How to clean the grate of a gas stove?
Numerous studies indicate that fat in combination with multilayer carbon deposits is one of the causes of some diseases, including cancer. The influence of this factor on the body is associated with slow poisoning and disruptions in the work of human internal organs. It is for this reason that the topic under discussion becomes relevant.
Why is it difficult to remove carbon deposits?
Fat, food and other residues on the elements of the gas stove and utensils under the influence of temperature turn into hard-to-remove carbon deposits. This incandescent conglomerate oozes carcinogens that harm human health.
A layer of carbon deposits remains on the grate after each use of the hob, and if it is not washed off immediately, the layers will gradually form an unpleasant, multi-layered, hard and durable crust. Carbon deposits literally eat into the metal. This is what creates known problems both with cleaning some types of dishes and the gas grate.
Carbon deposits not only spoil the appearance of the grate, exude an unpleasant odor that negatively affects health, but also destroys the metal, changing its heat-conducting qualities, and therefore worsens the quality of cooked food.
Taking into account the fact that the grates for gas stoves are made of different metals (steel coated with enamel, cast iron, stainless steel), which have different physicochemical properties and react differently to the formation of carbon deposits, various methods and means are used to clean them.
Cleaning a grate made of different materials
Cleaning the cast iron grate
Cast iron is a heavy and brittle metal that is afraid of water and retains heat well. It must be cleaned with care. Methods for cleaning it include, for example:
- Calcination. It is safer to ignite in the fresh air or at home, after opening the windows and turning on the ventilation, since toxins evaporate when soot burns out. The product is held over a fire, turning it over from time to time until the main part of the carbon is burned out. Remaining dirt is removed with a damp cloth;
- Compositions for cleaning motor vehicles. Upon application of the agent to the surface, carbon deposits are quickly removed, the quality of cast iron after such an operation does not suffer;
- You can remove carbon deposits from the surface of the grate using metal brushes or special drill bits. It is not recommended to constantly use this method, since in the process of such a procedure, the upper layers of the material are erased.
Cleaning the stainless steel grate
Stainless steel is a highly durable and resistant to chemicals and abrasive material, for the cleaning of which a variety of methods and aggressive substances are used:
- Mechanical methods. Cleaning is done with river sand, soda or metal brushes. The metal is wetted and then processed for the time required for cleaning. Microdamage does not affect the quality of the stainless steel;
- Self-made cleansing pastes. Recipes:
- dilute about one hundred grams of washing powder with ammonia (30 ml), then cover the material with this composition and stand for 15-20 minutes, then wash the product;
- Mix soda ash with hydrogen peroxide to the state of a liquid porridge, which you can use to scrub the grate with a coarse sponge, and then wash off the dirt in running water;
- Dilute mustard powder with vinegar (9%) in approximately equal proportions, add a small amount of dishwashing liquid to the composition. Apply the resulting gruel to the area to be cleaned for 20 minutes, then rinse with hot water using a sponge;
- Use a paste of the following composition: office glue (50 ml), soda (150 grams), washing powder or any other detergent (50-60 grams). Mix the parts and cover the product with this thick composition. When dry, the composition becomes transparent and is easily washed off in hot water along with carbon deposits.
Well-proven for cleaning stainless steel Activated carbon... For this, a paste is prepared from crushed coal and water, which is applied to the wire rack for 20-25 minutes. After that, the carbon deposits are easily washed off with warm water.
Cleaning the enamelled grill
Enamel-coated items are generally lightweight and durable, but they are extremely chipping and sensitive to chemicals. Therefore, methods for removing carbon deposits from them should be gentle:
- Soak the wire rack overnight in a few liters of concentrated soapy water. Then the carbon deposits are removed with a sponge and hot water;
- Use melamine sponges - the latest cleaning agent for dirt. They are made from a special resin, which, after a special technology, gets abrasive properties. Melamine sponges do not damage the product, and due to their relative softness they effectively clean the surface.
The universal cleaning methods applicable for different metals are conventionally referred to as:
- laundry soap dissolved in warm water;
- citric acid;
- vinegar essence;
- ammonia or ammonia-anise drops;
- baking soda.
Folk remedies
The disadvantages of chemical detergents are known to everyone.It is for this reason that many housewives give preference to old and proven folk remedies, which, with a competent approach, can provide not the worst, but safe for health result.
Boiling
Boiling in the oven is carried out in the following way:
- Five tablespoons of soda (for ten liters of water), a grated bar of laundry soap and a grated apple are added to a large container with water.
