Last Update On : 27 January 2021
Cast iron crates can rust easily. This is why they require extra care while cleaning them. In this article, you will find methods of cleaning cast- iron grates.
Grill grates are made with many different materials such as- ceramic, cast iron, stainless steel, etc. Every grill grate is different and they require different methods of cleaning. If you have a cast- iron grill you have to be extra careful because cast iron grill grates rust easily. A rusted grill grate will weather away easily and will not last a long time. If you want to know how to clean cast iron grill grates, then keep reading.
Contents
Why is it Important to Clean Cast Iron Grates?
Even if you don’t have a cast iron grill it is still important to clean your grill grates after every using because the longer you wait to clean your grill grates, the harder they will be to clean. An unwashed grill grate will attract rodents and insects and a dirty grill grate will ruin the taste of your food. So, it is very important that you wash your grill grates after every use. But a cast- iron grill grate can get rusty if it comes in contact with water for too long. So, you need to find a way to clean your cast iron grill grates without getting it rusty. There are many different ways you can clean a cast iron grill grate.
Methods of Cleaning Cast Iron Grill Grates
1.Determine How Dirty Your Grill Grate is:
Are you simply cleaning your grill grate after using it or are you cleaning rust off of it? Before you start cleaning your grill grate first you will have to determine how to clean it as there are many methods. But not all methods are suitable to your cast iron grill grate. If the cast iron grill grate is rusty, you will have to deep clean it but if the grill grate is greasy, you can just give it a regular wash.
2.Clean Your Grill Grate with a Brush:
There are many different kinds of brushes found in the market for cleaning a cast iron grill grate. With a brush, you will be able to clean any grease or burned food of your grill grate but the bristles of these brushes can fall off and get in your food which can be very dangerous. This is why many people use alternative ways to clean their grill grate.
3.Use an Onion:
Cut an onion in half and rub the onion on the grill. The acidic enzymes in the onion will get rid of the grease. Of course, this method is not super effective but you can use it once or twice. It will also give your grill an onion flavor.
4.Try the Aluminum Foil Method:
Crumple up an aluminum foil and rub it across the grill with a pair of tongs. Before you do this make sure the grill grate has cooled down. Aluminum foil can get rid of bits of food but it cannot get rid of the grease.
5.Clean Grill Grates with Warm Water:
After using the grill wait until the grill has cooled down. Take a bucket full of warm water and soak a cloth in it and rub it on the grill. This method requires a lot of strength but it will get rid of the grease. But make sure to wipe it dry so there is no water on it. Otherwise, it will get rusty.
6.Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Now, you can ask me how to clean grill grates with vinegar? If you want to give your grill a wash, mix baking soda and vinegar and make a paste. Rub the paste on the grill with a sponge. This will make your grill clean by getting rid of any grease or food bits. But if you want to give your grill grates a deep cleaning, take a garbage bag and mix vinegar and baking soda in it. Take off your grill grate and soak in it overnight. The next day, wipe the grill grate and it should be as good as new.
ALSO READ: HOW TO CLEAN GRILL GRATES!
How to Clean Rusty Grill Grates?
If you clean your grill every time you use it, it will be easier to clean it from grease and food bits but if your grill grates get rusty, you will need to deep clean it. Cleaning rust is difficult but it is not impossible. Some methods of cleaning rust from cast iron grill grates are given below:
1.Salt Paste:
Make a thick paste of salt and water and apply it on the grill grate. Next, use steel wool to rub away the rust. Repeat this process if necessary. This process will require strength but it will get rid of rust
2.Baking Soda Paste:
If the salt paste cannot get rid of stubborn rust, you will need something stronger. First, make a thick paste with baking soda and water. Then apply it on the grill grates scrub away the rust with steel wool.
3.Vinegar Soak:
If none of these methods work then you are going to need something stronger to get rid of the rust. Take a garbage bag and put vinegar in it. For extra strength, you can add baking soda and ammonia. Make sure the grill grate has cooled down. Then remove it from the grill and put it in the garbage bag to soak overnight. The next morning takes out the grill grate and wipe it clean with a cloth. The grill grate should be as good as new.
4.Use a Self- Cleaning oven:
If you have a self- cleaning oven at home just remove the grill grate from the grill and run it through the oven’s self- cleaning system. However, if you do not have a self- cleaning oven, leave your grates in an extremely hot grill for over an hour. It will give you the same result. After the grill grate has cooled down just wipe it with soapy water and cloth to get rid of the carbon.
Safety Measures:
Do not use a grill grate brush to clean your cast iron grill grates. Bristles from these brushes can fall off easily and get in your food. These bristles are so thin that even surgeons can’t tract them. So, it’s better to use alternative ways to clean your grill grates.
A cast iron grill grate can rust easily. So, after it has come in contact with water, wipe it clean. When you are not using it, store your cast iron grill grate in a dry place.
Clean your grill grates after each use. The longer you wait to clean your grill grates, the harder it will be to clean them. So, after your grill grates have cooled down, clean them thoroughly.
Before you use your grill put oil on your grill grates. It will make cleaning easier and it will give your food a nice flavor. Even after cleaning your grill grates, make sure they are dry and then apply a thin coating of oil. You need to do this to prevent further rusting. This is called seasoning. You need to season your grill grates after each cleaning.
Why is it Important to Clean a Cast Iron Grill?
A lot of people throw away their grill grates if it is too rusty. This is a waste of money. If you can clean your rust, you can use the grill grates again. If you take care of your grill grates properly, it will last you a long time and the best way you can take care of your grill grates is to keep them clean. There are different types of grill grates made with different types of material. If your grill grates are made with cast iron, you need to take extra care of it because cast iron grill grates are prone to rust. Every time you use your grill grates wash them thoroughly and once a month give them a deep cleaning. For a food- lover, a barbeque grill is an essential tool. If you have a cast iron grill and you didn’t know how to take care of it, hopefully, this article helped you.
Final Thoughts:
There are many different kinds of grills in the market and some of them can be very expensive. If you buy a grill, you would want it to last a long time. A cast- iron grill is excellent for grilling. They are durable and they can retain an even heat during cooking. Also, with continuous use and seasoning they will become non- stick. Despite all these advantages, a cast iron grill grate can rust easily. So, you need to take extra care of them. Clean your grill grates after each use and deep clean them once a year. In this article, we talk about how to clean and get the rust off from cast iron grill grates. If you take care of your grill grates, they will last you a lifetime.
ALSO READ: BEST WAY TO CLEAN GRILL GRATES STAINLESS STEEL
