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Introduction
Over time, stove grates accumulate carbon buildup and grease, making them look old and dirty. Scrubbing them manually can be time-consuming and ineffective. Luckily, there’s a simple and efficient method to restore your stove grates to their original shine—using just a shopping bag and common household ingredients! This easy trick will save you time and effort while ensuring your stove stays spotless.
Ingredients:
1 large ziplock or plastic shopping bag
½ cup ammonia (or a strong degreasing cleaner)
A pair of gloves
An old sponge or scrub brush
Warm, soapy water
A microfiber cloth or paper towels
Directions:
Step 1: Prep the Stove Grates
Remove the stove grates and shake off any loose debris. If they are heavily soiled, wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove surface grease.
Step 2: Bag the Grates
Place the grates inside a large plastic shopping bag or ziplock bag. Ensure the bag is big enough to hold the grates without tearing.
Step 3: Add Ammonia
Pour about ½ cup of ammonia into the bag. You don’t need to submerge the grates—ammonia fumes do the cleaning. If using a degreasing cleaner, spray generously over the grates before sealing the bag.
Step 4: Seal and Wait
Tightly seal the bag and let it sit for at least 8–12 hours (or overnight). The ammonia fumes will break down tough grease and carbon buildup effortlessly.
Step 5: Rinse and Scrub
Carefully open the bag in a well-ventilated area. Using gloves, remove the grates and rinse them under warm, soapy water. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining residue. The grime should wipe off easily!
Step 6: Dry and Reassemble
Pat the grates dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towels. Let them air-dry completely before placing them back on the stove.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Regular Maintenance: To keep your stove grates clean, repeat this process once a month or as needed.
Daily Cleaning: Wipe down grates with a damp cloth after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
Storage: If you have extra grates, store them in a dry place to avoid rust formation.
Variations:
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