Foolproof Method For Cleaning Cast Iron Stove Grates

When you use your stove, scattered driblets of your meal can land on your cast iron stove grates. At busier times, these grates may become even more blanketed with all sorts of fragments from your latest cuisine. As these moments happen, you may lightly swipe away most of the accumulation and move on with your day. However, this process can catch up with you. The mess can become quite unsightly and increasingly harder to remove.

By cleaning stove grates, you improve the look of your kitchen, limit unpleasant odors, and protect your cookware while also reducing the possibility of kitchen fires. Here is a foolproof method to improve the appearance of your grates and get your stove clean and ready for the preparation of your next dish.

Things to Know Before Starting

When handling cast iron grates, you will need to be more cautious, so they will not become damaged. This carefulness can get accomplished by staying away from steel wool or metal scouring pads when cleaning. Instead, you can use soft cloths or sponges and household products that gently rub away any grime. These grates hold up your pots and pans for cooking, so keeping them in good shape allows for more fun in the kitchen. Getting them cleaned can be much easier than you may think. Also, with these steps, you can feel pleased with your results.

How Often to Clean Stove Grates

It may be hard to hear, but the best way to maintain a pristine stovetop and grates is by cleaning up after every use. Doing these keeps you from having to tackle encrusted or burned-on crud from the past. By managing the smaller cleans in the present, you will not have to fight the larger messes later. This strategy allows you to focus on more significant tasks and keeps your grates from enduring relentless cleaning procedures.

Quick Clean Vinegar Spray

Regularly cleaning your cast iron stove grates will keep them looking their best and lower the chances for damage. With a few simple cleaning options, you can remove any stains after each use so that you will not have an unsightly buildup or cause deterioration. With the steps outlined below, you can use vinegar, which contains acetic acid and has many beneficial uses in your household. Best of all, it is non-toxic and will not threaten your health or the well-being of your family.

• Start by filling a spray bottle with vinegar and spraying the stove grates and burners. If you do not have a sprayer available, pour the vinegar onto a clean cloth and let it drizzle onto the grates.
• Allow the vinegar to sit for 10 minutes to break down the muck that has landed there.
• After that time passes, wipe the grates with a clean cloth dampened with water.
• Repeat until you have cleared away all of the spills and stains.
• Dry your grates with a cloth or napkin and wipe the rest of the surface on your stove.

Deep Cleaning Cast Iron Stove Grates

Instead of using harsh cleansers on your grates, you can employ simpler methods that can be just as effective. By choosing the route, you are taking a safer approach with your appliance and using inexpensive products you may already have. Here is how you can clean cast iron grates with a mild, soapy mixture.

• Make sure your grates are cool to the touch, remove them from the top of your stove, and put them in a clean, emptied sink. If your sink is not big enough to accommodate the grates, you can put them in a plastic bin or even a large plastic bag.
• Add hot water until it covers the grates, and then add a small drop of dish soap.
• Let the grates soak in the sudsy water for 10 minutes to cut through the grease and crud.
• Use a soft washing pad to wipe the grates and remove any splattered food. Be sure to address the nooks and crannies, to remove burnt-on pieces.
• Repeat this step as necessary to clean the grates.
• If the dirt does not come away easily, you can use coarse salt or table salt to scrub the stubborn areas.

You can finish up by rinsing the grates in cool water and ensuring all the soap gets removed. Once you are satisfied with the results, dry the grates entirely with a clean cloth to prevent rust.

Oiling Cast Iron Stove Grates

Even though you have thoroughly cleaned your grates, they may not have the luster you expect afterward. In that case, you can season them by adding a light application of cooking oil. Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe over the grates to restore the sparkle, and then place them back on the stovetop.

Tips to Keep Stove Grates Clean For Longer:

• Clean the grates often.
• Place a covering on overcooking foods to contain splatters and prevent foods from boiling over.
• Avoid banging the grates with pans, which can chip the coating.
• Steer clear of the dishwasher. The detergent can strip the cast iron overlay and leave the grates vulnerable to rust.
• Avoid potent chemicals or strong abrasives when washing the grates.

Enjoy Clean Cast Iron Stove Grates and More

Taking care of your cast iron stove grates takes time, but you are rewarded for your efforts when your stove runs smoothly year after year. When you need assistance with the other cleaning tasks around your home, we are glad to help. You may think that having free time means you have to sacrifice the cleanliness of your home, worry no more! Let our Cleanzen Houston team tackle your household chores so you can enjoy your free time and still have a tidy residence. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.