How to Clean Cast Iron Stove Grates

Cast iron stove grates are great for cooking but can become dirty and rust over time if not regularly cleaned.

Cleaning appliances is a simple task that can be done regularly to maintain their appearance and extend their life.

Vinegar

At peak cooking times, your stove grates can quickly become covered in a greasy mess that’s impossible to wipe away. Keeping them clean helps minimize food spills and unpleasant odors and keeps your kitchen safe from fire hazards caused by grease buildup.

A straightforward, cost-effective method for cleaning your grates is a combination of vinegar and water. Simply fill a pan with enough water to cover your grates, then soak them in this solution for around 30 minutes.

Once the grate has soaked, rinse it thoroughly and use a scrub pad or non-scratch sponge to gently remove the cooked-on gunk that has built up over time. Repeat this process until you’re satisfied with the results.

For extra tough stains, you can try making your degreaser. Combine one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon of degreaser per gallon of water and stir the solution with your hand until evenly distributed.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an ideal natural cleaning product that will restore the shine to your cast iron stove grates. Plus, it’s non-toxic and won’t harm the metal.

The initial step is to clean the grates with warm water, coat them with baking soda and leave them for around 20 minutes. This will allow time for the baking soda to loosen any stuck-on grease or grime and wipe away.

Once the baking soda has had time to penetrate the grates, gently scrub them with a soft brush or sponge to remove any caked-on stains. After thoroughly removing all traces of food, rinse them off and pat them dry.

If your grates are extremely dirty, try mixing equal parts water and vinegar to create a paste that can break down built-up residue. This method works exceptionally well when dealing with thick grease deposits.

Salt

Cast iron is an incredibly durable metal that can create many types of cookware. Unfortunately, it may become stained due to food spills and splatters.

Cleaning your grates improves the aesthetic of your cooking surface and minimizes unpleasant odors. Furthermore, it may help reduce the risk of kitchen fires as well.

Salt is an effective natural cleaner that can quickly and effectively remove dirt, splatters, and grease from cast iron stove grates. It would be best to sprinkle generous amounts of coarse salt onto the grates, then scrub them gently with a sponge to loosen any stubborn food particles or grime.

Finally, rinse with hot water to eliminate salt residue and debris.

Another effective method for cleaning salt from cast iron stove grates is soaking them in a distilled vinegar solution. Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it down with a clean cloth.

This method can be effective, but it isn’t suitable for all types of cast iron. Avoid using harsh chemicals like these to protect the enamel coating on your grates from damage caused by harsh chemicals such as ammonia or other abrasives.

Boiling Water

Cast iron stove grates can become caked in grease over time, but that doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle; there are simple tricks you can use to cut through the grime and restore its shine.

If your enameled cast iron grates have become hard to clean, The Kitchn suggests pouring boiling water over them before soaking them in soapy water to help cut through grease and make cleaning easier. Then you can scrub away with mild abrasives like Bon Ami to restore their shine.

Stove grates can be challenging to keep clean. Over time, stuck-on food, oils, and other residues accumulate, creating an unpleasant odor. While it may not always be a top priority, giving them a once-a-month cleaning is recommended to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.