ADVERTISEMENT
My Stove Grate Always Looks Like New — Here’s How I Clean It Quickly Using Just a Grocery Bag
Let’s face it — cleaning stove grates is one of the most dreaded kitchen chores. Over time, they collect burnt-on carbon, sticky grease, and food splatters that can seem impossible to scrub off. But what if I told you that you could get your stove grates looking like new — without hours of scrubbing — using nothing more than a common household item?
Here’s my go-to method that I swear by: cleaning stove grates with a grocery bag and a simple household cleaner. It’s cheap, quick, and shockingly effective. No harsh scrubbing, no expensive degreasers — and the results speak for themselves.
🧼 What You’ll Need:
- 1 large plastic grocery bag or zip-top bag (large enough to fit your stove grates)
- ¼ cup of ammonia
- Old towel or cleaning cloth
- Gloves (recommended)
- A well-ventilated space (like your laundry room, garage, or balcony)
⚠️ A Quick Safety Note
This method uses ammonia, a powerful cleaner that works by releasing fumes to break down grease and carbon buildup. Never mix ammonia with bleach or other cleaning chemicals, and always use it in a ventilated area.
🔧 Step-by-Step: How to Clean Stove Grates Using a Grocery Bag
1. Remove the Grates
Let your stove cool completely. Then lift off the grates and take them to a well-ventilated area where you can do the cleaning — outdoors is best if possible.
2. Place Grates in a Grocery Bag
Put each grate inside a plastic grocery bag (or use a zip-top bag for smaller pieces). If your grates are large, you can use a clean kitchen-sized trash bag instead.
3. Add Ammonia
Pour about ¼ cup of ammonia into the bag. You don’t need to soak the grates — the fumes do all the work. Seal the bag tightly by tying it shut or zipping it closed.
4. Let It Sit Overnight
Leave the bag undisturbed for 8–12 hours (overnight is perfect). During this time, the ammonia fumes will loosen and dissolve the baked-on grease, gunk, and carbon deposits.
