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Soaking stove grates


How to Clean Stove Grates: Step by Step with Pictures

Organize & Clean

Cleaning

How To

Kitchen

by Ashley Abramson

updated Sep 21, 2022

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

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Caked-on marinara sauce. Weeks-old bacon grease. A collection of burnt crumbs and other unidentifiable food debris. If you’ve ever tried to clean a gas stove—or any type of stovetop with grates—then you know how problematic it can be to delay cleaning this pesky, stuck-on evidence of your favorite meals, but the one universal truth is it’s always better to get to the grate-cleaning job sooner rather than later.

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Now, you probably don’t intend to skip out on scrubbing the stove grates every time you clean up the kitchen. Maybe you aren’t quite sure how to effectively de-gunk your oven grates. Perhaps you simply don’t make the time to do it. Either way, as with most of the chores looming on your to-do list, avoidance only exacerbates the problem.

The longer you put off the cleaning process, the more stubborn those burned-on spills and crumbs will become—making for a smelly reminder about every time you cook on the stovetop. Not exactly a fun process. 

So: How, exactly, can you achieve a like-new stovetop? Cleaning stove grates is probably an easier job than you think, and we promise it won’t take too much of your time. (Yes, we’re gently encouraging you to get the job done because it’ll be worth the effort!)

Ready to do the job you’ve been putting off? Here’s how to clean stove grates, step by step. 

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Things to Know Before You Start

Your stove grates are likely cast iron, so treat them with care to prevent damage. Avoid using steel wool or any metallic scouring pads to clean. Your best bet is to pair a heavy-duty brush, non-scratch nylon scrubber, or sponge with a cleaning product that scours, like a powder cleanser or baking soda (see below instructions for more detail).

And it may go without saying, but if you use any harsh chemicals (like ammonia) to clean your stove grates, always rinse with hot, soapy water. Prevent rusting by drying your grates before putting them back on your stovetop.

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How to Clean Stove Grates, Step By Step

Angela Bell and Georgia Dixon, Grove Guides at Grove Collaborative, prefer swapping out harsh oven cleaners for a simpler DIY method, which happens to be just as effective. This simpler route is the safest choice with cast iron, and you can use ingredients you likely already have on hand. If you aren’t seeing the results you want after the first try, you can try a second pass with ammonia (with caution! more on that below).

Here’s how to clean stove grates with a homemade soapy water mixture:

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1. Remove the oven grates from your stovetop and place them in an empty sink

The easiest part! Make sure they’re cool to the touch, then remove the grates from your stovetop and place them into an empty sink or bathtub. If you don’t have a sink or tub big enough, you can also use a plastic bin (even if you have to borrow it from under the bed).

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2. Mix a soapy water bath.

Cover the grates in the sink with boiling or very hot water, plus a squirt of dish soap. Allow the grates to soak in the soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to cut through the grease.

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3. Scrub with powder cleanser to loosen excess debris.

After soaking and if necessary, use a scouring cleaner (like Bon Ami, Bar Keepers Friend, or even baking soda) on a stiff-bristled (non-metal) brush, sponge, or non-scratch nylon scrubber and scour away any baked-on food or leftover grease.

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4. Rinse, dry, and replace the grates.

Rinse the grates, dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth, and place them back on the stovetop. Good as new!

How do you get burnt grease off a stovetop?

Good news! The same dish-soap-and-powder-cleanser method can be used on a stovetop to loosen up set-in grease. 

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Can you use Easy Off on cast iron grates?

Some people swear by Easy Off, a popular oven cleaner that can be used successfully to clean tough grime off of your cast iron stove grates when used according to the directions on the package.

On the other hand, some cleaning experts, like Bell and Dixon, would not recommend this product line, citing harsh fumes and poor grades from the Environmental Working Group.

If you need a more powerful alternative to dish soap and powder cleanser, try soaking the grates for a few hours (or even overnight) in a sealed bag or covered container filled with ammonia. After soaking, rinse and dry the grates thoroughly. If you opt for this method, be cautious: Never mix ammonia with other cleaners, always wear gloves, and ensure you have proper ventilation throughout the process.

Best Way to Clean Enameled Stove Grates

Kitchen

stovetop

Tips & Techniques

Ashley Poskin

updated Aug 16, 2022

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

When was the last time you cleaned the grates on your stovetop? The ones on top of your burners that are constantly getting showered in boiling-over pasta water, sauce splatters, and grease? We often just wipe down the stovetop and call things “clean enough,” because things are clean enough! There is no shame in this. Stove grates are allowed to get messy. However, if you like to make those super dirty burners looking like new again, we put for popular methods to the test and we found the best method for you.

Cleaning stove grates once in a while will make your stovetop sparkle and get the entire kitchen looking just a little bit better. If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your stove grates, and you need something with serious cleaning power to get the job done, we’re here for you.

