How to clean iron grates on stove
How to Clean Stove Grates
By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/03/22
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Reviewed by Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Project Overview
Nearly every time you use your gas cooktop, a few splatters of grease or food land on the stove grates that cover the burners. On the worst days, the grates catch the brunt of an overflowing pot of food. Cleaning stove grates regularly helps reduce the chances of smoky odors and kitchen fires, protects your cookware from hard-to-remove stains, and keeps your kitchen looking clean.
Today's stove grates for home kitchens are made from porcelain-coated cast iron. The cast iron conducts heat quickly and evenly and the porcelain coating makes cleaning easier. However, older gas stoves may have uncoated cast iron grates that require different cleaning steps. With just a few supplies and regular cleaning, you can keep either type of grates fresh and clean.
How Often to Clean Stove Grates
If you have a cooking disaster on your stovetop, the grates should be cleaned just as soon as they cool down. For neater cooks, weekly cleaning is recommended to prevent any excessive build-up which will be more difficult to remove later.
Equipment / Tools
- Large sink or bucket
- Small bowl
- Stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- Microfiber cloths
Materials
- Dishwashing liquid with a degreaser
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Vegetable oil
- Paper towel
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
How to Clean Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron Stove Grates
-
Start With Cool Grates
Before cleaning any component of a gas stove, allow the burners, grates, and cooktop to cool completely.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Mix a Soapy Solution
In a sink or large bucket, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser per gallon of water. Agitate the water with your hand to disperse the soap.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Do a Quick Soak
Remove the stove grates from the cooktop and submerge them in the hot, soapy water. Allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes. While they are soaking, it's a good time to clean the rest of the cooktop.
Warning
If the porcelain coating on the stove grates has chips and the base cast iron is exposed, do not place the grates in water to soak. Cast iron rusts when exposed to water for too long.
Ideally, the chipped grates should be replaced or follow the steps for cleaning uncoated cast iron grates.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Scrub, Rinse, and Dry
After the soaking period has loosened any food particles, use a stiff-bristled nylon brush or scrubber to clean away any remaining food.
Rinse the grates in hot water and dry them with a lint-free microfiber cloth before reinstalling them on the cooktop.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Tough Stuck-On Food?
If you haven't cleaned your grates in a long time—or ever—and they are coated with grime, start with a baking soda paste. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste. Spread it over the grates and set them aside for 20 minutes.
Rinse away the paste and then follow the remainder of the cleaning steps, soaking the grates until the paste softens.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
How to Clean Uncoated Cast Iron Stove Grates
-
Mix a Cleaning Solution
In a small bowl or plastic container, mix two cups of hot water and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid containing a degreaser.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Scrub the Grates
When the stove grates are cool, remove them and place them in a sink.
Dip a stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush in the hot, soapy water and scrub the grates. If there are any food particles that won't come off, sprinkle the damp grates with baking soda to act as a mild abrasive. Keep scrubbing until all of the grime is removed. Do not allow the uncoated cast iron grates to soak. The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Rinse and Dry
Once the grates are clean, rinse in hot water and dry immediately with a microfiber cloth. Do not allow the grates to air-dry or rust may form.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Reseason the Cast Iron
After drying the grates, place a few drops of vegetable oil on a paper towel. Use the towel to coat every surface of the stove grate with a very thin layer of oil. Place on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 450°F for one hour. Let the grates cool in the oven.
This will season the cast iron and prevent rusting. Once the rest of the cooktop is cleaned, replace the grates.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
-
Remove Rust Spots
If rust spots have appeared on the cast iron stove grates, mix a paste of one cup baking soda and one tablespoon lemon juice. Apply the paste to the rusty areas and cover with plastic wrap. Let it work for at least 24 hours. Rinse and then scrub the grates with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse, dry, and re-season the grates.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Tips to Keep Stove Grates Clean and Lasting Longer
- Cover cooking food with lids to prevent splatters and don't allow foods to boil over.
- Try not to bang the grates with pans, which can cause chipping of the porcelain coating.
- Clean the grates weekly.
- While some cooktop manufacturers suggest that grates can be cleaned in a dishwasher, cleaning by hand is less harsh on the porcelain finish and will make it last longer.
- Do not use harsh cleaners like oven cleaners or strong abrasives to clean the grates.
