You love grilling, but your porcelain coated cast iron grates look dirty, greasy, and stuck with old food? Don't worry, you are not alone. I had the same problem and spent hours trying everything before I found what really works. If you want a clean grill without damaging the porcelain or losing that amazing grilling flavor, you are in the right place. In this article, I'll show you the exact way to clean porcelain coated cast iron grill grates without any fancy tools or harsh chemicals.
Let the Grates Cool Down First Before Cleaning
After grilling, it's normal to feel like cleaning right away. But the first thing you need to do is let the grates cool down. Porcelain coated cast iron grates hold heat very well, so they stay hot for a long time. If you try to clean them while they are still hot, you can burn yourself. Also, sudden temperature changes can crack the porcelain coating. This is something most people don't realize until it's too late.
Once the grill is turned off, close the lid and wait. Usually, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the grates to fully cool. While you're waiting, you can prepare your cleaning supplies. You don't need anything fancy—just a soft-bristled brush, warm water, a sponge, dish soap, and maybe a plastic scraper.
When the grates are cool, remove them carefully. If they're still a little warm, wear heat-resistant gloves. Set them down on a flat surface like a table or countertop with a towel underneath so you don't make a mess. Now, you are ready to clean.
Letting the grates cool not only keeps you safe but also helps protect the coating. Porcelain is a strong material, but it's also delicate when handled the wrong way. This simple step helps make your grates last much longer and avoids any damage that could happen from rushing.
- Wait 30 to 45 minutes for grates to cool
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature
- Use gloves if grates are still a little warm
- Protect your countertop with a towel before placing grates
Remove Loose Debris with a Soft Brush or Sponge
After the grates are cool and removed, the next thing to do is clean off all loose dirt, food bits, and grease. You might see black flakes or sticky spots. That's okay. They are leftovers from your last grill session. You don't need strong chemicals or metal brushes to remove them. In fact, using a metal brush can scratch the porcelain and cause it to peel.
Use a soft-bristled grill brush or even an old toothbrush if you don't have one. You can also use a non-scratch sponge or a soft cloth. Gently scrub the surface of the grates. Don't press too hard. Just let the brush or sponge do the work. If you find hard pieces stuck on, don't try to chip them off with a knife. Instead, soak the grates in warm soapy water.
Get a tub or use your kitchen sink. Fill it with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Let the grates soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This will loosen the stuck-on stuff and make it easier to scrub off. After soaking, use your brush or sponge again and clean the grates one more time.
It's okay if you don't get them 100% clean the first time. The main thing is to avoid any damage. The more you clean your grates regularly, the easier it becomes. Food won't stick as much, and grease won't build up.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge only
- Avoid metal tools or harsh scrubbing
- Soak grates in warm soapy water for 20 minutes
- Scrub again gently after soaking
Wash with Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water
Now that you have removed most of the loose bits, it’s time to give your grates a good wash. You don't need a special grill cleaner. Regular dish soap and warm water work great and are safe for the porcelain coating. Harsh cleaners or strong degreasers can ruin the coating and make the grates rust later on. That's the last thing you want.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Take your sponge or a soft cloth, dip it in the soapy water, and start washing the grates. Be sure to wash both the top and bottom sides. Grease and food particles can hide in corners, so take your time and get into all the spots.
Keep rinsing your sponge often in clean water so you're not rubbing the same grease back onto the grates. If you see any dark spots that won't come off, you can use a plastic scraper gently. Do not use anything sharp. You don't want to chip the porcelain.
After washing, rinse the grates very well with clean water. You can do this in the sink or with a hose outside. Make sure no soap is left on them because leftover soap can leave marks or make your next grilling session taste funny.
Once rinsed, dry them right away with a soft towel. Don't let them air dry because water spots can form, and that might cause rust over time.
- Use mild dish soap and warm water only
- Wash both sides of the grates
- Use a sponge or soft cloth, not anything sharp
- Rinse well and dry with a towel
Use Baking Soda Paste for Tough Stains
Sometimes regular soap and scrubbing just don't work for hard stains or grease. In that case, you can make a safe cleaning paste using baking soda. It's gentle, natural, and won't damage the porcelain coating. You don't need to buy expensive cleaners. This is a simple trick that works really well.
To make the paste, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Stir it until it looks like thick toothpaste. If it's too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add more baking soda. Once you have the paste ready, use your fingers or a soft sponge to spread it on the stained areas.
Let the paste sit on the stains for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down the grease and burned-on food. After that, scrub gently with a sponge or soft brush. The paste will work with your scrubbing and lift off the dirt without scratching the surface.
If needed, you can repeat this step twice. It's safe and won't hurt the grates. After you're done, rinse the grates well with warm water and dry them with a soft towel. You'll be surprised how clean they look after this.
- Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste
- Spread paste on stains and let sit for 20 minutes
- Scrub gently with sponge or soft brush
- Rinse and dry completely after cleaning
Dry and Season the Grates Before Storage
Cleaning is only half the job. The next part is just as important—drying and seasoning. Even though porcelain coated grates don't rust easily, the metal underneath can still rust if they stay wet too long. That's why you need to dry them well.
Use a clean towel to dry every part of the grates. Don't miss the corners and undersides. If you want to be extra sure, you can place them back on the grill and turn it on low heat for about 10 minutes. This will make sure all the moisture is gone.
Now, for seasoning. This step is often skipped, but it helps keep your grates in top shape. It also makes your next grilling session better because food won't stick as much. To season the grates, take a paper towel and pour a little cooking oil on it. Use tongs to rub the oily paper towel over the entire surface of the grates.
Use oils like canola or vegetable oil, which can handle high heat. Do not pour oil directly on the grates—it can catch fire. Just a light, even coat is enough. After oiling, heat the grill on low for another 10 to 15 minutes to let the oil soak in. This makes a non-stick layer that protects the grates.
- Dry grates fully with towel or low heat
- Rub cooking oil with paper towel and tongs
- Heat grill on low to season the grates
- Avoid pouring oil directly on the grates
Keep a Regular Cleaning Schedule
To keep your porcelain coated cast iron grill grates looking and working great, you need to clean them regularly. It doesn't mean doing a deep clean every time, but doing a small clean after each use will make your life much easier.
After grilling, once the grates are cool, do a quick brush with a soft brush to remove food bits. You don't need soap every time. Just a light brushing will stop buildup. Once a month, do a deeper clean like the one we talked about. Soak the grates, use baking soda if needed, rinse well, and dry them.
If you don't grill often, just check them before each use. If they look dirty, give them a clean. If they look okay, just do a quick wipe. Cover your grill when not in use to stop dust and rain from making the grates dirty.
Following a regular schedule helps avoid tough stains and keeps your food tasting good. It also helps your grates last many years without problems.
- Light brushing after every use
- Deep cleaning once a month
- Cover grill when not in use
- Always check grates before grilling
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your porcelain coated cast iron grill grates does not have to be hard. With the right steps and some care, you can keep them clean and working great for years. The key is to clean regularly, be gentle, and always dry and season them. It takes a little time, but your grill and your food will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use a wire brush on porcelain coated grill grates?
No, it is not safe to use a wire brush on porcelain coated grill grates. A wire brush can scratch or chip the porcelain coating, and once that coating is damaged, the metal underneath can rust. It's better to use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge. You can still get great cleaning results without damaging the surface. Also, wire bristles can break off and end up in your food, which can be very dangerous if swallowed.
Can I put porcelain coated grill grates in the dishwasher?
It's not a good idea to put porcelain coated grill grates in the dishwasher. The strong water pressure and high heat can damage the coating. Also, dishwasher detergent can be too harsh and cause the porcelain to crack or fade. It's much safer to clean them by hand using warm soapy water and a soft sponge. This way, you protect the coating and make the grates last longer.
Is it okay to soak porcelain coated grates overnight?
Soaking for a long time is not recommended. A short soak for 15 to 20 minutes is enough to loosen food and grease. If you leave them soaking overnight, water can seep under the coating, especially if there are tiny cracks. This might lead to rust over time. It's better to soak for a short time and then scrub gently.
Can I use vinegar to clean porcelain grill grates?
Yes, you can use vinegar, but only in small amounts. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, then use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the grates. Don't let the vinegar sit too long, and rinse well after using it. Vinegar is acidic, and if used too much or left on the surface, it can damage the coating. So it's okay to use, but use it carefully and not too often.
Do I need to season porcelain coated grill grates?
Yes, seasoning is still helpful even for porcelain coated grates. It helps create a smooth non-stick surface and adds a little protection against moisture. Just use a small amount of oil and heat the grates for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this after cleaning and drying, especially if you don't grill often. It's a simple way to keep your grates in good shape.
Is it bad to leave dirty grates after grilling?
Yes, leaving dirty grates can cause problems. Food bits and grease harden and become harder to remove later. They can also cause your grates to rust or smell bad. It's always better to clean at least lightly after grilling. Even just brushing off loose food helps a lot. Cleaning right after cooling down is much easier than waiting days.
Can I clean grill grates while they are hot?
No, it's not safe to clean grill grates while they are still hot. The heat can burn your hands, and cold water on hot porcelain can cause cracks. Always let the grates cool down before cleaning. It keeps you safe and protects the grates from damage. Waiting just 30 minutes can make a big difference.
Do I need to oil grill grates every time I grill?
You don't have to oil them every time, but doing it often is a good idea. A light coat of oil helps stop food from sticking and keeps your grates protected. If you grill a lot, try to oil them every couple of uses. Use a paper towel and tongs to apply oil, and always heat the grill afterward to let the oil soak in.