How We Tested the Methods for Cleaning Stove Grates

If you’re familiar with this showdown series on Kitchn, you’ll know that we almost always test at least five methods. However, in this case, we only did four — because most standard stoves have four burners. To lead up to this experiment, I spent weeks using all four burners on my stove (instead of just my favorite; you know you have a favorite burner!), making sure they were all equally dirty. I then tested four different methods and took detailed notes.

Ratings: Each method received a rating. A one was given to the least effective method, and a four went to the most effective. Along with the rating you’ll find notes on how easy or difficult the method was, how much elbow grease it took, and how much time it took to remove.  

Stove Grate Cleaning Method: Dawn Professional Heavy-Duty Degreaser 

The Method: I’ve been hearing that this stuff is magic. For cleaning your stove grates, just spray the solution on, wipe clean, rinse, then dry. For extra-stubborn stains, just let the solution sit for longer. 

How it went: I sprayed the solution on the burners, and it foamed a bit and clung to the grate really well. I let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wiped it clean with a paper towel. Some of the grease came off, but not much. I sprayed it on again and let it sit for 30 minutes, but got the same results: The surface was decently clean, but the baked-on grease was still there.

I’d originally heard about this product from my favorite housekeeper on TikTok; she talks about it often, so I had high hopes. I can see how housekeepers or people who get around to cleaning their stove grates each week would like this product, as it does cut through surface stains, but it just isn’t powerful enough for a good, deep clean.  

Stove Grate Cleaning Method: Hot Soapy Water with Bon Ami

The method: Place the burners in the sink and pour boiling water over grates to loosen grease, then fill the sink with hot soapy water and let the grates soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If the grates are still dirty after soaking, sprinkle on some Bon Ami and scrub with a non-scratch scrubber, then rinse and dry with a clean cloth. 

How it went: This method was fairly simple and did clean the surface of the grates so that they wiped clean and really felt clean, but didn’t deep clean to the point of removing tough baked-on foods and grease. This is a great method for those who regularly clean their burners, but would take a lot of time, elbow grease, and scrubbing to entice baked-on stains to come off.  

Stove Grate Cleaning Method: Baking Soda Paste 

The method: Mix up a 1:3 water-to-baking soda paste and spread it generously all over the surface of the grates. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes then scrub a bit with a sponge and rinse in warm soapy water. Pat dry. 

How it went: I applied the baking soda paste and let it sit for about 30 minutes until it had almost dried. After 30 minutes I used a sponge and scrubbed the baking soda around, making sure to hit all areas of the burner, then I rinsed off the baking soda. Upon close inspection, I could see a shadow of grease splatters left behind, but for the most part the method knocked grease down and cleaned very well.

This method was easy and the results were quite surprising considering I was using a one-ingredient (plus water) product. This method is actually recommended by many appliance companies including Wolf, and doesn’t require an exhaust fan for strong fumes like other methods. I was definitely more comfortable using this product compared to the others I tested and will be putting it into practice in my own kitchen. 

Stove Grate Cleaning Method: Easy Off 

The method: Spray Easy Off onto the surface of your grates, and let sit for 40 minutes. Wipe the foam off with paper towels or kitchen rags, then clean with warm soapy water. 

How it went: While other methods were successful in getting the burners to wipe clean, Easy Off actually removed and stripped the super-tough burnt-on grease splatters with hardly any effort from me at all, making the burner look brand new. I could actually see the grease and fat separating on top of the solution once it was ready to be wiped clean — it’s extremely satisfying!

If you are looking for an all-natural method, this obviously isn’t the method for you (in that case, go with the baking soda), but I’m rating it best overall for shocking results and ease, hands-down.  I’m still impressed just thinking about this method.

How do you clean your stove grates?

How to wash a brush and roller from paint - Articles and reviews - Ekonomstroy

To prolong the life of your brushes, keep them clean by rinsing them thoroughly after each use. Various methods are used to effectively clean the instrument.

Important! Be sure to wear protective gloves before starting work!

How to clean brushes

The remains of paints and varnishes on the brushes are removed in various ways. nine0003

Solvents

Important! Wear protective gloves!

The type of solvent is selected in accordance with the characteristics of the paints used. For example, oil paints dissolve with white spirit, acrylic dyes with water.


Thinner P-4, 0.5 l

Brushes are cleaned with water from adhesives for wood or adhesives of white shades. If there is shellac residue on the brush, denatured alcohol is used to remove it. nine0003

To make the brush perfectly clean, it is recommended to follow the sequence of actions:

Vinegar

Important! Wear protective gloves!

The method will be useful in the case of hardened paint on the fibers of the brush. Cleanup will look like this:

If, as a result of the actions taken, the brush does not become clean, boiling is repeated with a subsequent set of actions.

Dishwashing liquids

Important! Wear protective gloves!

Dish detergents are suitable as a brush cleaner. Cleaning is divided into 5 stages: nine0003

Kerosene and gasoline

Important! Wear protective gloves!

Not everyone dares to use gasoline or kerosene to clean the brush of oil. In fact, these products perfectly dissolve oil paints. However, be aware of the toxicity of both substances, both to the skin of the hands and to the bristles of the brush, and also to the breath. Therefore, it is worth evaluating the need for using this method. nine0003


Thinner - “illuminating kerosene”

Cleaning the brush with kerosene or gasoline: dip the brush into the liquid, then wipe off any excess paint with a cloth. The dye comes off easily and quickly.

