Restoring Your Cast Iron Grill Grates
Clean cast iron grates while they are still warm to keep debris from hardening. Use a stiff brass brush to strip residue, then wipe with a light coat of high-smoke-point oil to prevent rust before the next use.
Heat is your primary tool.
Never soak cast iron grates in water or run them through a dishwasher; they will rust almost immediately. Work while the metal is warm to make the carbonized buildup brittle and easy to lift.
- Stiff brass-bristled wire brush
- Long-handled tongs
- Clean cotton rags
- High-heat oil, such as grapeseed or canola
Thermal cleaning
Allow the grill to run at maximum heat for ten minutes after cooking to carbonize food particles into ash, making them simple to brush away.
The method.
Burn off debris
Once the food is off the grill, close the lid and turn all burners to high. Let the heat carbonize remaining oils and scraps for ten minutes.
Scrub the grates
Use a brass wire brush to vigorously scrape each bar of the grate. Focus on the underside of the rails where grease collects.
Wipe down
Fold a cotton rag, grip it firmly with tongs, and wipe the hot grates to remove the loosened ash and fine debris.
Oil the surface
Dip a fresh rag into a small amount of oil. Carefully rub the oil onto the grates to create a protective barrier against moisture.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If you find stubborn rust, use a stainless steel scouring pad to remove it, then re-season the grate immediately with a thin layer of oil.
Always store your grill under a cover if it lives outside to minimize exposure to humidity.
Brass brushes are softer than stainless steel and are less likely to scratch the seasoning off your cast iron.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use soap on my grill grates?
Avoid heavy detergents. If you must use soap, use a very small amount of mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly, then heat the grates immediately to dry them.
Why are my grates turning orange?
Orange is the color of oxidation. You have exposed bare iron to air and moisture. Scrub the rust off and apply a fresh layer of oil to stop the process.
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