Guide
How to Remove Burnt Grease from a Gas Stovetop
Soak cold cast iron grates in hot water and dish soap, scrub carbonized grease on enamel pans with a thick baking soda paste and nylon brush, and ensure burner caps are bone-dry before lighting.
Context
Conditions that change the method
- Delicate surface — Raw cast iron grates must be thoroughly dried after washing to prevent flash rust.
- Food contact — Wipe away all degreaser residue around burner rings.
Turn all burners off and keep liquid out of gas orifices
Verify all gas control knobs are firmly in the OFF position and the stove is cool. Never pour liquid or poke wooden toothpicks into gas jet nozzles or electric spark igniters. If cleaning chemicals contact eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
What you need
- Dish soap
- Baking soda (1/2 cup)
- Hot tap water
- A stiff nylon scrub brush
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Make sure all burners are cool. Lift off the heavy cast iron grates and round burner caps.
- Place grates and caps into a sink or basin filled with hot water and 2 tablespoons of dish soap. Let soak for 20 to 30 minutes to soften grease.
- Mix baking soda with warm water into a thick paste and spread it over burnt oil spots on the stovetop pan and around burner bases.
- Let the paste dwell on the cooktop for 15 minutes, then scrub with a damp nylon brush. Work around spark igniter pins carefully.
- Scrub the soaked cast iron grates with the nylon brush to remove softened black grease, then rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe the stovetop clean with damp cloths and dry everything completely. Dry burner caps thoroughly with a towel before replacing them on the burner heads.
What to avoid
- Never wash cast iron grates in an automatic dishwasher (harsh detergent strips the seasoning and causes orange rust).
- Never use steel wool on porcelain enamel cooktop surfaces.
- Do not light burners while ports or electrode igniters are soaking wet.
Products
What to use
- Baking sodaA mild alkali that makes a paste for grout lines. It lifts film with light abrasion. Do not mix it with vinegar as a cleaning trick — the fizz is the two canceling each other out.
- Dish soapA mild alkaline soap that cuts grease and soap film. Dilute it in warm water. It is a cleaner, not a disinfectant claim, and it is not a substitute for a product labeled for grout mineral deposits.
- Nylon brushA stiff nylon or grout brush that follows the joint. It is firm enough for cement grout and safer on glazed tile than a wire brush.
- Microfiber clothA reusable cloth that lifts film and leftover moisture without scratching glass. Use a clean face of the cloth as residue comes off.
Related
Related guides
FAQ
Questions people ask
- What should I do if uneven flame or clicking igniter occurs after cleaning?
- Uneven orange flames or non-stop clicking indicates moisture or food grit in the tiny burner slots. Lift off the cap, blow dry the slots with a hairdryer on low heat, or gently clear dried debris with an unbent paperclip.
- How do I keep matte cast iron grates from looking chalky and dry?
- After drying, rub a light drop of high-smoke-point cooking oil or mineral oil into the cast iron grate with a paper towel to restore a rich black patina and protect against moisture.
Sources
Sources
- Glass Cooktop Cleaning Instructions — GE Appliances
- Learn About the Safer Choice Label — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency