cleaning considerations and methods. Read on for more information on how to clean a gas stovetop, including how to clean clogged gas burners and cast-iron stove grates.

HOW TO CLEAN GAS STOVE BURNERS

Most gas burners feature an easily removable burner cap which protects the burner base underneath from food spills. However, food or grease can accumulate under and around the caps over time. Regularly cleaning them, as well as the burner base, will help you maintain even flames and proper ignition. See below for tips on how to clean dirty or clogged gas burners in a few simple steps.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth
Mildly abrasive cleaner or soap
Straight metal pin or needle
Baking soda (optional)

STEP 1: PREP THE STOVETOP FOR CLEANING

Before cleaning, make sure all controls are turned to the off position and the cooktop is cool. Remove the stovetop grates and set them aside. Remove the burner caps.

STEP 2: CLEAN THE BURNER CAPS

Wipe down all sides of the burner caps with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth and mildly abrasive cleaner or soap. If the caps are extra dirty, soak them in hot, soapy water for a minimum of 20 minutes.

If food and grease is still stuck on the burner caps, try creating a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Coat the caps with the paste and let them sit for 20 minutes. Rinse them and wipe them down with a soft cloth.

STEP 3: CLEAN THE BURNER BASE

Wipe down the burner base with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth and mildly abrasive cleaner or soap. If the ports (the notches that help spread the flame) look dirty or clogged, remove any food or grease with some type of straight metal pin or needle. Do not use a wooden toothpick. Wipe down the burner with clean water and a soft cloth.

STEP 4: PUT THE BURNER CAPS BACK ON

Manually dry the caps with a towel before putting them back on. Some burners have a marker on the underside of the cap that indicates which burner they belong to.

Some burner bases also have pins that help you align the cap correctly. The burner cap should fit flush with the burner and move very little when you try to turn it in either direction. Check if the caps were reinstalled correctly by turning on the burner and verifying that the flame looks normal.

HOW TO CLEAN STOVE GRATES

Gas stove grates are designed to handle whatever you throw on them, and a certain amount of spillage can be expected. Read these steps on the best way to clean stove grates, including cast iron grates, to get them clean with minimal time and effort.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth
Mildly abrasive cleaner or soap
Dishwasher (optional)

STEP 1: REMOVE THE GRATES AND SCRUB THEM

Make sure the grates are cool before removing them. Scrub them gently with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth and mildly abrasive cleaner or soap. Don’t worry about using water and cleaners on cast iron grates; they are mainly for heat conduction and durability, so they don’t need to be treated like a cast-iron pan for cooking.

STEP 2: PUT GRATES IN THE DISHWASHER, IF NECESSARY

Many gas stove grates are dishwasher-safe, but check your oven’s owner’s manual before placing them in the dishwasher. If you’re washing them in the dishwasher, make sure to place the grates in the lower rack and select the most aggressive cycle. Scrubbing the grates by hand ahead of time can improve the cleaning process.

STEP 3: PUT THE GRATES BACK ON

Wait until the grates are completely dry before putting them back on the stove. Look for any tabs or marks that indicate how they should be configured on the stovetop. When the grates are back in place, jiggle them slightly to make sure they are secure.

Gas burner heat is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Not all gas burners on a single stovetop are capable of putting out the same amount of heat. Check your owner’s manual for the BTU ranges of each burner so you can avoid overcooking and spills.

HOW TO GET GREASE OFF THE STOVETOP SURFACE

To tackle grease on a gas stovetop, first remove the grates. Work warm water and liquid dish soap (the kind used for handwashing dishes) into a lather with a soft cloth. Coat the stovetop surface with soapy water and let it sit for around five minutes. Scrub the surface until all the grease is gone.

If liquid dish soap doesn’t do the trick, try creating a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Coat the stovetop surface with the paste and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The paste should then come up easily with a soft cloth or sponge. For more information on cleaning your stove surfaces, read this guide on how to clean an oven in four steps.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR GAS STOVETOP CLEAN

Cleaning your stove surface, burners and grates after each use will help it withstand years of messy meals. Even if there hasn’t been a major spill, some grease or food residue most likely made its way onto your stovetop and could bake on the next time you fire it up.

