Can You Put Stove Grates in the Dishwasher? Or Self Cleaning Oven?

ByBenjamin Updated onFebruary 20, 2023

Stove grates are the frames that can be used over the gas burner. These grates are often made from cast iron and are therefore more susceptible to corroding. Sometimes water may run over it or somethings may splatter making it necessary to clean those grates. Using the grates makes cleaning them an inevitable part. Cleaning your gas cooktop grates is very crucial.

When they are not cleaned after every use, residue from your last meal may be left behind which can char and burn the next time you make something on it, and the burnt remnants can then get really persistent. This hardened gunk may even cause your cooktop flames to turn orange or yellow among other reasons.

Manually cleaning the grates can be a rather challenging task, however. Removing the food remnants and wiping clean its burners all together make it a hard task. Hence the question arises- can stove top grates go in the dishwasher? And the straight forward answer would be, no.

Can You Put Stove Grates in the Dishwasher?

Dishwashers are a convenient way to wash everyday kitchen appliances, but not all appliances are fit to be put in the dishwasher. Burner grates are not usually dishwasher safe. The main reason why the grates can’t be put in the dishwasher is because they remain there for a long time which is not good.

Stove grates (both, cooktop and ranges) themselves are made of cast iron and steel and these materials are not suitable to be put in water for long, and it can damage the entire system.

There may be some stove grates that may be rated dishwasher safe but one should still avoid putting them in the dishwasher. Usually, stove grates are made of cast iron. This material should not be put in the dishwasher. Inside the dishwasher, the iron grates will be soaked in the water for a long time, thereby causing their rusting and damage. Improper drying of the grates after keeping them in the dishwasher can also result in rusting.

Potential Downsides of Cleaning Cast Iron Grates in the Dishwasher

Putting burner grates in the dishwasher for cleaning may seem like a convenient option but it is may have some downsides. Hence you can’t wash them in the dishwasher since it would be at par to damaging them.

If the grates are left in the dishwasher soaking in the water for a long time, they can get rusted.
After getting out of the dishwasher, if they are not dried thoroughly, it can again lead to rusting.
The dishwasher again may not be adept to handle the cast iron grates, still attempting to wash them in the dishwasher can result in the destruction of the entire system.

What Type of Stove Grates Can Be Cleaned in a Dishwasher?

Dishwashers work by soaking up the dishes in the water for a long time. Hence the materials that don’t stand to be affected or damaged if soaked in water, can be conveniently used in the dishwasher. Brass stove grates can be easily washed in the dishwasher.

Usually the stove grates are made of cast iron and hence are not suitable for the dishwasher. However, the enamelled cast iron grates can be conveniently used in the dishwasher without suffering any kinds of damages. The enamelled coating protects the cast iron grate from any damages.

Can You Put Stove Grates in a Self Cleaning Oven Instead?

Putting stove top grates in a self cleaning oven is possible, if they do not contain rubber pads on their bottom surface.

Stove grates however should not be left heating at high temperatures in the oven as that could be damaging.

One also needs to be careful to put the grates on the racks of the oven rather than on its floor.

If the grates have debris or food residue stuck onto them, then you should avoid putting them in the self cleaning mode since that can create a lot of smoke.

How to Properly Clean and Care for Stove Top Grates?

1. Using Warm Water and Soap

If the grates are not extremely dirty then they can easily be cleaned using soap and lukewarm water.

Apply dish soap on the grates and let it sit for few minutes
Gently rub on the grates or scrub them to remove the dirt particles
Then you can apply some warm water to remove the greasiness
Clean the grates properly so that the dirt is removed from the joints
Once the surface has dried, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any residue
You can also clean the insides of the grill using wire brush

2. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda is the easiest way to clean anything and the acidity of vinegar helps it cut through the grease, making it an effective cleanser of the grates. Combining these two can make an effective paste and clean the grates properly. The same can be used as an effective cleaner for cooktop burner caps.

You can combine 2 parts of vinegar and 1 part of baking soda and let it cake for some time
After making the paste, coat the grates of the stove with it
Let the paste sit for a couple of minutes
You can then wash it off using a soapy sponge and water

3. Using Commercial Chemical Cleaners

Commercial stove top grates cleaners can also be used to clean the grates.

Further the wire brush can be used to remove the greasy materials. You can add a certain amount of these cleansers in a sink filled with hot water. Put the grates inside the sink for some 10 to 20 minutes.

You can apply a non-abrasive cleaner to a nylon pad and scrub on the hard to clean pads. You can also use a degreaser like formula 409 if required, and rinse it off with water.

Other Useful Guides for Electric and Induction based Smoothtops

Frequently Asked Questions

For making your cast iron grates black again you need to refinish them again. These grates get discolored through constant use and can regain their black color through refinishing. You need to put ammonia in a plastic bag and seal it. Keep the grates in the bag overnight and the fumes of ammonia will remove all dirt and grease. After that, clean the grates and they will be black again.

Vinegar can be used in case of lighter grease, as its acidity helps it cut through the grease. A combination of vinegar and water can be splattered onto the grates and after 10 minutes, rinsed off. In case of heavier grease build-ups baking soda can help. A thick paste of baking soda and water can be applied and later removed with soapy water.

You can use a combination of baking soda and water for removing the rust. Mix 3 parts of baking soda and 1 part of water, form a thick paste and apply it on the grates. Scrub with a sponge or brush to remove any rust stains.

Conclusion

Putting stove grates in the dishwasher would not be the best of the choices. Cast iron grates if left in the dishwasher overnight can get rusted and damaged. If the grates are enameled or are of porcelain or brass then they can be put in the dishwasher.

There are several other effective methods other than the dishwasher that can be used to clean the grates. These methods are not harmful and can give desirable results.

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