How To Clean Stovetop Grates When Soap And Scrubbing Aren’t Cutting It

How To Clean Stovetop Grates When Soap And Scrubbing Aren’t Cutting It

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Key Takeaways

  • Clean gas stovetop grates to prevent grease and build-up that can smell, burn, and look grimy over time.

  • Depending on the material of the grates, keep them clean by soaking and scrubbing with a few household ingredients.

  • Keep grates clean longer by cleaning spills as they happen and protecting the enamel on the grates.

We love that gas-burning stoves heat up quickly and disperse heat evenly, but cleaning them can be a bit more difficult than easily wiping a rag over a flat, electric stovetop. Because gas-burning stoves have an open flame, any build-up of food or grease on the burners can cause a fire, so it’s important to clean them regularly.

“Cleaning stovetop grates once in a while will make your stovetop sparkle and get the entire kitchen looking just a little bit better,” explains Myhanh Truong, senior specialist application engineer at 3M. “The longer you put off the cleaning process, the more stubborn those burnt-on spills and crumbs will become, making for a smelly reminder every time you cook on the stovetop.”

To avoid this issue, we’ve asked a couple of experts for their best tips on how to clean stovetop grates quickly and easily, so you can get on with your cooking, smell- and fire-free.

How Often To Clean Stovetop Grates

According to Sara San Angelo, a professional home cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady in Charleston, South Carolina, you should clean your stove grates when you start to see a build-up of food or grease. “The longer you wait to clean these messes, the harder it is to get them or to prevent fires,” she explains.

In general, it’s recommended to clean your stovetop grates once a week if you cook often. “Besides being a mess, the leftover food on your stovetop grates can leave a smell every time you cook,” says Truong.

Considerations Before Getting Started

Before you begin cleaning, make sure the stove grates are completely cool and all burners are off. Remove the grates and burner caps if needed for soaking and cleaning. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the grates because they can damage the finish. While the grates soak, clean the stovetop surface by wiping away any crumbs and using a paste of equal parts water and baking soda to remove any stains. You should also determine whether you have enamel or uncoated stove grates since soaking uncoated or chipped grates can lead to rust. Enamel grates should be cleaned with dish detergent and scrubbed gently.

What You Need

  • A scrub brush or Scotch Brite Heavy Duty Scour Pads

How To Clean Stovetop Grates With Dish Detergent

Step 1: Remove The Grates

Remove cooled grates from the stovetop.

Step 2: Soak The Grates

Fill a clean kitchen sink with warm water so it is full enough to cover the grates, and add a tablespoon of dish detergent. Submerge the grates and allow them to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub

Use a scour pad to scrub away any cooked-on gunk off the grates.

Step 4: Rinse And Dry

Rinse well with clean water and dry with a clean, soft towel.

How To Clean Stovetop Grates With Vinegar

  1. Fill a pan or sink with equal parts warm water and vinegar. Make sure the sink is full enough to submerge the grates.

  2. Soak the grates for 30 minutes.

  3. Scrub with a scouring pad to loosen debris.

  4. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly.

How To Clean Stovetop Grates With Baking Soda

You can use baking soda two ways to clean soiled stove grates as well as porcelain ones since it’s a non-abrasive cleanser.

Baking Soda Paste

  1. Mix equal parts water and baking soda in a small bowl to create a paste.

  2. Coat the grates with the paste.

  3. Allow them to sit for 15 to 30 minutes.

  4. Use a scouring pad or scrubber to remove caked-on residue.

  5. Rinse in clean water and dry with a towel.

Baking Soda Soak

For heavier jobs, use baking soda in the water to boost the cleaning process.

  1. Fill the kitchen sink with enough warm water to cover the grates.

  2. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda.

  3. Soak the grates for 15 to 30 minutes.

  4. Scrub the grates with a scouring pad or soft scrubbing brush. Sprinkle more baking soda on the scouring pad or brush if desired.

  5. Rinse the grates, then wipe dry with a clean, soft towel.

How To Clean Uncoated Cast-Iron Grates

Most modern homes have enamel- or porcelain-covered cast-iron or steel stove grates. These are easier to clean than uncoated cast-iron grates. Uncoated or chipped cast-iron grates should not be soaked in water because they will rust. Here’s how to clean them:

  1. Use a stiff-bristled nylon brush dipped in warm, soapy water to remove residue.

  2. You can sprinkle stubborn stains with baking soda to scrub them away.

  3. Rinse the grate, then dry thoroughly with a soft, clean towel.

  4. To prevent rust, season the grates after cleaning if desired.

Tip

To season uncoated grates, rub them with a thin layer of oil and wipe away any excess. Place the grates on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 450ºF for an hour. Let them cool in the oven, then replace them on your stovetop.

Tips To Keep Your Stove Grates Clean Longer

  • Clean up spills and messes as soon as the burner and grates have cooled to prevent a buildup of residue.

  • Cover pots and pans with lids during cooking to prevent cooked-on splatters.

  • Watch pots carefully to prevent them from boiling over, which can cause burned-on messes.

  • Handle heavy pans like cast-iron gently to keep them from banging on the grates and avoid chipping their enamel coating.

  • Don’t use harsh cleaners, which can damage the grates.

  • Season uncoated grates to prevent rust.

Frequently asked Questions

How long will it take?

For stubborn dirt and grime, you’ll need to soak the stubborn mess for around 30 minutes with cleaner or baking soda paste before scrubbing with a scouring pad. Dry the stovetop with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How much do the supplies cost?

Supplies to clean your stovetop grates shouldn’t be too expensive. You will need scour pads and dish detergent, vinegar, or baking soda, which you will probably already have on hand at home.

How do I keep cast-iron grates black?

Though brands may differ, grates can become discolored with normal use due to certain cooking methods, and using metals other than stainless steel, cast iron, or anodized aluminum can leave a white or grayish residue. Seasoning your cast-iron grates will prevent rust and discoloration.

Read the original article on Southern Living