Friday, February 17, 2012

How to Clean Grates on a Gas Stove

I saw a tutorial on Pinterest about using ammonia to clean the grates on a gas stove.  It promised "no scrubbing," and I am all about no scrubbing, so I decided to put it to the test.

Here is a Before pic:

This is a 12-hour process, so that is something that needs to be taken into consideration.  I chose a day where I knew I wasn't using the stove that night.  Alternatively, you could just begin the process in the evening and let the cleaning happen overnight. 

I put the grates into turkey-sized oven bags and filled each bag with approximately 1 gallon of ammonia.  (Then I stuck my head out the window for a minute- phew!)  I just taped the bags closed, and the seal must have been okay because I didn't smell the ammonia after the bags were closed. 



After about 6 hours, I could see little pieces of yuck floating in the water.


At the end of the 12 hours, I took the grates out of the bags, rinsed them, and wiped them with a microfiber cloth.  I didn't do any scrubbing, and they look fantastic!!  There is a water spot on the picture below, which is kind of deceiving, but they really did look like new!



So there you have it:  an easy, no-scrub way to clean grates on a gas stove!

11 comments:

  1. Can't use ammonia; husband is allergic to it. I'll try soaking the grates in my tub with my Dawn/Vinegar combination. It should work well. I'll let you know.

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    1. You could take them outside and let them soak over night outdoors. Just have your man stay away from them. Or do the same thing during the day when he is not home/at work.

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  2. You really don't need a gallon of ammonia; a cup or so will do because it's the fumes that do the work.

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    1. True, just a cup is all that’s needed.

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  3. I forgot to send my reply about the Dawn-vinegar combination. It worked great on the grates. I use 1/4 cup Dawn mixed gently into 3/4 cup water and put it into a spray bottle. (The Oxy-Clean stain remover bottle is just the right size for my hands, and I fill it only 1/3 full; less weight for my arthritis hands to hold.) It's great for cleaning the tub and shower, bathroom sink and toilet. I take baths about 3 times a week to ease the discomfort from my arthritis, and I clean the tub with my Scotch Brite Extension Handle scrubber after it has been sprayed and let sit for about 10 minutes.

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  4. Great cheap and acceptable products.

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  5. I put them outside in the winter. Who knew ammonia would freeze!😀

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  6. Use a dark trash bag, 1/2 cup amonia, put your grates and oven racks in, tie shut, sit in the sun for a few hours, or all day, rinse, done.

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  7. I spray the with ammonia and put them in the garage bag only for about 1 hour. And then I spray the o side of the oven with ammonia, close the stove and open the outside doors and put a fan on, the. About 1/2 hr I wipe clean with and wet rag, clean again with a clean rag. The turn on oven for about 5 min. Comes out great.

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  8. Mine are cast iron & have to be “seasoned” every so often, I’m sure any harsh chemicals would totally ruin them, they aren’t dishwasher safe either. As I’ve looked after them over the last 12 years, fortunately they have took no harm.

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