Special cleaners

Important! Wear protective gloves!

Prepare a basin two-thirds filled with solvent. Place the brush or roller in the container with the solvent, leaving it there for a while. Then it is recommended to get wet several times along the bottom of the dish, and finally wring it out tightly. nine0003


White House paint remover 0.5 l

Repeat the above steps until the roller is completely clean. Paint that does not come off, try to remove it manually. The cleaned brush should be packed and stored in an airtight bag.

The solvent that was used for cleaning can be reused, and repeatedly. Therefore, store it in an airtight container, in a safe place for children. nine0003

Roller cleaning

The following methods can be used to remove paint residue from a roller roll.

Water-based dye residues

Important! Wear protective gloves!

Squeeze out the material of the roller, removing the remnants of water-based paint. If the substance has not hardened, it can be removed by rolling on the surface of the wall or paper. Dried water emulsion is scraped off the roller with a scraper. nine0003

Fill two containers with warm water: in one of them, wash the tool from residues, after removing its handle; in the other - rinse. To improve the effectiveness of cleansing, two tablespoons of liquid soap should be added to one of the containers. The second container must be left with clean water.


Liquid soap in 5 l PET bottle

Finally, the water must be squeezed out of the roller, and then dried.

Oil paint residues

Important! Wear protective gloves!

It is necessary to carry out cleaning work with gloves. For washing - use a solvent corresponding to the type of paint.


Nitrile gloves, powder-free, non-sterile

The cleanup order is as follows:

Acrylic paint

Important! Wear protective gloves!

Uncured paint is effortlessly washed off with running water. But for a solid effect, it is advisable to place the roller in warm water and wash thoroughly.


White spirit thinner 0.5 l

Hardened acrylic residues are removed with solvents based on acetone, gasoline, white spirit. Cleaning is recommended to be carried out in the same order as in the case of oil paints. nine0003

Guide to buying the right sauna tank ➦ Furnace Center

CONTENTS

A bathhouse is a place where you can not only relax, but also gain strength health. For bath procedures to be really useful, it is important to create all the necessary conditions. And this is not so much the decoration of the room, but the competent selection of equipment that will create a "bath" microclimate. An important component of the bath is the heat generator. It is he who guarantees the right steam, hot water, comfortable temperature. The most popular type of heat generator is a stove with a tank. Here's how to choose the right tank so that it will serve you faithfully for many years, be unpretentious in maintenance and safe, we'll talk. nine0003

Why is there a tank in the sauna?

First, let's figure out why a tank is needed in a sauna. After all, a couple of decades ago in the bath it was possible to do without it, using buckets of water or a barrel. In fact, the tank in the bath is a convenience. Now there is no need to heat water separately, you can not be afraid that it will not be enough. It turns out that the tank is a variant of the boiler, in which there is always water at the right temperature. Almost all modern sauna stoves are supplied with tanks. If you're buying a new oven, chances are it will come with a tank right off the bat. If you have a stove without a tank in your bathhouse, you can easily find a suitable tank. Many manufacturers of sauna equipment offer tanks separately from stoves, which greatly expands the possibilities for connoisseurs of sauna relaxation. nine0003

What are the types of tanks for sauna stoves

Most manufacturers divide the types of tanks according to their location. Each tank has its own special design, installation and operation specifics.

Built-in tank

As the name implies, these tanks are located inside the oven. They can be in front, behind or to the side. Only the overall size of the heat generator depends on this. The process of heating water in such a tank occurs due to the fact that the fire in the furnace is in contact with the walls of the tank. To adjust the water temperature, a special damper is provided, which allows you to increase or decrease the contact area. nine0003

Advantages of the built-in tank:

Cons of the built-in tank:

Remote tank

This type of tank is more functional, but also requires more operating conditions.

Multiple tank options:

Located close to the stove,

Separated from the heat source, connected to it by means of two pipes - direct and return.

Advantages of a remote tank:

Remote tank cons:

Technician's tip: avoid freezing water in the tank, this can cause the tank to fail. Therefore, in the cold season, drain all the water from the tank.

Chimney tank

This design looks like a samovar, because the water tanks are placed around a metal chimney. As a rule, the discharged combustion products have a very high temperature, so the water in the tank will heat up quickly enough. nine0003

Advantages of the tank per pipe:

Minuses of the tank per pipe:

Nuances of choosing tanks for sauna stoves

To choose the optimal tank, you need to observe a few nuances. nine0003

First, the volume. It is generally accepted that 8-10 liters of water is enough for one person in the bath. The same amount is required for steaming brooms. Therefore, the volume of the tank is calculated according to the formula 10l x for the average number of people in the bank + 10l for soaking brooms.

Reference: Most external tanks have a capacity of 50-80 liters, built-in tanks have a maximum capacity of 30 liters.

Learn more