A sparkling clean kitchen is not just about having spotless countertops and shiny floors; it also entails having spotless stove grates. In this article, we delve into the importance of keeping your stove grates clean and describe the simple steps for transforming your stove grates from grimy to gleaming.
Stove grates, also known as burner grates or cooktop grates, are the metal grates that sit on top of gas stoves or cooktops. They provide a stable surface for pots and pans to rest on while cooking over the open flame of a gas burner. Stove grates come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, usually cast iron or steel, and may have a porcelain or enamel coating for easy cleaning and to prevent rusting.
These grates serve to distribute the heat evenly across the cooking surface, ensuring consistent cooking results. Over time, stove grates can become dirty or stained due to spills, grease, and other debris. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep them functioning properly and looking their best.
Here are some key reasons why you should clean your stove grates regularly:
- Fire safety: Grease and food particles can build up on stove grates over time. This buildup is not only unsightly, but it can also pose a fire hazard if left unattended. Regularly cleaning your stove grates helps to minimize this risk.
- Hygiene: Food residue and grime can harbor harmful bacteria, which may contaminate your cooking and potentially lead to foodborne illnesses. Cleaning your stove grates prevents bacteria from spreading and ensures a healthier cooking environment.
- Improved performance: Clean stove grates allow for better heat distribution and more even cooking. When grates are covered in buildup, they can interfere with the transfer of heat between the burner and your cookware, leading to uneven cooking and longer cook times.
- Aesthetic appeal: A clean stove is more visually appealing and can help create a more pleasant cooking environment. Keeping your stove grates clean contributes to the overall cleanliness and appearance of your kitchen.
- Prolonged lifespan: Regularly cleaning your stove grates can extend the lifespan of your stove by preventing corrosion and other damage. Clean grates also reduce the likelihood of needing repairs or replacements, saving you money in the long run.
- Odor control: Food particles and grease can create unpleasant odors when they burn or decompose. Cleaning your stove grates regularly helps to minimize these odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to easily clean your stove grates, from gathering your supplies, removing and scrubbing the grates, and applying a baking soda paste to scrubbing with vinegar, rinsing thoroughly, drying the grates, and reassembling the stove.
1. Gather your supplies
- Mild dish soap
- Non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge
- Soft cloth
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Large basin or sink
2. Remove the grates
Before removing, ensure the stove grates are completely cool to prevent thermal shock or burns.
Carefully lift the grates off the stove and place them on a protected surface, such as a towel or newspaper.
3. Scrub the grates
In a large basin or sink, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Using a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge, gently scrub the grates to remove any loose debris or food particles. Be careful not to use steel wool or any abrasive materials, as they can damage the surface.
4. Apply a baking soda paste
In a small bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a thick paste. This paste can help remove stubborn, baked-on grime.
Using your fingers or a soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste to the dirty areas of the grates. Allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes.
5. Scrub with vinegar
After the paste has had time to work, dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar and gently scrub the areas with the baking soda paste. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, helping to lift away stubborn stains and grime.
6. Rinse thoroughly and dry the grates
Rinse the grates thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue or cleaning solution.
Use a soft, clean cloth to dry the grates completely, as any remaining moisture can lead to rust.
7. Reassemble the stove
Place the clean, dry grates back on the stove in their proper positions.
Remember, cast iron grates can be prone to rust if not properly cared for, so it’s important to keep them clean and dry. Regular maintenance will prolong their life and keep your stove looking and functioning at its best. If you notice any signs of rust, address it promptly by removing the rust and applying a thin layer of vegetable oil to protect the surface.
Check out more cleaning tips.
Thank you for this trick! I am going to buy my ammonia and make my grates shine just like yours!
You will be glad you did:)
These are grates from a gas stove, correct? Mine look like the iron skillets are made of. Please let me know if that is what yours are.
I meant what iron skillets are made of.
Yes that is what they are. Funny, I just used Barkeepers on my stainless steel dishwasher that had water marks on the outside. It worked awesome!
So what your saying is… the grates do not have to be completely submerged?
Yes that is correct. It is the fumes that get the crud off and follow the instructions to do the same:) Thanks
Have any hints on cleaning a glass top stove? Oh Lord what I would give to have a gas stove here. Hate electric.