How to clean cast iron stove grates to make them look brand new
Cast iron stove grates (Image credit: Shutterstock)If you cook on a daily basis, you will benefit from knowing how to clean cast iron stove grates. Despite your best efforts at knowing how to clean an oven after use, knowing how to clean cast iron stove grates can be a little tricky. Grates tend to pick up caked-in food, grease and grime build-up over time if they're not properly cleaned.
What’s more, grease and dirt residue can often dull the overall look of our grates, making stoves look lackluster. Although the thought of cleaning cast iron stove grates may seem like a lot of elbow grease, it’s actually simple to do. So, for a gleaming stove, follow these top tips on how to clean cast iron stove grates to make them look brand new.
Do you have electric? Check out how to clean a glass stove. Also, if you want to keep the glass looking good, you'll also want to read how to prevent scratches on your glass stove.
How to clean cast iron stove grates with soapy water
1. First, allow the burners to cool completely before removing the cast iron grates. Place in an empty sink or tub.
2. Fill the sink with hot water until they cover the grates, and add some dish soap into the water. Allow the cast iron grates to soak in the soapy solution for around 10-15 minutes. This will allow the soap to get to work in lifting and cutting through the grease or stuck-on food on the grates.
Removing iron stove grate (Image credit: Shutterstock)3. Then, use a non-metal, soft bristled brush, pad or sponge to scrub away at and remove any food residue or grease on the grates. Ensure to get into all the crevices and awkward places to get rid of dirt.
4. Once the grates are all free from grime, rinse with warm water until there are no traces of soap. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth before putting them back on top of the stove.
TIP: Cast iron grates can easily get worn down if using the wrong cleaning materials. Avoid using abrasive, metallic scouring pads or harsh cleaning substances like ammonia.
Soapy water (Image credit: Shutterstock)How to clean cast iron stove grates with baking soda
1. First, mix three parts baking soda to one part water to create a thick paste.
2. Take a soft, bristled brush or cloth to coat the cast iron grates with the paste, making sure to get into all the crevices and awkward spots.
3. Leave to sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the baking soda to get to work in lifting off any greasy residue.
4. Next, use a soft scrub brush or toothbrush to remove caked on residue before rinsing off thoroughly in warm water. Finally, wipe down the grates with a soft, clean cloth.
Baking soda and water in glass (Image credit: Shutterstock)How to clean cast iron stove grates with white vinegar
1.
First, mix one part of distilled white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. White vinegar is a popular, natural cleaning product along with baking soda. If you want to know why, check out what makes baking soda and vinegar so good at cleaning.
2. Next, spray the solution over your grates and leave it to sit for 15 minutes before wiping thoroughly with a clean damp cloth.
If you want a nicer smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil, but there are ways on how to clean with vinegar without the smell.
White vinegar and spray bottle (Image credit: Shutterstock)Do you need to season cast iron stove grates?
Similar to knowing how to season a cast iron skillet, you would need to season your cast iron stove grates to prevent rust. After they have been cleaned, apply a light coating of cooking oil on the bottom of the grates. Next, bake the grate at 350°F for about 30 to 40 minutes.
To keep your kitchen looking shiny and new, check out our guides on how to clean a microwave, how to clean an oven, how to clean a garbage disposal, and how to clean stainless steel appliances.
Want to give your stovetop an upgrade? Invisible stovetops look like the next big thing — check out the benefits and drawbacks.
Today's best Duzzit Baking Soda deals
6 Amazon customer reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
$16.99
View Deal
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsCynthia Lawrence specialises in Homes ecommerce, covering all things homes and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc.
and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!
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
Mini-survey
Has the house cleaning process changed during the self-isolation regime?
No, cleaned the same way as before
0%
Yes, cleaned more often
0%
Yes, I have started using disinfectants more often
0%
Yes, I have started cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, special cloths, sponges, etc.
more often.
0%
0 vote(s)
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.
HOW TO CLEAN THE GRATE ON THE STOVE
“The stove will tell about women's cleanliness,” say the wise men. A big sin or not - this is the question of neatness. And the grills of the gas stove are a clear marker for this.
Remains of food and gradually increasing fat layer do their dirty work, getting rid of them is not so easy. But nothing is impossible. See for yourself by reading the text and taking note of our life hacks for setting up a marafet in hard-to-reach places.
Universal ways to clean the grate on a gas stove
Solving the problem without chemicals, which flies into a penny, is within the power of an experienced and novice hostess. With what is in the kitchen. How to clean the grate on a gas stove - later in the article.
