Can I put gas grates in the dishwasher?

Only if they are enamel-coated on the bottom and the maker allows it. Uncoated cast iron rusts and loses seasoning in the dishwasher. When in doubt, hand-wash and dry.

Can I turn the burner on high to burn the food off the grates?

No. That bakes the crust harder and can warp enamel. Soak the cool grates, then scrub. Do not light a wet burner to dry it.

Guide

How to Remove Burnt-on Food from a Gas Stovetop

Turn the knobs off and let the stove cool. Soak the grates and burner caps in hot soapy water, scrub burnt food with a baking-soda paste and a nylon brush, rinse, and dry completely before you light a burner.

Gas stovetop Burnt-on food

Context

Conditions that change the method

Delicate surface — Dry cast-iron grates fully after washing or they flash-rust. Do not put uncoated cast iron in the dishwasher.
Food contact — Wipe cleaner residue off grate tops and around burner rings before the next meal.

Turn every knob off and keep liquid out of gas orifices

Confirm all controls are OFF and the cooktop is cool. Never pour liquid or poke tools into gas jet nozzles or spark igniters. If cleaner contacts eyes, rinse with cool water and get medical care if discomfort continues.

What you need

Dish soap
Baking soda
Hot tap water and a sink or basin
A stiff nylon brush
A plastic scraper for thick food crust
Clean microfiber cloths

Make sure every burner is cool. Lift off the grates and the round burner caps. Leave the burner heads on the cooktop — do not soak those ports.
Submerge the grates and caps in hot water with 2 tablespoons of dish soap. Soak 30 to 60 minutes so carbonized food softens. This is longer than a grease wipe.
Lift off loosened food with a plastic scraper. Mix baking soda with a little water into a thick paste and spread it on remaining black crust.
Let the paste sit 15 minutes, then scrub with a nylon brush. Work the grate corners. Do not use steel wool on enamel coatings.
Rinse the grates and caps thoroughly. Wipe spilled food off the cooktop deck with a barely damp soapy cloth, staying clear of igniter pins and open ports.
Dry everything completely with a towel. Dry the burner caps before you set them back on the heads. Do not light a burner while any part is wet.

What to avoid

Do not wash uncoated cast-iron grates in the dishwasher — detergent strips seasoning and they rust.
Do not flood the burner heads or poke the gas orifices.
Do not light the stove to burn food off while the grates are still coated in cleaner.

Products

What to use

Related guides

FAQ

Questions people ask

Can I put gas grates in the dishwasher?: Only if they are enamel-coated on the bottom and the maker allows it. Uncoated cast iron rusts and loses seasoning in the dishwasher. When in doubt, hand-wash and dry.
Can I turn the burner on high to burn the food off the grates?: No. That bakes the crust harder and can warp enamel. Soak the cool grates, then scrub. Do not light a wet burner to dry it.

Sources

Gas Range & Cooktop - Cleaning Grates and Burner Caps — GE Appliances
Learn About the Safer Choice Label — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency