How to Keep Cast-Iron Grates on a Stove Top From Rusting

Iron rusts when it oxidizes, and if cast-iron grates on your stove top are not protected or often exposed to liquids, they can rust as well. Although cast-iron grates can be replaced, new grates can be costly and may not fit into your budget. You can save money by keeping your cast-iron stove-top grates properly cleaned and polished using a few basic supplies found at most hardware stores.

Basin
Oil soap
Metal scrubber
Towel
Cast-iron polish
Washcloth

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a basin with hot water and 1 tablespoon of oil soap.
- 2
  Remove the iron grates from the stove top, and place them into the basin of soapy water.
- 3
  Scrub the cast-iron grates using a metal scrubber to remove any rust and residual and burnt-on food.
- 4
  Rinse off the iron grates, then dry them thoroughly with a towel. Ensure you dry off all the small creases, cracks and crevasses on each grate. Any residual water can potentially create rust.
- 5
  Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of cast-iron polish onto a dry washcloth, then rub the polish over the individual grates using small, circular motions. This will rehydrate the cast iron and will create a protective barrier from water.
- 6
  Buff off any residual polish with a washcloth, then place the cast-iron grates back in place on the stove top.

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