If you’re shopping for a new cooking appliance, consider a stovetop with a protective finish built in. For example, Maytag^® DuraGuard Protective Finish and DuraClean Cast Iron Grates clean up easily and let pots and pans slide smoothly around the cooktop for fewer spills when transitioning from burner to burner.

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How to Clean Gas Stove Top Grates and Burners

Cleaning your range is a great way to keep your kitchen looking and smelling great. But, once you’ve finished sweeping up crumbs and wiping up surfaces, it’s time to turn your attention to an often-ignored component of your gas cooktop—the grates or burners. Learn how to clean gas stove top grates and burners with this step-by-step overview.

What you’ll need to clean gas stove grates and burners

Before you start cleaning your gas grates and burner tops, review your owner’s manual or user guide. Each range is different, and there may be special instructions for cleaning your grates and tops. If you have an electric cooktop with a glass-top surface, cleaning instructions will vary.

Supplies

Whether you need to scrape burnt-on food or brighten up your range's exterior, the affresh^® stainless steel brightener¹ and cooktop cleaning tools from Whirlpool brand can help provide a smooth process.

Note:

Do not use oven cleaners, bleach or rust removers to clean your gas burners. Do not use wooden toothpicks to clean the burner ports.

Step 1: Remove the cooking grates and burner caps

Remove your cooking grates and burner caps and disconnect the wires once the surface has completely cooled. For some models, you may need a screwdriver to remove the burner caps. If you have a range with a standing pilot light, make sure to turn off the gas valve prior to removing any parts.

Step 2: Soak the grates

Soak your cooking grates and burner caps in hot, soapy water for a minimum of 20 minutes. If your grates are cast iron, don’t soak them unless they’re coated or seasoned. If you’re not sure how to clean stove grates that are uncoated cast iron, check your owner’s manual.

Step 3: Create a baking soda mixture

If your grates or caps are very dirty, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda to one part water. Coat the grates in this mixture and set aside for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Clean the burners

Wipe down the burners with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad, soft cloth or cleaning wipe, like one found in this affresh^® cooktop cleaning kit.¹If you have coated the burners in baking soda paste, rinse this off first to avoid damaging the finish. Use a soft bristled brush to remove stubborn, stuck-on food.

Do not use wooden toothpicks to clean burner ports. Be mindful to not enlarge or distort the openings during the cleaning process.

Step 5: Replace the burners and burner caps

Ensure the burners and burner caps are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Dry the burners and burner caps with a soft, dry cloth.
Reconnect the tubes.
Replace the burners and burner caps.

If your model has screws, use a screwdriver to replace the burner caps. The burner caps should be stable and sit flush with the burner base.

Step 6: Replace the grates

Ensure the grates are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

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If your gas cooktop grates and burner caps are looking worn or not working properly, they may need to be replaced. You can purchase replacement burner grates, burner caps, control valves and other gas range kitchen accessories from Whirlpool brand to keep your range up and running.

FAQs to cleaning stove burners and grates

When it comes to cleaning your gas stove, common questions may arise about how often to clean and signs it needs to be cleaned. Refer to the FAQs below for more tips:

How often should I clean my gas stove?

You should give your gas stovetop a quick cleanup after every time you use it since fresh spills and splatters are usually easier to clean. Make sure the surface is completely cool to the touch before cleaning. A deeper clean can be done about once a week.

Why do gas stove tops turn black or leave black marks on my pans?

Black marks may appear on your cookware if your burners are not heating evenly or if the flame is turned up too high.

Why is my gas burner flame yellow or orange?

A yellow or orange flame may be caused by dirty burner ports, insufficient air supply or the burning of existing spills on the surface. To resolve a yellow or orange flame, thoroughly clean your burners and gas stovetop.

How do I clean clogged gas burner ports?

Use a straight pin, needle or small–gauge wire to clean the burner ports and clear away any clogs. Be mindful to not distort the opening while cleaning. Refrain from cleaning the burner ports in the dishwasher or using wooden toothpicks.

How do I clean burnt-on food and grease on my gas stove top?

To clean burnt-on food and grease, spray the area with a cleaning solution and wipe away any debris with a damp cloth. Use a cooktop scraper to scrape away stubborn messes.

How do I clean cast iron stove grates?

If your cast iron grates are seasoned, place them in the sink and soak in soapy water for 20 minutes. After they are done soaking, wipe the grates clean and thoroughly dry before placing them back on your stove. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on cleaning the grates for your gas range.