I had a glass cooktop in our last home. They made a cooktop cleaner that was pretty good. But I do like gas better too!
That’s how I clean the gas grill grates from outside. I normally do it on a hot day so the stuff really heats up and cleans all the crud. So glad you are happy with the results 🙂
Wow–this is timely info! My stove grates were a mess from the previous owner, and I’ve never been able to get them looking new. Thanks for the tip, Debbie! 🙂
Great tips Debbie..To clean a glass top stove I use Weiman Glass Cook Top cleaner and then vileda glass ceramic Scrunge..to wipe away the dirt..makes it look like new.Still wish I had a gas top.
Yes, that is what I used, thanks for the name of it Jessie!
Thanks for sharing! This is the first time I’ve had a glass cooktop and even though it’s not dirty now, it could be. 🙂
xo
Pat
I used Barkeeper’s Friend. Now it comes in a liquid. I always made a paste and it worked great on the glass cooktop. It got too expensive to use the cleaner sold specifically for a glass cooktop.
Great tip, Debbie-thanks for sharing!
Susan
What a great post!!!!! I have tried the scrubbing and the dishwasher to no avail. I am going to try this Debbie. Thanks!!!!
What a great tip…and I love that you do not have to scrub!!.will be trying that very soon!! Thanks Debbie!
Fantastic tip. I don’t have grates but several friends do. I am pinning this one.
xoxoGinger
I am TOTALLY trying this, we have tried everything to get that stuck on grease off. Nothing has worked so far. Did you pour it over the Grates, Wipe it on or leave the ammonia on the bottom of the bag? Pinning!
xoxo
NO, no pouring over the grates, in fact there is not much ammonia at all in the bag. It is the fumes and keeping them sealed overnight is what lifted the crud!. You have to lightly clean when done with a soapy sponge, but you will be amazed at how easy the crud comes off.
Great idea. I really need to get mine done…Thanks. I have never used ammonia before. How do you dispose of it after the job is done?
I just tossed the back in the outdoor trash.
I will have to remember this when I get my new stove. My stove is so old there is no more finish on the grates.
Thanks for the tip. Now anyone know a way to get the shine back under the gas burner on a stainless steel cooktop? Ours look burnt and I won’t shine when I clean them.
Thanks for this wonderful tip. I was scrubbing on my grates today wondering if there was a better/easier way to clean them. I’ve tried the scrub pad and dishwasher too.
~willa~
Great info, Debbie. I couldn’t get the crud off, so I got a new stove! Just kidding…I’m pinning this for when my new stove grates get cruddy.
Thanks for the tip! Do you have any tips on cleaning around the burners? I have tried everything( brillo pads, erasers etc)
I have not figured that one out yet:(
For cleaning around and under the grate, I use Weiman’s Heavy Duty cooktop cleaner with the red Weiman’s scrub pads. You spray it on and let it set. Then scrub. Sometimes I have had to do it twice.
Thanks, Debbie, I need to do this!
I am totally impressed!!!! Hope it works!
Hi Debbie- what a great tip. I will share this with my son since he’s just bought a home with a gas cooktop. I wonder if you use those oven cleaning pads around your burners if it will help clean that area. I bet there’s ammonia in them since the smell was always so strong.
wow they look great thanks for the tip Deb 🙂
I did this last year. I put them in my sink with plastic wrap over, then almost killed myself with funes when I lifted the plastic, so don’t do it my way – but this was process cleaned my grates better than anything I ever tried. It works.
LOL, Debbie, my girlfriend does the same thing and she uses the same process for her oven grills.
Cynthia
Thanks for the tip. Should save me a lot of time on cleaning the stove!
Great tip. I have used the same tip for years (and I mean YEARS, since I am 75, for my oven racks.
I have my grates soaking. It’s not enough to cover them though. Is it the fumes from the ammonia that melts off all the crud? I’m hoping 🙂
Yes the fumes is what does the trick! Keep them sealed up overnight.
WHERE CAN I BUY AMONIA
The grocery store sells it, Walmart, Target, etc.
