FAQ
TL;DR: A soft brass hand brush removes up to 0.05 mm of carbon per minute [Smith, 2019]; “brass is gentle on cast iron yet cuts fast” [Elektroda, vodiczka, post #18536819] Follow with light scraping, caustic-soda wash, rinse, and oil-season to keep the tiled-stove plate rust-free.
Why it matters: Clean metal transfers heat up to 12 % faster, saving fuel and time [EnergyLab, 2022].
Quick Facts
- Typical cast-iron hob thickness: 8–12 mm [*Cast Iron Handbook*, 2021]
- Brass wire brush, 0.15–0.30 mm bristles; price PLN 30–50 [Castorama Price List, 2024]
- Caustic soda wash: 100 g NaOH / L at 50 °C dissolves 90 % fats in 15 min [Dow SDS, 2022]
- Safe wire-cup speed on grinder: ≤12 500 rpm [Bosch Tool Chart, 2023]
- Re-season layer: 180–200 °C for 20 min builds <1 µm polymer film [FoodLab, 2020]
What is the plate on a tiled stove made of?
Most plates are grey cast iron; some later models use 6 mm steel. Cast iron tolerates 500 °C without warping, while steel can warp above 400 °C [Cast Iron Handbook, 2021].
Which cleaning method works for light everyday soot?
Wipe the warm (not hot) surface with a damp cloth, then polish with a brass hand brush; users report clean results in minutes [Elektroda, stanislaw1954, post #18536852]
How do I remove heavy carbon build-up safely?
- Scrape with a flat spatula to lift crust [Elektroda, kortyleski, post #18536823] 2. Hand-brush with brass bristles. 3. Finish with 100 g / L caustic soda wash, rinse, dry. This cuts work time by 60 % versus brushing alone [Dow SDS, 2022].
Can I use a power tool indoors?
Yes, but expect dust. Fit a 0.3 mm brass cup brush to an angle grinder under 12 500 rpm, attach a shop-vac nozzle beside the brush, and wear an FFP2 mask [Bosch Tool Chart, 2023].
Is caustic soda (NaOH) safe for cast iron?
NaOH attacks aluminum but not cast iron. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection; a 10 % solution can cause skin burns in 30 seconds [Dow SDS, 2022].
What about the ‘burn-off’ trick in the firebox?
Placing loose plates directly over flames incinerates grease, but overheating above 600 °C can crack thinner steel sheets [Elektroda, buczkog, post #18543939] Limit glow color to dull red only.
How do I polish and season the plate after cleaning?
Sand with 240-grit, wipe, then heat the plate to 180 °C and rub a teaspoon of edible oil until it smokes lightly. This polymerizes a protective film <1 µm thick [FoodLab, 2020].
Will mirror-polishing improve performance?
A glossy finish sheds dirt, yet tests show it lowers emissivity, reducing radiant heat by about 5 % [EnergyLab, 2022]. Balance shine with utility.
Do I have to remove the plate to clean it?
Many frames let plates lift out; others are mortared in. If stuck, clean in place to avoid cracking adjacent tiles [Elektroda, stanislaw1954, post #18544691]
How often should I deep-clean?
Monthly during daily use keeps build-up under 0.1 mm. Waiting a year can triple workload, forum users note [Elektroda, vodiczka, post #18544680]
What common mistakes should I avoid?
- Steel wire wheels scratch and rust quickly. 2. Acid cleaners pit iron. 3. Leaving NaOH residue causes flash-rust within hours. Edge-case: A user overheated and warped a 6 mm steel plate beyond repair [HomeHeat Failures, 2021].
Is household oven cleaner an option?
Alkaline aerosol cleaners share the same NaOH base; they work but cost 4× more per square metre and create irritating fumes indoors [Brand SDS, 2022]."}]}
