Cleaning Gas Hob Pan Supports: Easy Steps For Sparkling Results

Keeping your gas hob clean is important, not only for hygiene reasons but also to prevent fire hazards. Pan supports, in particular, can become soiled with splatters, spills, and cooking grease. While it may be tempting to put them in the dishwasher, this should be avoided as it can tarnish the finish of the pan supports. So, what's the best way to clean them? The simplest method is often the most effective: fill your sink with very hot water and add some washing powder. Leave the pan supports to soak for around 15 minutes, then scrub them with a nylon scrubber or a brush, taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies. Finally, dry the pan supports thoroughly before putting them back to prevent rusting.

How to Clean Pan Supports on a Gas Hob

Soak in hot water

Soaking your pan supports in hot water is a highly effective way to clean them. This method is especially useful for removing burnt-on grease and food residue.

First, fill your sink with very hot water. If your pan supports are too large for your sink, you can use your bathtub instead, but be sure to line it with a rubber non-slip mat to protect the surface.

Next, add a neutral detergent such as washing-up liquid or washing powder to the water. You can also add some white vinegar or a brass bristle BBQ brush to help loosen stubborn dirt. Place the pan supports in the water and let them soak for around 15 minutes.

Once they have finished soaking, you can begin gently scrubbing them with a nylon scrubber, washing-up brush, or steel wool. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and dry them thoroughly before putting them back to avoid rust.

It is important to note that you should not put your pan supports in the dishwasher as they may become tarnished. You should also avoid using bleach, chlorine, or lemon juice on cast iron pan supports as these liquids can cause damage.

Use a soft brush

To clean pan supports on a gas hob, it is recommended to use hot, soapy water and wash the supports by hand. If there are any stubborn marks on the supports, a soft brush can be used. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean pan supports on a gas hob using a soft brush:

Firstly, fill your sink with very hot water. If there are any stubborn-looking spots on your pan supports, you can add some washing powder to the water. Alternatively, you can use a brass bristle BBQ brush to remove stubborn dried-on dirt.

Next, place the pan supports in the sink and leave them to soak for about 15 minutes. This will help to loosen any food debris and grease that has built up. If your pan supports are too large for your sink, you can try soaking them in the bath. Just be sure to place a rubber non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent scratches.

Once the pan supports have soaked, it's time to scrub them with the soft brush. Saturate the brush with some dish soap or washing-up liquid and gently scrub the pan supports all over, paying special attention to any nooks and crannies. Make sure to get into all the crevices to remove any built-up food and grease.

If you prefer, you can add the dish soap directly to the water in the sink and use the soft brush to scrub the pan supports while they are still soaking. This will help to ensure that the soap and water penetrate all the hard-to-reach areas.

After scrubbing the pan supports thoroughly, be sure to rinse them clean and dry them properly before putting them back on the hob. This will help prevent rust from forming.

Dry thoroughly

Drying your pan supports thoroughly is essential to prevent rusting and ensure they remain in good condition. After removing the pan supports from the hot water, use a soft, absorbent cloth to hand-dry the supports. Ensure you dry all areas of the supports, including any grooves or crevices, to avoid any water spots or residue. Once most of the water has been wiped away, you can leave the supports to air dry completely.

If you are short on time, you can use a soft, absorbent towel to pat the pan supports dry. Focus on getting the majority of the water off, and then let the supports air dry for a short while.

For faster drying, you can also use a hairdryer on a low or medium setting. Hold the hairdryer at a safe distance from the supports and ensure it is not too hot, as you do not want to damage the finish of the cast iron.

To maintain the condition of your pan supports, it is recommended to oil them lightly after each cleaning. First, ensure all traces of moisture are gone. Then, warm the pan supports on a low-medium heat. Add a small amount of oil, such as half a teaspoon, and use a paper towel to spread it evenly across the interior surface. The surface should now look dark and smooth. Allow the pan supports to cool before putting them away.

By following these drying and oiling steps, you can help prevent rust and keep your pan supports looking their best.

Avoid the dishwasher

Cast-iron pan supports are not dishwasher-safe. The dishwasher may cause cast-iron pan supports to tarnish. It is best to wash them by hand with hot water and a mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid.

If there are stubborn marks or dried-on dirt, you can use a soft brush, a nylon scrubber, or a brass-bristle BBQ brush. For very stubborn spots, you can add some washing powder to the water or make a paste with the powder and apply it directly to the spots. Leave the powder to work for about 15 minutes, then scrub the supports with a brush or scrubber.

If your pan supports are too big for your sink, you can try soaking them in the bathtub. Place a cheap, rubber non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub to prevent scratches, then cover the pan supports with warm water and washing-up liquid.

After scrubbing the pan supports, be sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them back to prevent rusting.

Avoid bleach, chlorine, and lemon juice

Bleach, chlorine, and lemon juice should be avoided when cleaning cast iron pan supports. These liquids may cause damage to the cast iron. Instead, use hot water, washing powder, and a nylon scrubber or a dishwashing brush with some dish soap.

If you are dealing with stubborn stains, you can use a brass bristle BBQ brush or steel wool. However, be aware that steel wool can strip the seasoning from cast iron, so it is important to season your pan supports after using this method. To season, make sure all traces of moisture are gone, then warm the pan supports on low to medium heat. Add half a teaspoon of oil and spread it across the surface with a paper towel.

If your pan supports are too cumbersome to wash in the sink, you can try soaking them in the bathtub. Place a cheap, rubber non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub to prevent scratches, then cover the pan supports with warm water and washing-up liquid.

It is also important to note that pan supports are not dishwasher-safe and should be washed by hand.

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