I wanted to use something other than chemicals and wire, "It helped me find a chemical free way to clean my BBQ. Material: Stainless steel woven wire; Length: 18 inches; Warranty: 100% money-back guarantee; Check Price On Amazon. Overnight soaking is ideal for stubborn, crusty grill residue that may not soften within a few minutes of spraying it with vinegar alone. With the usage of simple supplies, available at home, you can clean grill grates with vinegar. Quick Summary. To loosen stubborn, carbonized grime, soak your grates in soapy water overnight. * Which is a-okay. Rinse off the grill grate and gently brush it with a brush before soaking it overnight using a dish soap solution. Filip Boksa is the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a U.S. based home cleaning service that helps clients with cleaning and organization. To keep your stainless steel grill grates looking shiny and new, give them a good cleaning once a month. Wait a few minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This method is especially strong to remove very gunked-up grates in a hurry. Vinegar Cleaner with Baking Soda Place the grill grates in a tough plastic garbage bag that will enfold them. It will also kill any potentially harmful germs left behind by raw meat, leaving your cooking surface both cleaner and safer. If any foam or liquid splashes on you, make sure to wash the affected area thoroughly. The Best Way to Clean Grill Grates Prepare a vinegar solution for cleaning your grill grates. Open the grill and using a grill brush, begin to clean the grill grates top side and bottom side. After that clean the lower end and then remove the grates. After your grates have soaked for an hour, scrub off the rust with the grill brush. There are two ways to do this. Cleaning your grill grates may sound daunting, but it doesn’t take much to get them sparkling. That’s it—no rinsing required. A sturdy and solid stainless grill brush with excellent design to clean grill grates effectively. Repeat as necessary to clean the grates; set them back in the sink to soak for about five minutes or allow the wet cleanser to sit on tough spills outside of the sink to soften them. While cleaning your grill grates with soapy water is our preferred method, some prefer using vinegar or a grill spray. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Mix two parts baking soda and one part vinegar until you have a thick paste. The porcelain grill grate is best scrubbed with a nylon brush and should be carefully brushed in gentle diagonal strokes. Moreover, it will help you clean the grill grates through the simple process. Burnish the grates with the scrub pad and cleanser on hard-to-remove food spills. The aluminum foil will concentrate the heat on the grates to burn off the leftover food. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Determine whether your grill grates are made of porcelain, cast iron or stainless steel. Be sure not to touch your eyes while cleaning, and wash your hands and arms thoroughly when you’re done. Once the grill is sparkling clean and thoroughly dry, reassemble all the parts you removed, taking care to fix the burner tubes back into place in proper position with cotter pins or screws. Some people have a hard time cleaning up: The rail design sometimes may require a bit more effort to clean than a traditional grate. Tip: If you over clean your grates, you will need to re-season them or you will stick your next meal. You could use nearly anything handy such an onion, lemon, or dried corn cobs. Any congealed oil and grease should loosen easily after being soaked in vinegar. Keep these tips in mind before you start scrubbing. These grates will produce 100-150°F extra of the grill temperature. Now scrape those Flavorizer bars using a putty knife. This article has been viewed 23,119 times. However, many grill users prefer using aluminum foil because it is less likely to scratch the grates or shed potentially harmful metal wires on the grill. If the grill brush is hard to get or is inaccessible, you can use tin foil to clean them. GrillGrates will season quickly like a cast iron skillet. Step 3 - Perform Monthly or Annual Vinegar Cleanings. Eek! Sprinkle the baking soda on every part of the charcoal grill for effective clean-up. For a more thorough cleaning, you can remove the grates from the grill, use a sponge dipped in soapy water to wipe them down, and then replace them in the grill once the are rinsed and dried thoroughly, but this is not required after every use. Steel wool helps to remove burnt on debris. Plus, this method kills two birds with one stone: cleaned grates that are also sanitized by the heat. This article has been viewed 23,119 times. Close the lid and let it steam for 30 minutes. This article was co-authored by Filip Boksa. While gas grills don’t require the level of cleaning required of charcoal grills after each use, they should be thoroughly cleaned at the beginning and end of each grilling season in order to keep them in top grilling condition. Soak a neglected grill grate overnight in washing soda before scrubbing. Let the grates cool and scrub them with a nylon cleaning brush. Therefore, deep cleans should only be done occasionally. Now, use a grill brush for cleaning the upper end of the grates. Use leftover vinegar and water to wipe down glass tables and clean windows. I know that advice is really simple, but it’s true. (without the rust and regular re-seasoning) Tip: Use grill spray (Weber or Pam) or Canola Oil the first few uses while the rails are un - seasoned. The mundane task of cleaning your grates after each use will do wonders to help retain their quality and longevity. No matter what type of metal it is, they are prone to rust. By using our site, you agree to our. The residue should come loose easily, but if it doesn’t, scrub it away with a large ball of crumpled-up aluminum foil. While some grillers opt for a traditional grill brush, many do not know how dangerous wire grill brushes can be. