Cast iron cooking grates are an excellent investment for several reasons. They are extremely durable and also maintain an even heat throughout the entire cooking process and create wonderful grill marks on the food. However, cast iron grates can rust and become unusable if not cleaned and stored properly. We will therefore explain to you below how you should clean your cast iron grate.
How often should you clean the cast iron grate?
You should clean your cast iron grill after each use. When grease and food stick to the surface, it is more difficult to rustto clean. This can also contribute to the growth of bacteria, which can lead to food poisoning. Although the grill cannot be completely cleaned after each use, you should allow it to cool slightly and then take the time to wipe the grill grates with a paper towel to remove any leftover food.
Cleaning cast iron grate without chemicals – tips
Keep this in mind: It's not a good idea to clean a grill grate with a stiff wire brush, especially right before grilling. The bristles of the brush can break, which can lead to traces of metal getting into the food being prepared. For safety reasons, you should use a plastic scraper instead.
Use soap (or dishwashing liquid) and steel wool
Bring the grill grates into the house and wash them in the sink with hot, soapy water, steel wool, and a stiff brush. This will remove any dirt that has accumulated on the surface, returning the grate to its bare metal state. AftercleaningWhen removing the grates, you must rinse them thoroughly and ensure that they are completely dry before using them again. No moisture should remain, otherwise the grate will burn again very quickly, possibly even within a single day. The most effective way to dry it is to place it in an oven set to a very low temperature for a short time. This ensures that no traces of water remain.
Clean rusted cast iron grate with vinegar
To remove rust from grill grates, you only need to use them for a few hoursin vinegarsoak if you have a sink large enough to lay them flat. Start by mixing water and white vinegar in a 50:50 ratio, then let the racks soak in the solution for about an hour. Then lightly scrub the grates with a brush to remove any remaining rust. After scrubbing, you should wash the area with water and dish soap to remove any residual vinegar, then dry the grill grate completely in an oven.
Lemon juice and baking soda as a miracle weapon
Use a plastic scraper to remove as much loose rust as possible. You can make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of baking soda in a bowl.Add some of the pasteonto the rack and then cover with plastic wrap. To remove dirt and rust, wait at least 24 hours and then scrub the affected area with a stiff-bristled brush.
Clean the cast iron grate with salt
Make a thick paste of salt and water. If you need a stronger abrasive than baking soda or vinegar to remove rust and grime from your cast iron grill, use salt paste. After applying it to the rusted area, scrub the rust off with steel wool or a brush. This needs to be repeated. If the rust is particularly difficult to remove, you may want to start your cleaning efforts with a salt paste. However, after the first layers of rust have been removed, you can switch to the less abrasive baking soda paste.
Caring for cast iron grate
After thoroughly cleaning your grill, get into the habit of taking a few minutes after each use to wipe down surfaces with hot, soapy water while the grill is still slightly warm. This means that grease and food can be removed very quickly and effortlessly. If your cast iron grill is new or has just been cleaned, you should oil it before using it for the first time. Oiling ensures that the food does not stick to the surface, cooking more evenly and preventing rusting.
After thoroughly drying the grill, use a paper towel to apply an even layer of cooking oil or melted solid vegetable shortening to the entire surface (you shouldn't use olive oil because it will be sticky). Apply the oil to all surfaces that will be grilled, but don't use too much or it will become sticky.