Find gas ranges and cooktops from Whirlpool brand

Whirlpool brand offers a wide selection of gas ranges and gas cooktops with convenient features to help save you time on cleanup, like EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Grates, for quick access to wipe up spills. Browse our selection to find the one that matches your cooking routine.

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_{1. affresh^® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.}

How to quickly clean the grate of a gas stove

Most of the kitchen dirt comes from a gas stove. Escaping coffee, splashes of broth, fat and sauce are inevitable companions of the culinary process. Stains on the work surface are instantly evident, so it is customary to remove them as they appear. With a grid, things are more complicated. Washing the rods is not particularly convenient, and their stains are less noticeable.

How to prepare the grate for cleaning

Before cleaning the gas stove grate at home, you need to find out what material the rods are made of. This can be determined from the instructions for the stove or by external signs:

Cast iron grates are heavy. At the same time, they are extremely picky in care - they do not tolerate harsh abrasives, aggressive detergents and prolonged contact with water;
Enamelled grates look smooth and shiny before sooting. They are also afraid of mechanical damage - you can wash the gas stove grate using household chemicals and folk recipes;
Steel gratings are the most unpretentious. In its original form, they have a shiny metal surface, but during operation it gradually becomes covered with red spots of fat and black soot.

How to clean the grate depends on its design. Removable grates are the easiest to clean. Depending on the material, they can be pre-soaked in a detergent solution, sent to the dishwasher or steamed in the oven. Be sure to remove all plastic and rubber parts, if any, beforehand. If the grate is attached to the hob, getting to all its corners will be problematic. To clean hard-to-reach places, you can use an old toothbrush and cotton swabs. Instead of classic gel and cream detergents, it is better to give preference to household chemicals in aerosol format. In order not to damage the working surface of the plate, it should be covered with foil or oilcloth. Before cleaning the grate on the stove, be sure to turn off the gas supply.

Do not forget about the basic precautions:

Carefully read the instructions for all detergents: follow the indicated dosage and the rules of interaction with different types of surfaces;
Do not mix different detergents as this may release toxic fumes;
Rubber gloves to help protect hands when working with household chemicals;
When using cleaning sprays, it is recommended to wear a respirator or gauze bandage;
All hob elements, including grate, must be completely cool before starting work;
Make sure the room is well ventilated before cleaning the grate on the stove.

How to clean cast iron stove grates

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Has the house cleaning process changed during the self-isolation regime?

No, cleaned the same way as before

Yes, cleaned more often

Yes, I have started using disinfectants more often

Yes, I have started cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, special cloths, sponges, etc. more often.

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Due to its porous structure, cast iron actively absorbs fat during cooking. Gradually, dust and other small contaminants stick to it. They are fired on an open fire, forming a dense armor of soot.

Despite their massiveness, cast iron grates are very fragile. You should not scrape off carbon deposits with a knife or other hard abrasives - the rods are easily damaged, which will lead to rust formation. Washing the grate in the dishwasher or soaking it in water for a long time is also contraindicated. But it perfectly withstands exposure to high temperatures. Before cleaning the cast-iron grates on the gas stove, it is better to bring the structure to the country house and ignite it in a fire for 2-3 hours. You can also use a blowtorch.

How to clean the grate of an enamelled cooker

Enameled rods must be handled with care. When using steel wool and abrasive cleaners, it is easy to scratch them - the damaged surface attracts dirt faster and gradually rusts. .

The easiest way to clean the grate is in the dishwasher - do not forget to increase the dosage of detergent and set the high temperature setting. You can use a conventional oven and boil the grate in a pan with a solution of vinegar for 2-3 hours. The soot crust will soften enough to be removed with a dishwashing sponge. Avoid temperature extremes - when immersed in cold water, the enamel runs the risk of instantly cracking.

How to clean the steel grating

Steel gratings can withstand the roughest cleaning. Old soot can be scraped off with a knife or steel wool. In suburban conditions, ordinary sand is suitable - its solid particles perfectly remove even stubborn dirt.

If these methods seem too painstaking and time-consuming, household chemicals and folk remedies will come to the rescue. Make a slurry of baking soda and water, spread it evenly on the grate and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution and run the hard side over the bars. Let stand for another half an hour and wash off loose dirt with water.