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. It should be strong enough to loosen these particles without creating toxic fumes that can be harmful to your family members. Whether you’re a grill master or a newbie, all grillers need to know how to clean their grill grates the right way. Use the scouring pad or a medium soft bristle brush to clean hard to reach areas. Return the grates to your grill, close the lid and warm it up. Spray more solution on spots that are particularly crusty. It’s always ideal to clean the grates after every use. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Heat your grill to 600 degrees, then turn off the heat. In the morning, scrub it again. * Which is a-okay. You can easily and inexpensively clean your gas grill with a spray bottle, vinegar, a cotton cloth and water. Start by collecting the necessary cleaning tools: a grill brush, scraper, fine steel-wool pad, a sponge and some clean rags. Rub the grates again with a grill brush and rinse with cool water. Fold the aluminum foil to make a giant ball enough to fit in your fingers. Clean Rusty Grill Grates with Vinegar and Baking Soda For more stubborn or more significant rust spots on your grill grates, make a baking soda and vinegar paste. Clean the Grates. Spray the mixture on the grill racks and let it set for 10 minutes. After each use: Cleaning grill grates is easier with a long-handled stiff-wire brush. After 15 minutes, use your grill brush (or alternative tool) to brush the grates clean. Steam-cleaning your grill is always an option. When you’re finished, rinse off the grill grates with cool water until all … There are plenty of options on the market that cost less than twenty dollars. By using simple supplies you can find at home– specifically, aluminum foil, vinegar, and baking soda– you can clean grill grates without toxic chemicals or endless scrubbing, and ensure that your grill is a clean and safe cooking surface. Just use a paper towel to rub oil on the grill gates in advance to prevent as much stickage. how to get your grill ready for grilling season, Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter, Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole, Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter, Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries, Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette, Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing, Your Guide to 7 Traditional Hanukkah Foods, 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Caramel, Bakeable: Your Guide to Everything Baking, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. You can’t beat the power of white vinegar and water at getting any grill sparkling clean. After its warmed, use your grill brush to scrub any additional residue off the grates. The best part is: Washing grills with the mixture of vinegar will prove to be a lifesaver from endless scrubbing. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Brush off any food particles or bbq crumbs when done. Some of the food often remains on the grill, which can damage it over time. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Eye protection and disposable gloves are recommended. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Repeat this action one time and you’re done, your grates are preserved again. Use the spray bottle to apply the vinegar-water mixture to your grill grates. This article was co-authored by Filip Boksa. This way, you can ensure that there isn’t any lingering buildup on your grates. After a season, the grates can be thick with it! Deep Cleaning Grill Grates. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then use a lemon to scrub-off the remaining caked-on grill grate. Return the grates to your grill, close the lid and warm it up. How to clean grill grates without getting brush bristles stuck in your food has become a national topic lately. Scrub with a silicone sponge to loosen the build-up. Then, step back and allow the sprayed grates to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 23,119 times. 3. Check out our grill cleaning guide to ensure you haven’t missed a spot while cleaning your grill from head to toe. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. The focus on the GrillGrates is to remove stuck on debris. Take care to protect your eyes from the vinegar– it can be a serious irritant. The mixture will begin to froth almost immediately. ", https://grillidea.com/how-to-clean-bbq-grill-grates-with-vinegar/, https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-clean-a-grill-with-vinegar-162184, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-a-grill-using-aluminum-foil-and-vinegar/, https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-clean-a-grill-with-vinegar-162184/, https://www.foodfirefriends.com/how-clean-stainless-steel-grill-grates/, https://www.fishersci.com/content/dam/fishersci/en_US/documents/programs/education/regulatory-documents/sds/chemicals/chemicals-v/S25623.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. After the 10 minutes is up, brush your grates clean with a grill brush—no rinsing required. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Use Vinegar or a Grill Spray. They are just as important to keep sparkling clean. Porcelain grates don’t require seasoning. These can warp and discolor the grill, and can potentially make their way into food. Finish Up Drain the sink and rinse the grates in cool water. Last Updated: September 13, 2019 Baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent that will soften even the toughest stains. Filip Boksa is the CEO and Founder of King of Maids, a U.S. based home cleaning service that helps clients with cleaning and organization. It just means heating them up to a high temperature so that any remaining food or grease is easily cooked off. You can use the included spatula for easier cleaning. Use a vinegar rinse to remove the soapy residue before using the grate again. Thank you!". Do this by adding equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. If you frequently cook meats or other food on a grill, it’s hard to prevent grease and oil from sticking to your grill grates. First, make sure your grill is off, and that the grates are cool enough to touch safely. Next, clean the grill grates by gently scrubbing off the stuck grime and food bits. Do not scrub too hard because it can damage the surface of the grill. 3 Clean the exterior of the grill. And while you’re at it, be sure to follow these tips on how to get your grill ready for grilling season, too. Since you let the rust sit in the baking soda, it should come off easily. If this doesn't work, you can also use Goo Gone's Grill and Grate cleaner. Remove the grates from your grill while they're cool enough to touch, and place them nearby so you can put them in the bag as soon as possible. These steps can be followed using either natural gas or propane-powered grills. In this post, we will give you tips on how to clean BBQ grill grates using 4 common and basic items – ammonia, vinegar, onion, and baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes. Lightly scrape with the Ace’s 6-1 Paint Tool or a light brush. While cleaning your grill grates with soapy water is our preferred method, some prefer using vinegar or a grill spray. Scrub everywhere, including between the bars and on both sides to remove as much grime as possible. Soak in soapy water for an hour and rinse. How to use baking soda and vinegar to clean the grill grates? Even after just one or two uses, grill grates are going to accumulate food residue. One is to cover the top of the grates in aluminum foil, turn the grill on high and then close the lid. Twice a year, deep clean your grill grates. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Spray the vinegar solution on them and … While you’ll definitely still need to give your grill a thorough cleaning before and after each barbecue, you can make the clean-up work easier by oiling your grill grates in advance. When you’re done scrubbing the surface of the grates, flip them over and scrub the back sides as well. Without even realizing it, many people have accidentally ingested these bristles, too. Don’t forget to consistently clean the rest of your grill and your grill tools and accessories. So they do need an occasional deep clean. Brush the grates carefully by turning all the burners on high for about 15 minutes or so. Most grill machines are made from durable materials such as stainless steel. These tips are easy to follow and are very effective in removing annoying dirt. Keep in mind that a bottle of cleaner can go a long way. Find washing soda in a large grocery store's laundry aisle. Grill grime, begone. Some even ended up in the emergency room. Blackened surfaces are part of the seasoning process. If you feel like swapping in a safer tool, we’ve got plenty of other grill cleaning ideas you can start using today. When the grill is turned off and cool to the touch, spray the cleaner directly onto the grill top. This trick gets the job done, too. If you have a grill brush, you can use it instead of a foil ball. How you clean your grill grates and what products you use depends on what material the grates are made of. Use the saturated cloth to scrub the racks. The best thing you can do to keep your cast iron grill grates clean is to routinely clean them after each time you use them. Rub the cleaned grates with oil (spread the oil using a cloth or a paper towel) then warm up the grill and allow the oil to „burn away”. Then run it over the grates to eliminate any debris. All you need is water and a sponge for this method. Wire bristles are notorious for breaking off and falling into your food. This trick gets the job done, too. Clean them as little as possible during the first several uses to allow seasoning to take place. The GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper have a unique design with the grill brush composed of three brushes in one. This will allow the acid in the vinegar to eat through the oil and grease sticking to your grates. Just shut down the grill and enjoy your grate meal. After you’re done grilling, blast your burners on high with the lid off (or shuffle the coals around if you’re using a charcoal grill) to remove any leftover food or grease. Cleaning grill grates by burning them does not mean setting them on fire. After its warmed, use your grill brush to scrub any additional residue off the grates. What type of grates doesn’t need seasoning ? In addition to using the burnoff method, we recommend scrubbing your grill grates down with hot, soapy water every month. To clean a charcoal grill, start by removing the grates. This is the quickest and easiest method for cleaning grill grates. They may get too hot: You have to be careful to not set the temperature too high and burn your food. 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