Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on cast iron grates?

Author: Prof. Keagan Mraz  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

BKF heavily advises AGAINST using BKF on regular, run-of-the-mill cast iron. So, please don't attempt this on standard cast iron products. This is only for cleaning enameled cast iron.

Is it safe to use Bar Keepers Friend on cast iron?

No. Bar Keepers friend is a very good stainless steel cleaner. You should not use it on cast iron. Just soap and hot water should clean it between seasonings.

What is the best cleaner for cast iron grates?

Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and approximately 1/2 cup of baking soda. In a bowl, mix up a paste of Dawn dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to the grates, making sure to get in all the nooks and crannies, and let the grates soak for at least 30 minutes. Then scrub, wash, and rinse.

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on cast iron stove grates?

Discover the best methods for cleaning cast iron grates and stovetops with Bar Keepers Friend and stove polish. Say goodbye to kitchen stains!

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on grill grates?

“Taking things outdoors, try Bar Keepers Friend on the grate of your grill (one of the hardest to clean surfaces we can find). Make a paste of the product with a bit of water and use a scrub brush to clean the grate. Give this a thorough rinse when you are done, and it'll look good as new!

This Is The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Bar Keepers Friend

What should you not use Bar Keepers Friend on?

Don't Use Bar Keepers Friend on Non-Recommended Surfaces
  • Marble and other natural stones: BKF original powder can scratch and damage the polished surface.
  • Non-stick cookware: The coating can be worn away, compromising its effectiveness and safety.
  • Gold or silver-plated items: It can strip away the plating.

What is the best thing to clean grill grates with?

Whether you have food that won't come off with a grill brush or you're doing your annual deep cleanse, soak the grates in a mix of vinegar and baking soda. The vinegar and baking soda will work together to break apart burnt-on food.

Can you use easy off on cast iron 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.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on oven grates?

"I recommend running the self-cleaning option of your oven (if you have it) with the grates in place," Fierman agrees. "Anything left over can usually be removed with a damp cloth, a dusting of Bar Keeper's Friend, and warm water. Otherwise, a well-protected bathtub will do the trick."

How do you make cast iron grates look new?

Using a paper towel or brush, brush the grill grates with cooking oil. We recommend vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or bacon fat. After the grates are coated, you can place them in a 400-degree oven for an hour or on a 400-degree grill for 40 minutes. After time is up, let the grates cool down naturally.

How often do you clean cast iron grill grates?

Deep Cleaning Cast Iron Grill Grates

We highly recommend that you give your grates a nice hard wash with mild soap at least once per year. Many pitmasters preach that water will surely ruin your grates altogether, however as long as you dry them thoroughly and keep them seasoned, your grates will be fine.

How do you clean dirty cast iron stove grates?

How do I clean cast iron stove grates? If your cast iron grates are seasoned, place them in the sink and soak in soapy water for 20 minutes. After they are done soaking, wipe the grates clean and thoroughly dry before placing them back on your stove.

What should you not clean cast iron with?

It's important to not use anything too aggressive such as steel wool, sponges or other abrasive cleaning methods as these will strip your seasoning. For particularly difficult to clean messes, fill your pan halfway full with water and heat over the stove.

Does Bar Keepers Friend stain clothes?

For instance, Bar Keepers Friend is an acid. Mixed with bleach, which could happen in the laundry process, it creates chlorine gas. Another reason you shouldn't use Bar Keepers Friend on fabric is that it can fade bright colors or damage delicates, both of which would ruin the fabric.

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on Staub?

In this case, Staub recommends using Bar Keepers Friend, a soft cleanser.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on cast iron stove grates?

Discover how to easily clean iron stove grates using Bar Keepers Friend for a sparkling kitchen.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on grill grates?

Use a grill brush or a wad of aluminum foil to scrape the grates. Once the grates are cool, place them on a drop cloth on the ground, moisten them, and sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser across the surface. Be sure to wear household gloves when you clean the grates with a nylon brush or damp scrub pad.

What does putting a dishwasher tablet in your oven overnight do?

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.

Can you use magic eraser on cast iron grates?

Clean Magic Eraser Kitchen With Dawn is specially formulated to make tough messes super manageable. So, whether you need help with grease removal, burnt on food or you're confused about how to clean stove grates, you can do these projects with the same Magic Eraser.

Can I use vinegar on cast iron grates?

The vinegar will dissolve the rust, but if left too long, it can begin to dissolve the cast iron, which will ultimately ruin the grates. From there, you can use a rag or dish brush to gently remove the flakes, along with some mild dish soap.

Is it OK not to clean grill grates?

Grease not only sticks to the grill grates and burners, but it also seeps down to the bottom of the grill while cooking. Without proper cleaning and care, the grease tray may overflow, leaving permanent stains on your patio. In addition, unattended grease is also a fire hazard.

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