How To Properly Clean Your Stovetop Grates
Ever looked at those crusty, grease-covered stovetop grates and wondered if they’ll ever shine again? I’ve been there!
As someone who’s tackled countless kitchen makeovers, I can tell you that clean grates aren’t just about looks…they prevent smoke, eliminate food contamination risks, and extend your stove’s lifespan. Now, let’s learn how to transform those grimy grates into sparkling kitchen stars again!
1. Soak In Ammonia Overnight
Nothing works magic on stubborn grease like an overnight ammonia bath! Place each grate in a separate sealed plastic bag with 1/4 cup of ammonia. The fumes (not the liquid) do all the heavy lifting while you sleep.
These grates will practically clean themselves by morning. Simply wipe them down with a sponge and rinse thoroughly. For especially crusty grates, a soft brush helps remove lingering bits without scratching the surface.
2. Vinegar And Baking Soda Power Scrub
Where there’s baked-on food, there’s hope with this fizzy combo! Sprinkle baking soda generously over your grates, then spray with white vinegar until you see that satisfying fizz reaction.
Let the mixture bubble away for about 30 minutes. The chemical reaction loosens even the most stubborn gunk.
Afterward, scrub with a non-abrasive brush in circular motions. This method works wonders while being gentle enough for all grate types.
3. Dishwasher Detergent Soak
Got seriously neglected grates? This method saved my reputation during countless home stagings! Line your bathtub with towels to prevent scratches, place the grates inside, and fill with hot water until covered.
Add 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent (the powdered kind works best) and let them soak for 4 hours. The commercial-grade cleaners in dishwasher detergent break down burnt-on grease that regular dish soap can’t touch. Rinse thoroughly afterward!
4. Lemon And Salt Scrub For Light Cleaning
How about a natural, aromatic approach for maintenance cleaning? Cut lemons in half, dip the cut side in coarse salt, and use them as scrubbing tools directly on warm (not hot) grates.
The acid from lemons cuts through light grease while salt provides gentle abrasion. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing instead of like harsh chemicals!
This method works beautifully for weekly maintenance when grates aren’t heavily soiled. Follow with a damp cloth wipe-down.
5. Self-Clean Oven Trick
Though unconventional, this designer secret has saved me countless hours! If your grates are oven-safe (most cast iron ones are), place them inside your oven during its self-cleaning cycle.
The extreme heat incinerates all the stuck-on gunk. After the cycle completes and the oven cools completely, wipe away the remaining ash with a damp cloth.
Just check your stove’s manual first. Some manufacturers specifically warn against this method for certain grate types.
6. Degreasing Paste With Dish Soap And Baking Soda
Create a powerful cleaning paste by mixing equal parts dish soap and baking soda until it forms a thick consistency. The dish soap cuts through accumulated grease while the baking soda provides gentle abrasion without scratching the cast iron surface.
Remove the grates from your stovetop and apply this paste generously, making sure to cover all surfaces including the undersides and corners where grease hides. Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes to break down the stubborn residue.
Scrub with a non-metallic brush or sponge using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. For extra shine, dry immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots or rusting on cast iron grates.