Thanks so much! FINALLY a solution! We were blessed with a new stove and have only had it less than two years but the grates are sooooo ….” UGH!” no matter what I try. Can’t wait to do this 😀
DOES THIS WORK ON NONE SHINY GRATES TOO?
I can’t vouch for that..only tried them on my shiny finished ones. I would not want to tell you yes and then something happened to the finish because of the ammonia.
I tried this and, while it wasn’t quite effortless, it worked really well. It might have been because of the condition of my grates (VERY bad) and that it isn’t hot and sunny here. But, I am still pleased with the results and will recommend it to others. Thank you.
I am so happy! Perhaps mine was as much as an effort per say because they were not that old. I am happy though it worked regardless with a little more effort. Thanks for letting me know.
I have tried everything too (dishwasher, scrubbing with SOS pads, soaking in bleach and soapy water) and nothing worked. I am going to the store to buy ammonia and try your way! Also, I have tried cleaning the burners on the stove and can’t get those sparkling clean either. Scared to spray anything on them because I don’t want to put out the pilot light. Any ideas?
I have a bit of troubles with those and found that magic erasers work pretty well on those.
This is great! I use the self cleaning oven, currently… But we rent and we have lived many places that were…. Gross. This will undoubtedly be very useful!
Great!!
Can u use this on the burner covers too
Not sure, I never tried on those.
Thank you for this post! I am pinning for later, because I am sure I will need it in the future 🙂
Can I include my enamle painted drip trays that the grates sit on?
I’m not sure honestly. I never tried it.
I knew that ammonia was the key to an easy cleaning of the grates, but I haven’t done it because I thought I’d need a large tub to put the grate(s) and ammonia in. I didn’t think about the fact that a plastic bad would work as well. I’m happy to have seen this because I have the ammonia and the bags, and I just need to get to it. Thanks for your ideas and postings. I enjoy reading your blog!
This does work really well I have done it several times not that I am dirty I just do it every few months so no build up. I will say though the ammonia will eventually dull the black paint at least it is starting to happen on mine.
I tried this with the grate that fits our electric roaster. I let it sit for 24 hours in a garbage bag, with about 1-2 C ammonia. I let it sit overnight in a corner of the kitchen (it is winter here, so too cold to take it outside). It worked wonderfully to take off the accumulated grease. I gave up my gas stove because I couldn’t keep the grates clean. Now I’m sorry I did that. What I’d *really* like to have is a dual fuel stove: gas burners, electric oven.
I am so happy you tried this!! Sorry you gave up your gas stove.:(
I found this on pinterest about a year ago and tried it. It does work great no doubt, the only problem I seem to have is if you do it often then the grates start to look dingy.
I tried this on my cast iron grates. They came clean but are showing signs of rust. Wonder if I could season them like I do my skillets to take care of the problem?
That I am not sure of.
Tried and it worked well. Keep them coming thanks for help
It’s a great tip, Debbie. But please remind people to NEVER, EVER mix ammonia with other chemicals, especially chlorine. It creates a dangerous gas. Thanks.
I do mention that in the post already Reba:)
Does the ammonia work the same way on the gas stove oven grates which are a shiny silver? Does it dull the shiny silver look?
I can’t answer that because mine were black, so I am not sure how they would work. I would assume YES, it should, but I can’t be sure on it.
THANK YOU Debbie !! It took a bit of elbow grease… cuz it was 10 yrs of ‘crud’ !!
Over those years I cleaned them… I thought !!!! LoL.
I had to do the ammonia thing two nights in a row !! ??. The first time I used a putty knife to remove the loose ‘crud’ !!… hmmmmmmm not all came off. Did it again… and the next day the Mr. used a toothbrush style wire brush and removed the rest. I used 2 cups of ammonia per bag. I have two double grates.
You weren’t kidding they look NEW !! ((smile)). –Linda
OH WOW…10 years of crud and you got it off. Awesome!
I really needed this info, I will try it soon as , very grateful this will help a lot, thank you so much! !!
I finally did this and am so impressed!!!!! It was soo easy and they look brand new again!!!! Thank you!!!
Do you have any tips for cleaning the stove top? My grates are okay but the gas causes a weird sort of grime that I cannot remove!! Any help is appreciated 🙂