Last year, Kitchn experimented with four different methods for deep-cleaning dirty stove grates, and Easy Off — the same kind you use inside your oven — stood out above the rest.
Spray the grates with Easy Off, allow to foam, and let sit for 40 minutes. Brush down the grates, rinsing frequently. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before putting them back on the grill.
Baking soda is perfectly suited for this job as it is a mild, safe abrasive that is both economical and effective. Sprinkle a little directly on to the damp grates and scrub using your wrung out cleaning cloth with a bit of soap.
The method: Place your oven rack inside a big trash bag and set in the sink or on the ground outside. Spray the grates liberally with Easy-Off oven cleaner from 9 to 12 inches away. Close up the bag and let it sit for up to 45 minutes. Then, use paper towels to scrub the gunk off the rack.
Wash in soapy water
Fill the sink with hot water until they cover the grates, and add some dish soap into the water. Allow the cast iron grates to soak in the soapy solution for around 10-15 minutes. This will allow the soap to get to work in lifting and cutting through the grease or stuck-on food on the grates.
Some people swear by Easy Off, a popular oven cleaner that can be used successfully to clean tough grime off of your cast iron stove grates when used according to the directions on the package.
Stove Grate Cleaning Method: Easy Off
How it went: While other methods were successful in getting the burners to wipe clean, Easy Off actually removed and stripped the super-tough burnt-on grease splatters with hardly any effort from me at all, making the burner look brand new.
Dishwasher tablets contain enzymes and surfactants that excel in removing tough, baked-on food particles and grease, making them an excellent choice for oven cleaning. The enzymes in dishwasher tablets break down protein and starch molecules, while surfactants lift away grease, ensuring a thorough cleaning process.
To avoid damaging your stovetop, always use a non-abrasive cloth and gentle cleaner. Dawn® dish soap makes cleaning stovetop surfaces So Dawn Easy - whether it's glass, ceramic, enamel, or stainless steel. The unique formula quickly breaks down grease particles while staying gentle enough to not cause any damage.
For spot cleaning: spray in cold oven from a 9-12 inches distance; allow to stand for 30 sec; wipe clean with a wet sponge, cloth or paper towel. For deep cleaning: spray in cold oven from a 9-12 inches distance; close door and wait for 2 hours; wipe clean with a wet sponge, cloth or paper towel.
You should never use caustic oven cleaners, chloride cleaners, or bleach on any part of your grill. Those cleansers contain chemicals that will eat away at your grill worse than any grease or grime ever could.
Allow the cast iron pan to cool down completely before cleaning to avoid warping or damaging the seasoning. Use a mild dish soap and apply a small amount to the pan. Avoid harsh detergents with degreasing agents or powdered abrasive cleaners - these can strip away the seasoning.
Spray a solution of half water and half white vinegar onto the cast iron grates and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wipe the grates with a damp sponge or cloth. Apply a baking soda paste to the grates and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. Scrub the grates with a damp sponge, and rinse the baking soda off.
Same, scrub with a gritty sponge or some “non-soaped” steel wool pads. Then let dry and oil them with a high-heat oil. I usually use veg oil, same for the burner caps. It's easy, keeps the rust away, and makes it appear shiny black.
Last year, Kitchn experimented with four different methods for deep-cleaning dirty stove grates, and Easy Off — the same kind you use inside your oven — stood out above the rest.
Place the grates in your cleaning vessel and mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes but no longer than one hour. You'll know they're ready to come out once the rust flakes off.
It's necessary to season and re-season cast iron cooking grates. The oil helps protect the cast iron, decrease sticking, and protect the grates from rusting.
In her video, McCauley plugs the drain of her kitchen sink, fills it with hot water, and tosses in two dishwashing detergent tablets. She then lets her dirty stove top grates soak, submerged, for some amount of time. When she pulls them out later, they are spotless, sans scrubbing.