The best way to keep your kitchen clean and nice is by cleaning your range. Well, in this guide, you will get to learn how to clean stove top grates.
People often get to ignore the gas cooktop, which is either the top grates or burners, after they are done cleaning up the crumbs and wiping the surface.
The stove grates get all kinds of grime, oil, dirt, and even food residue. So, the question is, are you cleaning your stove top grates?
And if you are doing so, are you doing it correctly? These are things that this guide on how to clean stove top grates will cover.
How to Clean Stove Grates
- All you need to do is to boil water and pour it over the stove grates. This should be done while they are still in the sink.
- You can then proceed to fill up the sink with hot soapy water. Soak the stove grates for around 10 minutes.
- Using a sponge, you are to wash it clean. Afterward, get warm water and rinse it under it. Then, proceed to get rid of the excess debris.
- You can do that with a cloth. Make sure that you completely dry off your stove grates. You can then proceed to replace it.
How to Clean Stove Top Grates – Laid-Out Instructions
Most stove grates are manufactured using cast iron. I would advise that you do not make use of steel wool or a metallic scouring pad if you are cleaning cast iron.
Using this will scratch the stove grates. Nonetheless, you can make use of a non-scratch or a heavy-duty non-metallic scouring pad to clean cast iron.
Also, make sure you thoroughly rinse your stove top grates in hot, soapy water if you make use of a powerful-smelling cleaning product like ammonia.
Make sure that you also get a clean cloth to thoroughly dry the stove top grates, as this will help prevent rusting.
Laid-Out Instructions for Cleaning Stove Top Grates
Prepare the Stove Top Grates for Cleaning
- First, you have to ensure that the top grates are cool completely. Then, you can proceed to get them off the stovetop.
- Afterward, you are to get them into an empty sink. Proceed to fill the empty sink with hot soapy water.
- You are to make use of your usual dish liquid. For around 15 minutes, you are to leave the top grates in the sink and allow them to soak.
After Soaking, Scrub the Top Grates
- With that being done, you are to move to the next step, which involves scrubbing the top grate thoroughly.
- This is done to get rid of the burnt-on food. There are some spots that might be difficult to clean. You can make use of an additional cleaner for these spots.
- I would suggest that you go for baking soda along with a rigid, non-metal brush or probably a non-scratch nylon pad.
Remove Sticky Grease from Stovetop Grates
- Stove top grates are incredibly difficult to clean compared to most surfaces. All you will need to get them cleaned is grapefruit juice or microfiber clothes.
- You will find grease and oil sticking to the metal surface, so you can predict that it will be quite difficult to clean stovetop grates thoroughly.
- However, this can also be influenced by the type of grate you use. Fortunately, there are some methods you can use to thoroughly clean the stove top grates.
- Using degreasers, allow the chemicals to soak for a while, as this will help clean the stove top grates efficiently.
- And, for burner grates, I would suggest you go for powder degreasers as they work better, especially if you first wet the surface.
- Build-up on the grating will slowly break down thanks to the degreaser. Make sure that you allow the degreaser to sit for at least 15 minutes.
- You can also allow it to sit for 30 minutes, especially if the build-up on the grate is thick. I would also suggest you go for lemon oil degreasers as they are very likely to work better compared to other base types.
Rinse the Stove Top Grates
- And, with all that being said, you can proceed to rinse the stove top grates. Using a clean cloth, dry the grates completely.
How to Care for Stove Grates Daily
Since you now know how to clean stove top grates, it would be wise to learn how to care for stove grates daily.
Clean with Vinegar Daily
A 1:1 ratio of mixed distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, proceed to include some essential oils as this will help give it a pleasant scent, but this is based on your preference.
Afterward, spray it all over your grates and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before you proceed to clean them using a clean damp cloth.
If You Spill a Liquid or Food onto the Grates, Clean It Up Right Away
You have to do this because if you don’t, you will find that food gets thick quickly over the grates, which will make it very difficult to get rid of.
Keep the Stove Grates Dry
You have to make sure that the stove grates are kept dry. Using a towel, quickly clean them off if they get specifically damp or wet during cooking. And, do not forget to also keep the stove grates dry after the vinegar spray method.
Use a Scrubby Brush to Loosen Baked Food If You Can’t Remove It with Just Your Fingers
As stated above, if you can’t get rid of food on the stove grates using just your fingers, you should opt for a scrubby brush. I would suggest you do this every evening to keep your kitchen clean.
Spot Clean When You Notice an Unpleasant Area but Don’t Have Time for Deep Cleaning
Get a clean toothbrush and dip it into baking soda or probably salt. And then, proceed to wash the spot you find unpleasant. Doing this will help get rid of the dirt or stain.
Conclusion: How to Clean Stove Top Grates
You might also want to ask the question of what stove grates are made from. Well, it is very likely that your stove grates are made from cast iron.
However, some of these stove grates possess a porcelain finish, which definitely requires extra care as it can rust easily, thanks to the fact that the cast iron is exposed.
You should avoid using metal scouring pads and harsh chemicals like ammonia if you intend to take good care of your cast iron.
And, before I wrap up this guide, make sure your top grates are always dry completely before you proceed to place them back on the stovetop.
The cast iron can rust if there’s too moisture on it. And, with all that being said, I’m sure you now know how to clean stove top grates properly and perfectly.
