I spent 10 minutes cleaning my iron stove grates this way — and I'll never go back to store-bought cleaners

1. Cleaning light to moderate build up

Before you begin cleaning, ensure the burners have completely cooled down. Once they're cool to the touch, carefully remove the grates and move them to an empty sink or bathtub where you'll have space to work.

Fill the sink or tub with hot water and mix in a generous amount of dishwashing liquid until the water becomes sudsy. Place the grates in the soapy water and leave them to soak for at least 20 minutes. The hot, soapy water will begin cutting through the grease and lifting away the grime, making the actual scrubbing much easier.

After soaking, drain the sink and give the grates a thorough scrubbing with a nonscratch brush or sponge. Pay particular attention to crevices and corners where residue tends to hide.

If the grates are now completely clean, dry them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth before placing them back on the stove. It's important to dry the grates completely to prevent rust from forming on the metal.

If the grates still have stubborn residue remaining after this process, move on to the heavy buildup cleaning methods below.

2. Cleaning heavy build-up

If the residue buildup is particularly heavy and the soapy water soak didn't fully remove it, you have a couple of effective options depending on what cleaning supplies you have available at home.

Combine three parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a thick paste that will cling to the grates without sliding off. You may need to adjust the ratio slightly by adding more baking soda or water to get the right consistency.

Thoroughly cover the grates in the baking soda paste, making sure to coat all surfaces including the underside and any crevices. Leave the paste on the grates for 20 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will work to break down the stubborn, baked-on residue.

After 20 minutes, use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining residue. The paste should have loosened the grime significantly, making it easier to remove. Then rinse the grates thoroughly with clean water and dry them completely with a microfiber cloth before returning them to your stove.

3. Using vinegar as a cleaner

Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake gently to mix the solution. If you're concerned about the strong vinegar smell, you can reduce the odor by adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil.

Place the grates in an empty sink and spray them thoroughly with the vinegar and water solution. Make sure to coat all surfaces completely. Leave the grates to sit for 15 minutes, allowing the acidic vinegar to break down grease and grime.

After 15 minutes, wipe the grates clean with a damp sponge or cloth. The vinegar solution should have loosened the residue enough that it wipes away easily. Dry the grates thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth before placing them back on your stove.