how to: clean cast iron grates

We read each and every Customer Satisfaction Survey returned to us by our customers. One customer’s cleaning inquiry struck me.

She couldn’t find any information on how to clean cast iron – the “rough” iron grates and burner caps on her new range. The manual only referenced porcelain-coated grates, not cast iron grates.

“I’m sure I’m not the only person who is wondering,” she wrote – and I agree with her. Plus, I love a good challenge.

So I e-mailed the smart folks at Wolf appliances for help on cleaning cast iron grates. They sent me a knock down, drag out PDF containing their best cleaning tips, including recommendations for products they’ve tested!

From the guide:

Burner Grates
Recommended products

Mild detergent

Paste of baking soda & water (NOTE: the customer previously tried this unsuccessfully)

Mild abrasive cleaners

Soft Scrub Orange

Bon-Ami

Barkeeper’s Friend

Fume Free Easy-Off (spot cleaning)

Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Cleaner (cleaning solution can be reused once)

SOS pads

Dawn Power Dissolver

Krud Kutter

Recommended method

Remove from range top and place on a flat surface near the sink

Remove grates from unit and place on a flat surface near the sink to clean. DO NOT immerse in water. Towel dry.

Hot water and liquid detergent; paste of baking soda and water

Degreasers (Formula 409, Fantastic Orange), use sparingly. Towel dry.

“Multipurpose NO SCRATCH” Scotchbrite pad (blue, NOT green)

Mild abrasive cleaners, rinse and towel dry

Worst case scenarios – Spot clean with Fume-free Easy Off

Carbona Oven Rack Cleaner, following directions on package