Source: Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens
Cleaning cast-iron stove grates is an important part of keeping your stove clean and in good working condition. During cooking, splatters, spills, and overflows can happen, leaving cast-iron stove grates covered in food and oils. Worse still, high heat from the burners can cause baked-on messes that are challenging to remove.
Cleaning and caring for cast-iron stove grates is straightforward, similar to the method used for cleaning cast-iron skillets. It doesn’t require specialty cleaning agents or tools, but following important guidelines prevents damage to the cast iron and ensures the best results.
Before Getting Started
When washing cast-iron stove grates, some cleaning agents and tools shouldn’t be used to prevent costly or irreversible damage, including:
Scouring powders
Acidic cleaning agents such as distilled white vinegar
Harsh cleaning agents like oven cleaner, ammonia, or chlorine bleach
Metallic scouring pads, except when removing rust
Even if the grates are dishwasher-safe, experts recommend washing them by hand to avoid overexposing them to water. The dishwasher’s long wash cycle exceeds the recommended length of time that cast iron should be wet.
While soaking cast-iron stove grates is part of routine cleaning, don’t soak them for more than 10 minutes to avoid rust damage. Don’t soak uncoated cast-iron grates at all. For efficiency, clean the stovetop while the grates enjoy their brief soak in hot, soapy water.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Soft-bristle scrub brush or non-scratch scrub sponge
Dishpan (optional)
Steel wool pad
Materials
Dish soap
Dish towels
Neutral cooking oil
Instructions
How to Clean Cast-Iron Stove Grates
Cool the Grates Before washing cast-iron stove grates, allow them to cool completely.
Soak the Grates Fill the sink with water and add dish soap. If the sink is not roomy enough for the grates, a dishpan or other large plastic container with hot, soapy water works fine. Submerge the grates and allow them to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t exceed 10 minutes to prevent rust damage due to overexposure to water.
Scrub the Grates Use a soft-bristled brush or a nylon non-scratch scrub sponge to scour the grates to remove stuck-on food and buildup from cooking. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents and metal scouring pads, which can damage the cast iron.
Rinse the Grates When the grates are clean, rinse them well with hot water.
Dry Grates Dry the grates immediately after washing with an absorbent dish towel. Don’t allow the grates to air-dry, as leaving water on the surface of the cast iron can cause the metal to rust.
Season Grates (Optional) If needed, reseason the grates by applying a thin coating of neutral cooking oil and baking them for 30-60 minutes in a 350°F to 400°F oven.
How to Remove Rust from Cast-Iron Stove Grates
If your cast-iron stove grates develop rust, follow these steps to restore them.
Scour the Grates Use a steel wool pad and warm, soapy water to scour the grates and remove the rust. Rinse and dry the grates well after scouring them.
Oil the Grates Apply a thin, even layer of neutral cooking oil to the grates.
Bake the Grates Place the grates in a 350°F to 400°F oven, and bake them for 30-60 minutes to restore the protective layer of seasoning.
How Often to Clean Cast-Iron Stove Grates
Cast-iron stove grates should be cleaned weekly in high-use kitchens, but monthly cleaning is fine for people who don’t cook as much. In addition, clean cast-iron stove grates on an as-needed basis when major spills or splatters happen during cooking.
Cast-iron stove grates should be seasoned, much in the same way you would season a cast-iron pan. Seasoning cast iron prevents rust and gives the surface a non-stick coating that helps keep food from sticking to the metal surface, making cleanup easier.
Reseason cast-iron stove grates regularly by applying a thin coat of neutral cooking oil to clean grates and curing them for 30 to 60 minutes in a 350°F to 400°F oven. For more information, consult our guide for expert-approved tips and detailed instructions for seasoning cast iron.