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A pot resting on gas stove burner grates.

How to clean gas stove top grates and burners

Cleaning your range is a great way to keep your kitchen looking and smelling great. But, once you’ve finished sweeping up crumbs and wiping up surfaces, it’s time to turn your attention to an often-ignored component of your gas cooktop—the grates or burners. Learn how to clean gas stove top grates and burners with this step-by-step overview.

What you’ll need to clean gas stove grates and burners

Before you start cleaning your gas grates and burner tops, review your owner’s manual or user guide. Each range is different, and there may be special instructions for cleaning your grates and tops. If you have an electric cooktop with a glass-top surface or a stainless steel cooktop, cleaning instructions will vary.

Supplies

A mildly abrasive cleaner
Soap and water
Cleaning solution

Tools

Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
Straight pin, needle or small-gauge wire
Bristled brush
Damp cloth
Cooktop scraper
Screwdriver

Whether you need to scrape burnt-on food or brighten up your range's exterior, the affresh^® stainless steel brightener¹ and cooktop cleaning tools from Whirlpool brand can help provide a smooth process.

Note:

Do not use oven cleaners, bleach or rust removers to clean your gas burners. Do not use wooden toothpicks to clean the burner ports.

Step 1: Remove the cooking grates and burner caps

Remove your cooking grates and burner caps and disconnect the wires once the surface has completely cooled. For some models, you may need a screwdriver to remove the burner caps. If you have a range with a standing pilot light, make sure to turn off the gas valve prior to removing any parts. Learn more about how to remove electric stove burners.

Tip:

Select Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops feature Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates that can be added to the dishwasher when they get messy. If your cooktop comes with this feature, simply remove your grates and add them to the dishwasher.

Step 2: Soak the grates

Soak your cooking grates and burner caps in hot, soapy water for a minimum of 20 minutes. If your grates are cast iron, don’t soak them unless they’re coated or seasoned. If you’re not sure how to clean stove grates that are uncoated cast iron, check your owner’s manual.

Step 3: Create a baking soda mixture

If your grates or caps are very dirty, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda to one part water. Coat the grates in this mixture and set aside for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Clean the burners

Wipe down the burners with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad, soft cloth or cleaning wipe, like one found in this affresh^® cooktop cleaning kit.¹If you have coated the burners in baking soda paste, rinse this off first to avoid damaging the finish. Use a soft bristled brush to remove stubborn, stuck-on food.

Locate the burner ports and tubes underneath the burner base.
Detach the tubes.
Clean the clogged burner port openings with a straight pin, needle or small-gauge wire.

Do not use wooden toothpicks to clean burner ports. Be mindful to not enlarge or distort the openings during the cleaning process.

Step 5: Replace the burners and burner caps

Ensure the burners and burner caps are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Dry the burners and burner caps with a soft, dry cloth.
Reconnect the tubes.
Replace the burners and burner caps.

If your model has screws, use a screwdriver to replace the burner caps. The burner caps should be stable and sit flush with the burner base.

Step 6: Replace the grates

Ensure the grates are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Dry the grates with a soft, dry cloth.
Replace the grates and make sure they are stable above the burners.

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Compare gas vs. induction cooktops

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Shop Whirlpool^® Replacement Stove Parts

If your gas cooktop grates and burner caps are looking worn or not working properly, they may need to be replaced. You can purchase replacement burner grates, burner caps, control valves and other gas range kitchen accessories from Whirlpool brand to keep your range up and running.

A person lifting up stove grates to clean underneath.

FAQs to cleaning stove burners and grates

When it comes to cleaning your gas stove, common questions may arise about how often to clean and signs it needs to be cleaned. Refer to the FAQs below for more tips:

A slide-in range with the left grates lifted up.

How often should I clean my gas stove?

You should give your gas stovetop a quick cleanup after every time you use it since fresh spills and splatters are usually easier to clean. Make sure the surface is completely cool to the touch before cleaning. A deeper clean can be done about once a week.

Select Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops feature EZ-2-Lift^™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates that make cleaning simple. A hinged design lets you wipe up underneath without the hassle of removing heavy grates.

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Spaghetti and vegetables cooking on a stovetop.

Why do gas stove tops turn black or leave black marks on my pans?

Black marks may appear on your cookware if your burners are not heating evenly or if the flame is turned up too high.

Why is my gas burner flame yellow or orange?

A yellow or orange flame may be caused by dirty burner ports, insufficient air supply or the burning of existing spills on the surface. To resolve a yellow or orange flame, thoroughly clean your burners and gas stovetop.

A person cleaning burner ports with a straight pin.

How do I clean clogged gas burner ports?

Use a straight pin, needle or small–gauge wire to clean the burner ports and clear away any clogs. Be mindful to not distort the opening while cleaning. Refrain from cleaning the burner ports in the dishwasher or using wooden toothpicks.

How do I clean burnt-on food and grease on my gas stove top?

To clean burnt-on food and grease, spray the area with a cleaning solution and wipe away any debris with a damp cloth. Use a cooktop scraper to scrape away stubborn messes.

A KitchenAid® gas range with five-burners.

How do I clean cast iron stove grates?

If your cast iron grates are seasoned, place them in the sink and soak in soapy water for 20 minutes. After they are done soaking, wipe the grates clean and thoroughly dry before placing them back on your stove. Select Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops feature Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates that can be easily cleaned right in the dishwashers. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on cleaning the grates for your gas range.

Find gas ranges and cooktops from Whirlpool brand

Whirlpool offers a wide selection of gas ranges and gas cooktops with convenient features to help save you time while cooking, like EZ-2-Lift^™ Hinged Grates that lift for quick access to spills and Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates. Browse our selection to find the one that matches your cooking routine.