From fast grill cleaning hacks to a complete end-of-the-season sprucing, here’s how to clean a grill so it lasts for many summers to come. As always, start with the easiest, least harmful cleaning method before working your way to the more involved techniques.
How to Quick-Clean a Grill With an Onion
When cleaning the grill grates, almost every method starts with the same recommendation: get the grill piping hot. This will help loosen debris and remelt stuck-on BBQ sauce, making it easier to scrub off. Once the grill is hot, reach for your trusty stainless steel grill brush and start scrubbing—or, if you want to avoid the potentially dangerous bristles getting into your food, grab an onion instead. Cut the onion in half, then use a grill fork to rub the onion cut-side-down on the grates to remove stuck-on residue. Because this grill cleaning method may impart some onion flavor to the grates, reserve it for when you’re grilling savory dinner dishes, rather than when you’re grilling peaches for dessert.
How to Clean a Grill With Just Tin Foil
If you’re grilling packets of fish or wrapping up corn, you likely already have a box of tin foil sitting next to your grill. When it’s time to clear off the grates, tear off a piece of foil and roll it into a ball. Hold the tin foil boil with tongs and rub it over the grates to knock off debris and cooked-on food.
How to Clean Grill Grates With Coffee
For a deep cleaning (and if you aren’t worried about removing any “seasoning” that’s built up over time on your grill), you can turn to the coffee cleaning hack. Here’s how it works: Brew a pot of coffee and pour it into a large container. Remove the grates from the grill (note: do this when the grates are cool), and submerge them in the coffee. Let sit for one hour. The acid in the coffee will help break down stuck-on sauce and grease. Thoroughly rise and dry the grates before replacing them.
How to Deep-Clean a Gas Grill
At least once a year, depending upon how often you use your grill, you want to give it a serious scrub down. The end of summer is the perfect time.
What You’ll Need:
Grill brush Dishwashing liquidBucket large enough to hold the grill gratesVegetable oil Stainless steel polish (optional)Microfiber cloths
Follow These Steps:
Tip: If you’re not planning to use your grill during the winter months, invest in a durable, waterproof cover that will prevent rust and keep it protected from the elements.