Useful article: The best bread makers for home in 2021: an overview of the TOP 9 models The container should be such that the rods are placed in it, and the water completely covers it. Boiling water will soften the fatty coating, after which it will be much easier to get rid of it.
It is enough to rub the rods a little with a scraper. If the dirt is minor, a sponge or cloth will do the trick.
Steaming
If there is a steam cleaner, the problem is solved once or twice. The device perfectly softens deposits. To do this, direct a jet of steam to the rods, passing from site to site. Then wipe thoroughly with a cloth.
An interesting article: Which vacuum cleaner is better - wired or wireless: 3 moments to "think"
Soda
To remove fat, it is enough to mix water and soda to the state of "slurry". Suitable food or calcined. The optimal ratio of ingredients is 2:1.
The resulting substance is spread on the wire rack and left for 60-90 minutes. During this time, an elementary chemical reaction will occur, as a result of which body fat will begin to dissolve. After that, the rods are cleaned with a stainless steel scraper or brush, washed in water and dried.
Mustard powder
This option may seem strange, but believe me, after trying it, you won't want to use expensive chemicals.
The effect is amazing.
How to clean cast iron and enameled gas stove grates in four steps.
- Spread the mustard powder evenly in a thick layer on pre-moistened rods. The powder is mixed with water in a ratio of 2:1.
- Leave the plate component in this state for 1.5-2 hours.
- Clean and wash off residue.
This method will not only get rid of dirt, but also disinfect the grate.
Vinegar
A 9% vinegar solution will clean the grate on the stove very well. The product has a strong, specific smell, so it is better to work in a ventilated area:
- take a container, place the rods, and pour vinegar generously;
- within 90-120 minutes the acid will work with deposits;
- after - rinse the rods, having previously worked hard with a scraper.
How to clean the cast iron gas stove grate
Cast iron is practical, it does not deform due to minor damage. But the raid is insidious.
It comes from nowhere as quickly as on steel or enamel. So, in addition to your experience, a couple of working methods for cleaning the gas stove grate will come in handy.
By the way: Which cookware is suitable for an induction cooker, Or which 4 solid "YES"
Laundry soap
Two liters of boiling water and grated soap should be mixed in a basin or bath. One bar will be enough.
Leave the bars in the soapy substance overnight, preferably overnight. Then wipe with a soft cloth. Grease and soot will easily leave. Rinse under a tap.
Baking
The grate must be exposed to a fire, blowtorch or burner. It will stink, because when heated, fat is melted. So ventilation is inevitable if you do it indoors.
To remove scale:
- Fasten the grate over the flame. Turn periodically to ignite the entire area.
- After intensive annealing (15-20 minutes), allow the rods to cool down so as not to burn themselves.
- Wipe, wash and dry.
Mechanical cleaning
A washcloth, scraper or hard bristle brush is indispensable in this case. It will be easier to clean if the rods are steamed or ignited.
Cleaning the enamel grate
Enamel peels off if you remove deposits with a knife, rub with hard sponges or a brush. Therefore, excessive zeal is useless. Below in the text, it is detailed how to clean the enamelled grate of a gas stove sensibly, but sparingly.
Informative article: How to use a humidifier correctly: 10 + operating tips
Household chemicals
You can get rid of deposits if you arm yourself with chemicals with a note about the purpose. The agent is applied to the lattice faces and kept for the time specified in the instructions.
After - wipe and wash. The exfoliated ugliness will remain on the napkin.
Dishwasher
Cleaning the rack in the dishwasher is the easiest option.
You will need cleaning tablet washers for washing, which are placed in the appropriate compartment of the device. This agent forms a lot of foam and intensively cleans the plate component.
In tandem with dishwasher salt, you will get a good result. It is used to improve the quality of washing, cleaning the machine itself from scale and plaque, softening water and restoring sodium reserves. The agent is poured up to the top into the salt tank, which is located under the lower basket.
The grates are placed in the chamber, an intensive washing program with hot water is selected, because to wash the grate from grease, you need a lot of water and foam. Upon contact with hot water and steam, the dirt will soften, begin to flake off and wash out. If in the end the result does not suit you, it is worth repeating the wash or finishing with your hands.
Melamine sponge
No extra cleaning pad. Melanin contains abrasives and everything you need for productive cleansing.