Universal ways to wash the gas stove grate

Cast iron grates do not interact well with water, but enameled and steel grates should be soaked in hot water for several hours before treatment. For the best effect, you can add dishwashing detergent, detergent for kitchen surfaces or soda to it.

Otherwise, the ways to clean the grate of the stove from grease are the same for different types of grates:

Using a steam generator is the most gentle and at the same time effective method to remove grease and carbon deposits from any type of grate. A directed jet of moist air with a temperature of 140-160 ° C breaks even a dense crust of soot;
An oven can be used as a makeshift steam cleaner. Place a fireproof container with water on the lower tier, place the grate one level higher. Since it will not be possible to immediately remove fat from the gas stove grate, monitor the water level in the pan - as it evaporates, its amount should be replenished regularly. To achieve a greater effect, add a few tablespoons of 9% vinegar to the water;
Cif Grill and Grill Cleaning Spray is designed specifically for cleaning kitchen surfaces that are exposed to open flames. Its active ingredients dissolve fat and help remove burnt-on pieces of food. Aerosol allows you to process even hard-to-reach places, including corners, curved elements and fasteners on non-removable gratings;
Cif All-Purpose Cleansing Cream also works great on grease. Its thick formula allows you to apply the product evenly on the grate. Anionic and non-ionic surfactants dissolve old contaminants. Alternatively, you can use your usual dishwashing detergent or kitchen surface cleaner;
In the question of how to clean the grate of the stove from soot, ammonia remains the leader among folk remedies. However, its use is quite laborious and requires special training. Ammonium chloride has an extremely pungent odor, so all work should be carried out outdoors - on a balcony or in the yard. Place the grate in a tight zip-lock bag and spray the ammonia evenly onto the surface of the bars. You can also use a regular bag by sealing its hole with an iron. Leave the grate overnight, after which the pieces of soot can be easily removed with an ordinary kitchen sponge. For a detailed video instruction on how to clean the grate from soot with ammonia, see the end of the article;
Mustard powder is the most environmentally friendly way to dissolve fat. Mix dry mustard with water to the consistency of gruel. Apply the mixture on the rods, leave for 1-2 hours and rinse with a damp sponge. To enhance the effect, you can prepare a mixture of 3 tbsp. l. mustard powder, the same amount of 9% vinegar and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent;
Another folk recipe is to boil the grate in soapy water. Prepare a fireproof dish in which the grate can be completely immersed. Grind a bar of 72% laundry soap on a grater, add 150 ml of stationery glue and water. Dip the grate into the boiling mixture and leave on the stove for an hour. Let the grate cool slightly and place it in cold water - the carbon deposits will come off along with the glue layer. This method works for cast iron and steel gratings, but is not suitable for enamel;
To remove light greasy stains, simply soak the grate in a strong vinegar solution. It is more convenient to do this in a bathtub or a large basin. After washing, the rods should be wiped dry with a paper towel. A damp surface strongly attracts dust, lint and other contaminants.

Fresh dirt is much easier to remove. In the process of cooking, drops of fat and sauce inevitably fly out of the pan. Allow the hob to cool completely and wipe the grate bars with Cif universal wet wipes. They easily cope with grease and other contaminants, do not scratch the surface and do not leave villi.

Get into the habit of cleaning the grate as part of your weekly general cleaning. This will save the time and effort required to deal with ingrained contaminants.

What and how to clean the grate of the hood from grease - effective ways

Why and how often you need to clean the hood

We all try to make our life as easy as possible, using modern and improved devices. Extractors are one of these devices. Its main purpose is to remove steam, burning, smoke, as well as an unpleasant or too strong smell that occurs during the cooking process. If your home is humid, then when cooking, turning on the hood is a must.

Regular use of this kitchen helper causes it to get dirty quickly. The filter elements are covered with a greasy coating, reducing the performance of the device. That is, the exhaust filters become clogged, the throughput deteriorates and, accordingly, the hood ceases to cope with the absorption of moisture and odor. As a result, it may fail altogether.

The frequency of cleaning depends on the frequency of use. If cooking is carried out daily or every other day, monthly washing is recommended. Cleaning is allowed quarterly.

