After years of service, cast iron grates can start to look worn and discolored. Fortunately, with just a bit of effort and some elbow grease you can easily restore their original shine.
The key to prolonging these items is by first cleaning out all of the grease and baked-on food from them. After that, reseason them for optimal shelf life and optimal freshness.
Table of Contents
1. Wash
If your cast iron stovetop has grates that have become dirty and greasy over time, chances are the grates have become covered in grime and spills. Over time, spills, grease and burnt foods will accumulate on them to form a thick layer of gunk.
To restore your grates to new, you will need to clean them thoroughly. Start by washing with a soapy solution, followed by rinsing and drying. Vinegar can also be used for cast iron grates as it breaks up grease, making it simpler to get rid of residue.
Next, scrub the grates with a sponge or soft brush until all dirt has been removed. You may need to repeat this step if your grates are particularly dirty.
Once the grates are clean, season them to make them nonstick and prevent rusting. Seasoning may take weeks or months to complete but will provide your cast iron grates with a protective layer of oil which helps prevent food and grime from adhering to them.
Once your cast iron grates have been seasoned, let them air dry completely before storage. Failure to do this could result in rapid rust formation. Once fully dry, lightly coat each grate with vegetable oil for protection and a nice glossy appearance.
2. Dry
Cast iron grates provide even heat on your stovetop, but they can become discolored over time. To restore their original shine, regularly clean them.
Cleaning cast iron grates can be done through several methods. Soaking them in hot, soapy water is an effective way to dissolve built-up food and grease.
However, if your grates are severely rusted, chemical solutions may be necessary to eliminate the rust. Mix equal parts water and vinegar together and soak your grates in this solution for several hours.
Next, use a brush to scrub the grates clean in order to break down any baked-on residue or stains. This is an effortless way to make your grates look like new again!
Another effective way to clean your grates is with baking soda. Baking soda is an all-natural cleaner that breaks down stuck on food and grease.
Once your grates have been cleaned, apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to protect the seasoning and prevent rust from forming. Doing this can help your grates last for an extended period of time.
Bar Keepers Friend can also be used to remove burned on food and rust from your grates. The product works effectively for tough burn and rust stains, but you should test it first on an inconspicuous part of the grate before applying it evenly throughout its surface.
Once your grates have been cleaned and seasoned, you can either hand dry them or allow them to air dry. Either way, your grates should be ready for use again in no time!
3. Oil
Maintaining your cast iron grates can be a tedious task. But with a few easy tricks, they will look as good as new in no time!
The initial step in restoring your grates is to thoroughly clean them. This can be accomplished by soaking them in water with dish soap or using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Another natural cleaner such as Easy Off can also be used, though be aware that it will strip away the seasoning and leave rust spots behind.
Another way to clean burnt grates is by applying vegetable oil thinly on them. After several coats, place them inside your grill and allow them to cook until blackened and shiny again.
It is important to note that this may cause your cast iron grates to get slightly smokey, but it will help them retain their non-stick properties and keep them free of rust.
Once oiled, they will be much easier to clean. After washing with hot soapy water or using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil, you can give your grates an easy shine.
To clean grates with baked-on stains, try using a 1:3 baking soda to water paste. Spread it over the grates and leave for 10-20 minutes.
Next, thoroughly rinse them off and dry them thoroughly. It may take some time to see results, but the effort will be worth it! Having clean and well-seasoned cast iron grates makes cooking much more enjoyable. Furthermore, they’re easier to maintain, meaning you get more use out of them over time.
4. Season
Before grilling your next meal, take some time to season the cast iron grates on your barbecue. This simple step will prevent them from rusting and provide a nonstick cooking surface.
Raw cast iron grates, unlike stainless steel or porcelain coated grates, are highly vulnerable to rust due to the fact they haven’t been treated to protect them from the elements like these other types of grates are.
To prolong their usefulness and ensure they look their best, regularly wash and season your grates before use. Doing this will help them last longer and give them a fresh coat of paint!
To wash cast iron grates, pour boiling water into a large container. Add a dash of dish soap and let sit for around 15 minutes; then drain the grates and wipe them dry with a towel.
Once the grates are dry, coat them with a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil and place in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes to allow the oil to absorb into the grates.
This process will make your cast iron grates nonstick and allow them to create a rich, dark brown crust that will enhance the flavor of your meat. Furthermore, this crust makes the meat more tender and juicy!
Maintain the appearance of your cast iron grates by seasoning them with high-heat oil every time you grill. Doing this prevents rust and gives them a nonstick cooking surface that will help you create delicious meals!
Before grilling, coat the entire grates with solid vegetable shortening for a nonstick surface that will last for years!
5. Store
If you want your cast iron grates looking their best, it is essential that they be stored correctly. Cast iron is susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture and heat, so keeping them dry and out of the way is key. Stacking the grates one atop another helps prevent them from sticking together when stored. Additionally, using wax paper or parchment paper between each one helps prevent sticking when stacking them together.
After each use, it’s important to clean them thoroughly to eliminate any food debris or grease that has adhered to the surface. Wash with soapy water or use a degreaser and then wipe them dry to prevent rust from forming.
Cast iron grates often turn white over time due to oxidation, the chemical reaction between moisture and iron oxides. This aging can be caused by various factors, including cooking chemicals that come into contact with the grates.
Degreaser or ammonia fumes can help loosen any dirt or grime on the surface. Next, scrub the grates with a wire brush to eliminate baked-on food items.
Soaking the grates is another effective way to remove baked-on dirt and odors. Simply fill a basin with hot water and sprinkle on some dish soap, then soak for at least 10 minutes. Doing this will help soften any grease deposits on the grates, making them easier to wipe down later.
Seasoning your cast iron grates is an effective way to give them a new-looking shine. Not only does this protect them from rust, but it also keeps them looking glossy for longer. Season your grates after cleaning them and before using them in the stovetop by applying a thin coat of vegetable oil.