- Soda, due to its acidic properties, has excellent cleaning properties.
- Malic acid gives the surface a glossy sheen.
- After immersing the grate in the solution, boil for a long time, then remove carbon residues and wipe dry.
There is also an easier way: the wire rack is placed on a baking sheet and placed in the oven for 30 minutes (maximum burning mode). Carbon deposits after such boiling are easily removed.
Ammonia
In cases where the grill is heavily soiled, you can wash it with ammonia:
- To do this, you need to use a spacious bag with a secure latch or a strong garbage bag, place a grate in it and spray ammonia in the bag.
- To evenly distribute the ammonia, the closed bag with the contents must be turned over several times.
- Leave the grill in it for a long time (5-8 hours). During this time, the carbon deposits will dissolve, leaving a dark brown slurry, and the grate will become clean.
- Then it should be rinsed in water with the hard side of a sponge and wiped dry.
Since the ammonia evaporates easily, it is better to carry out this procedure in the fresh air with gloves, with a respirator, and soak the grate in a tightly closed container.
Mustard powder
Mustard powder is a proven and productive way to remove fat and deposits from household items. This requires:
- with a slightly damp cloth, generously cover the grill with powder;
- place it in a large container and stand for 2-3 hours;
- then rinse the grate with warm water using a sponge.
You can prepare a mixture of mustard powder and water, cover the grate with it and place it in a garbage bag, tying it tightly. Keep the structure in a bag for 3-4 hours, after which the dirt is removed with a sponge and hot water.
Laundry soap and stationery glue
The cast iron grate can be easily washed from carbon deposits with the help of laundry soap and office glue:
- Fill a large container with water (about ten liters), add grated soap (about two-thirds of the bar), add about 150 milliliters of glue while stirring and dissolving the soap;
- Boil the solution and then, placing a wire rack in it, boil it over low heat for 1-2 hours;
- Take out the grate and place, without letting it cool too much, into water;
- Then a melamine sponge can be used for more effect. The method is time consuming, but effective.
Baking soda
Soda, like mustard, has long been used to clean contaminated surfaces. The cleaning procedure is as follows:
- Place the grate in a standard sized sturdy trash or other bag;
- Pour 500 grams of soda there and add water. Close the bag tightly, and then shake it several times;
- Keep the product in the package for 2-3 hours, turning it over from time to time;
- Remove the grate and rinse thoroughly with water using a sponge.
Another way is to dilute baking soda with warm water until it becomes mushy. Cover the wire rack with this gruel and leave for 40-50 minutes. This time is enough for the soda to react with the carbon deposit and soften it to a large extent. Then you should clean the grate with the coarse side and then with the soft side of the sponge.
Silicate glue and powder for washing
A composition of silicate glue and powder for washing is an old method that effectively helps to clean the surfaces of products from fat build-ups and carbon deposits. In this case, stir about 40 ml of glue in 500 ml of warm water, add about 150 grams of washing powder. Place the product in a capacious plastic bag and keep it there for 4-5 hours.
After that, do not forget to rinse the product with a household sponge in hot water.
Soda and vinegar
A solution of vinegar and soda will help to clean the product qualitatively:
- Fill a suitable container with medium temperature water;
- Pour about 250 grams of baking soda and about 250 grams of vinegar (9%) into a container;
- Place the item to be cleaned in a container and keep it in the solution for 2-4 hours, and then rinse thoroughly.
This solution is effective for particularly dirty surfaces. The soaking time is determined depending on the degree of contamination of the product.
Chemicals
Of the chemical cleaning agents, perhaps the best effect can be achieved with formulations such as Sif, Sanita, Shumanit, AmWay, Oxyday, Primalux other. These substances, according to the attached instructions, are easy to use. The principle of their use is simple - the substance is applied to the surface to be cleaned, then it is paused for several hours, after which the dissolved carbon is removed with a household sponge.
Usually the manufacturer of such products makes a special mark on the packaging. "Antizhir"... However, in the selection process, it is extremely important to consider the material of the workpiece. So, for stainless steel, special gentle substances are produced that preserve their high-quality appearance.
Chemical compositions also differ in their consistency - gel, in the form of sprays and other types.
