How to Clean Your Stove Grates Like a Pro
Some people don’t know how to clean stove grates properly. When was the last time you gave your stove grates a good cleaning? Those are the metal bars where all the pasta water, sauce, and grease end up.
Usually, we wipe down the stove and think it’s clean, right? No shame in that! Stove grates get messy, it happens.
But if you want to make those dirty burners look brand new again, you will discover the best way to keep your grates new.
Giving your stove grates a good clean now and then can make your stovetop shine and upgrade the whole kitchen vibe a bit.
How to Clean Stove Grates (Easy Steps)
If it’s been ages since you tackled those grates and you need some heavy-duty cleaning tools, we’ve got your back!
But there are things like 2-butoxyethanol (butyl), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and d-Limonene, good for heavy specks of dirt.
They’re like the superheroes of cleaning because they’re solvents. What they do is turn grease and oils into liquid or make solid dirt break into tiny pieces.
This makes it way easier for other cleaning staff to do their job. They help the main cleaners work better!
Here’s how to use a homemade soapy water mixture to clean stove grates:
1. Put the Stove Top’s Oven Grates in a Vacant Sink
Once the stovetop grates are cool to the touch, take them off and put them in an empty sink or bathtub.
You can also use a plastic container (even if you have to borrow it from under the bed) if your sink or tub isn’t large enough.
2. Make a Bath of Soapy Water
Pour boiling or extremely hot water over the sink grates and add a spritz of dish soap.
To cut through the grease, let the grates soak in the soapy water for ten to fifteen minutes.
3. Use a Powder Cleanser to Scrub Away Extra Residue
Soak your stove grates, and if needed, grab a scrubbing cleaner (like Bon Ami or baking soda) and a sturdy brush, sponge, or non-scratch scrubber.
Give those grates a good scrub to remove any stuck-on food or grease.
4. Clean, Air Dry, and Swap Out the Grates
Give the grates a good rinse, dry them with a clean cloth, and put them back on the stove.
And guess what? You can use the same dish soap and powder cleaner trick to tackle stubborn grease on the stovetop.
Replacement Gas Burner Grate Steel Stove Gas Ring Reducer Kitchen Accessory
How to Maintain My Stove’s Cast Iron Grates?
If your cast iron grates have been seasoned, pop them in the sink and let them soak in soapy water for 20 minutes.
Once they’ve had their soak, give them a good wipe and make sure they’re completely dry before putting them back on the stove.
And here’s a trick: if you’ve got stubborn food on the grates, or you’re doing a big cleaning job, soak them in a mix of vinegar and baking soda.
This combo will team up to break down the tough, burnt-on bits.
If you’re looking for something stronger than regular dish soap, give your grates a good soak in a bag or container with ammonia for a few hours (or even overnight). After soaking, give them a good rinse and dry.
How Can I Maintain Black Stovetop Grates?
You should be gentle with your stove grates, especially cast iron ones. Skip the steel wool or metal scrubbers, they can cause damage.
Instead, go for a tough brush, a non-scratch scrubber, or a sponge, along with a strong cleaning product like a powder cleanser (think Bon Ami) or baking soda.
If you cook with pots and pans that aren’t made of anodized aluminum, stainless steel, or cast iron, you might notice a white or gray residue on your burner grates.
This trick uses vinegar and baking soda, two everyday items that are great for cleaning.
The vinegar helps break down grease, and the baking soda acts like a gentle scrub to get rid of stuck-on food and residue.
Make a paste with one part water and three parts baking soda. Slather it all over the grates generously. Wait for 10 to 20 minutes, then give it a gentle scrub with a sponge and rinse it off with warm, soapy water.
Now you know the secrets to turning those dirty stove grates into sparkling wonders. With this helpful pattern for cleaning your stove grates, you’re on the right path to keeping your kitchen clean.
Imagine your stove grates gleaming like they just got a SPA treatment. You can bid farewell to the stubborn grease and sauce splatters; it’s time for your stove grates to shine like culinary royalty.
So, roll up those sleeves, grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s turn those grates into a beacon of kitchen cleanliness.