Methods for removing contaminants

Dealing with contaminants depends on the type of filter element. It happens:

Coal. It is a cartridge that cleans the air from the smallest fat droplets and odors. In case of heavy contamination, the carbon filter is not cleaned, but must be replaced.
In the form of metal grids. To clean the grease traps on the hood, they must be removed. The main difference from carbon cartridges is a coarser air purification.

Mini survey

Has the house cleaning process changed during the lockdown?

No, cleaned the same way as before

Yes, cleaned more often

Yes, used disinfectants more often

Yes, I have started cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, special cloths, sponges, etc. more often.

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Don't put off spring cleaning. By following this condition, the process can be greatly simplified. The grate cleans up quickly and easily.

How to clean the ventilation grill from the kitchen hood? So, there are three main groups of methods:

Let's look at them separately, but first, do not forget to disconnect the exhaust device from the mains and disassemble it.

How to wash the grate from the hood: folk methods

If you regularly clean the hood, then improvised means will also help to cope with pollution. In every home there is vinegar, soda or a bar of laundry soap. It's time to take advantage of them.

Acetic acid 70%. There are two cleaning techniques: by soaking and processing. For the first method, take a plastic basin or baking sheet, place a strainer in it, pour acetic acid over it, leave for 20 minutes. The second method involves the use of a sponge or cloth, which must be plentifully moistened with the product. Finally, scrape off the greasy coating with a brush, rinse with water and dry.
Ammonia. Dilute it in warm water (1 glass of alcohol per 7 liters of water). Immerse the dirty grate in the ammonia solution, wait at least 3 hours.
Laundry soap. Grate the bar, add the shavings to a large bowl of warm water (water temperature is about 60 ° C). Soak the filter in soapy water for at least half an hour. If you see that the dirt is moving away well, then go over the grid with a scraper.
Lemon juice. Treat the surface of the grease trap with juice or a slice of lemon. If there is no lemon, then citric acid will do. Dissolve 3 tbsp. l. acid in 1 liter of warm water, fill the grate, leave for 15 minutes.
Hot solution. To prepare it, take a glass of baking soda, a piece of laundry soap, a tablespoon of table salt, 5 liters of water. Put a large metal pot/basin on the stove, pour water, wait for it to boil. Then, one by one, introduce the described components. Lower the mesh into the resulting solution and cook over low heat until the impurities almost completely disappear. Finally, rub with a sponge or brush, just remember to cool the filter first.

Please note that all cleaning work must be carried out with household gloves. Also, at the time of cleaning, it is better to slightly open the window or window to ensure the flow of fresh air.

Use of household chemicals

Home recipes are, of course, convenient - the ingredients are always at hand. But are they really that effective? Having lost several hours soaking in one or another solution, you don’t want to be upset because of a not enough good result. Therefore, we recommend that you use special household chemicals. It will make the task easier and also significantly speed up the cleaning.

Cif kitchen cleaner Power of nature spray is the perfect solution to this problem. It is suitable for cleaning not only hoods, but also ovens, microwaves, apron, countertops. As active ingredients, the composition contains environmentally friendly components, including soda and lemon extract. Thanks to this composition, it is possible to remove the most persistent and stubborn dirt even on surfaces in contact with food. Spray Cif on the filter element, leave for a couple of seconds, wipe with a cloth. If the fat is very ingrained, then leave the spray for a few minutes.

Machine cleaning

Machine cleaning with dishwasher or steam cleaner/steam generator. In the first case, you just need to load the grate into the dishwasher, put the tablet in the appropriate compartment, run the device on a long washing program.

A distinctive feature of the steam generator is the cleaning of surfaces with steam, the temperature of which reaches about 150°C. After processing, plaque and grease can be easily removed with a sponge. The device is expensive, but it is not necessary to buy it, but you can rent it.

Tips for prevention

The most important tip is regular cleaning. If you take too long to clean the filter grid, the grease will harden. This will greatly complicate the work in the future.

When cleaning is carried out monthly, and preferably weekly, then dirt can be washed off even with plain water.

And don't forget to reset the hood hours counter after cleaning. To do this, you need to find step-by-step instructions in the manual.

Our experts told you how to degrease the hood grate. You can use folk methods or choose proven household chemicals that will cope with grease and dirt in seconds.

Frequently asked questions about cleaning the kitchen hood grate:

How to clean the grate from old grease?

Use acetic acid, laundry soap, ammonia, lemon juice, special household chemicals or a steam generator to clean the grate of old grease.