Of the popular and well-proven ones, the following are known:
- Cleaning cream Sif... Universal product suitable for various surfaces. Contains microgranules of minerals and biological additives that break down grease, carbon deposits and rust, while maintaining the surface of the product. The cream is economically consumed and applied with a sponge. Then the composition is rubbed in and kept for 10-15 minutes. Then they are washed off with carbon residues;
- Sanita. Alkaline based product suitable for all types of coatings. Does not damage the surface, does not leave any scratches. It is produced in the form of gels and sprays. Able to break down fat within minutes. In addition, Sanita cream has a disinfecting effect and is economical;
- Shumanit... Production Israel. It softens dirt well, but can negatively affect the skin and respiratory organs. The composition is applied in a thick layer on a wire rack, which is then placed in an airtight bag overnight. Then the carbon is washed off with a soft sponge;
- AmWay. Effective and safe gel, no abrasive inclusions. Universal cleanser, removes old and deep-seated dirt from various metals without damaging them. The carbon deposits softened by this composition are removed with a household sponge. An excellent tool, but with a high price tag;
- Cillit bang... This powerful product is effective in removing grease and soft deposits. Does not contain abrasive inclusions. After application, it is kept for 15-20 minutes, and then washed off. Represents the mid-price category of cleaning agents on the market;
- Paste Astonish... Gently and reliably cleans old dirt. Contains active ingredients - sodium silicate, as well as soft abrasive inclusions.
- "Primalyux"... Its application depends on the type and quality of the contamination. Able to successfully clean carbon deposits. Diluted with water in the proportions indicated in the instructions. The concentration of the agent is selected in a practical way, depending on the nature of the removed contamination. Can be used repeatedly in a closed cleaning system. Application in hot water significantly increases cleaning efficiency. It is applied to the surface with a brush;
- Oxyday... Environmentally friendly organic compound for deep cleaning. After being applied to the surface, the composition processes the organic fat layers. In addition to deep cleaning, it also destroys pathogenic bacteria and acts as a natural disinfectant.
For the rapid dissolution of contaminants, acidic and alkaline compounds, as well as other aggressive elements, are often included in chemical cleaning agents. Therefore, when working with chemical compositions, it is important to adhere to safety rules:
- It is necessary to work in rubber gloves;
- It is important to use a respirator, since some components in the composition of cleaning agents affect not only the product being cleaned, but also the person, his skin and respiratory organs;
- During the cleaning procedure, various impurities appear in the air. Therefore, the process is best carried out in a well-ventilated area. It is better to remove children and animals at this time from the place of cleaning.
Effective ways
The use of household appliances is one of the simple and productive techniques to clean and wash the cast-iron grate of a gas stove at home. The dishwasher is suitable for this if the grid is small or dismantled and easily placed in the dishwasher. The operating mode of the machine in this case is set the longest, at the maximum temperature. In case of fresh carbon deposits, the grate will be cleaned quickly. Perennial carbon deposits will soften and can be cleaned with a household sponge.
If there is a household steamer at home, the grate is placed in a vertical position and a stream of steam is directed at it for several minutes. When the carbon is softened, it can be wiped off with a cloth or household sponge and detergent.
However, the most effective way to remove grease and other dirt from the grate is to quickly wash it immediately after the first plaque appears. This procedure is the easiest and most uncomplicated.
The calcination method is excellent for cleaning cast iron and steel products. To do this, the grate is placed over the fire and held, turning it over, until burnt-out pieces of carbon and old fat deposits fall off. Residual dirt is removed with a brush and wiped off with a slightly damp cloth.
It is not recommended to wash cast iron products with water.... At home, you can fire the grate over the stove, creating good conditions for ventilation of the room (set the hood to the maximum power level and open the windows). A safe, harmless and effective cleaning agent is a complex composition of soda, mustard powder, salt and vinegar (mixed in equal proportions).
The mixture is applied to the surface of the product and kept for 3-4 hours, then the grill is washed and wiped dry with a cloth.
How can contamination be prevented?
To facilitate the cleaning process, it is largely necessary to carry out a few simple rules:
- Wipe down the grates and stove regularly after use;
- Clean the wire rack every week. A good way to clean is to immerse the product in a soapy solution overnight, after which it is imperative to wipe it dry, since grease and dirt cover the damp surface more intensively.
Compliance with these simple rules will serve well to preserve health, significantly save time and money.
Not recommended:
- soak hot products immediately after the food is cooked - a significant temperature difference deforms the metal structure;
- Sanding cast iron grates made in China. These gratings are made of so-called white cast iron, which has the lowest strength characteristics of all its types.
It must be remembered that ordinary sand is rich in various types of microorganisms and bacteria. Items cleaned with sand must be thoroughly rinsed, or it is better to just use a safe abrasive, for example, soda or other means.
For more information on how to clean the grate of a gas stove, see the next video.