Blackened surfaces are part of the seasoning process. Just use a paper towel to rub oil on the grill gates in advance to prevent as much stickage. These steps can be followed using either natural gas or propane-powered grills. How to clean grill grates without getting brush bristles stuck in your food has become a national topic lately. 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. This article was co-authored by Filip Boksa. ", 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. Simply add two cups each of vinegar and lukewarm water to the spray bottle, then shake. It’s grilling season! * Which is a-okay. Use leftover vinegar and water to wipe down glass tables and clean windows. Let the grates cool and scrub them with a nylon cleaning brush. This trick gets the job done, too. This way, you can ensure that there isn’t any lingering buildup on your grates. Thank you!". Clean the Grates. Using a wire grill brush that is safe for stainless steel, scrub the baking soda covered grates. Place a tin, like a large vegetable can or a small coffee can, of water onto the grates. Now, use a grill brush for cleaning the upper end of the grates. Most grill machines are made from durable materials such as stainless steel. Scrub with a silicone sponge to loosen the build-up. Scrub everywhere, including between the bars and on both sides to remove as much grime as possible. I know that advice is really simple, but it’s true. The residue should come loose easily, but if it doesn’t, scrub it away with a large ball of crumpled-up aluminum foil. What type of grates doesn’t need seasoning ? Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. And while you’re at it, be sure to follow these tips on how to get your grill ready for grilling season, too. Use the scouring pad or a medium soft bristle brush to clean hard to reach areas. 3 Clean the exterior of the grill. There are plenty of options on the market that cost less than twenty dollars. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Find washing soda in a large grocery store's laundry aisle. Brush the grates carefully by turning all the burners on high for about 15 minutes or so. 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. They are just as important to keep sparkling clean. You can easily and inexpensively clean your gas grill with a spray bottle, vinegar, a cotton cloth and water. Scrubbing should be substantially easier than it was before the grates were soaked. Spray the solution on your grates. Stir together two cups of vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Some of the food often remains on the grill, which can damage it over time. Next, fill the spray bottle with just vinegar and spray it on the cotton cloth. This article has been viewed 23,119 times. Tip: If you over clean your grates, you will need to re-season them or you will stick your next meal. Spray more solution on spots that are particularly crusty. 3. Keep in mind that a bottle of cleaner can go a long way. When you’re done scrubbing the surface of the grates, flip them over and scrub the back sides as well. 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. Put your grills in a plastic tub and fill it up with a 60/40 mix of vinegar and water. I am Mr Jones, you can call me Mr Jones. These grates will produce 100-150°F extra of the grill temperature. After your grates have soaked for an hour, scrub off the rust with the grill brush. I cannot believe how well it soaked through the buildup on the grills! By using our site, you agree to our. How to Clean Cast Iron Grill Grates – Overview. How to use baking soda and vinegar to clean the grill grates? Mix two cups of water with two cups of vinegar in a spray bottle. After its warmed, use your grill brush to scrub any additional residue off the grates. You could use nearly anything handy such an onion, lemon, or dried corn cobs. If you have a grill brush, you can use it instead of a foil ball. % of people told us that this article helped them. So they do need an occasional deep clean. You can’t beat the power of white vinegar and water at getting any grill sparkling clean. Keep these tips in mind before you start scrubbing. This article was co-authored by Filip Boksa. Most grates will not fit inside your dishwasher, so this will need to be done by hand. Let sit for 10 minutes. Twice a year, deep clean your grill grates. 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. Using a brush or a rag, apply the … There are two ways to do this. Without even realizing it, many people have accidentally ingested these bristles, too. If this doesn't work, you can also use Goo Gone's Grill and Grate cleaner. First of all WELCOME EVERYONE to my YouTube channel. Soak in soapy water for an hour and rinse. Fold the aluminum foil to make a giant ball enough to fit in your fingers. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 23,119 times. When they cool, use the tin foil to clean them to avoid burning your finger. Then run it over the grates to eliminate any debris. 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. It just means heating them up to a high temperature so that any remaining food or grease is easily cooked off. They may get too hot: You have to be careful to not set the temperature too high and burn your food. No matter what type of metal it is, they are prone to rust. Heat your grill to 600 degrees, then turn off the heat. Soak a neglected grill grate overnight in washing soda before scrubbing. Brush off any food particles or bbq crumbs when done. After that clean the lower end and then remove the grates. The mixture will begin to froth almost immediately. Now scrape those Flavorizer bars using a putty knife. Whether you’re a grill master or a newbie, all grillers need to know how to clean their grill grates the right way. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Determine whether your grill grates are made of porcelain, cast iron or stainless steel. After the 10 minutes is up, brush your grates clean with a grill brush—no rinsing required. The aluminum foil will concentrate the heat on the grates to burn off the leftover food. We’ve provided four easy ways can remove even the toughest of grime. Spray the mixture on the grill racks and let it set for 10 minutes. Even after just one or two uses, grill grates are going to accumulate food residue. Overnight soaking is ideal for stubborn, crusty grill residue that may not soften within a few minutes of spraying it with vinegar alone. These tips are easy to follow and are very effective in removing annoying dirt. Be sure to get into the grooves. The best part is: Washing grills with the mixture of vinegar will prove to be a lifesaver from endless scrubbing. Check out our grill cleaning guide to ensure you haven’t missed a spot while cleaning your grill from head to toe. Mix two parts baking soda and one part vinegar until you have a thick paste. 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. Use the saturated cloth to scrub the racks. Use a sponge, Brillo Pad or a Commercial Grade Grill Brush to scrub your grates. If your grill grates have significant oil and grease buildup– or if you simply wish to reduce the difficulty of scrubbing them clean– consider soaking the grates overnight instead of simply spraying and scrubbing. The porcelain grill grate is best scrubbed with a nylon brush and should be carefully brushed in gentle diagonal strokes. If you feel like swapping in a safer tool, we’ve got plenty of other grill cleaning ideas you can start using today. … This is the quickest and easiest method for cleaning grill grates. Next, clean the grill grates by gently scrubbing off the stuck grime and food bits. Clean them as little as possible during the first several uses to allow seasoning to take place. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. It’s always ideal to clean the grates after every use. To clean your charcoal grill grates effectively, you need a spray cleaner that can target built-up food particles. Finish Up Drain the sink and rinse the grates in cool water. (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. Material: Stainless steel woven wire; Length: 18 inches; Warranty: 100% money-back guarantee; Check Price On Amazon. Any congealed oil and grease should loosen easily after being soaked in vinegar. References Therefore, deep cleans should only be done occasionally. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Deep Cleaning Grill Grates. Some people have a hard time cleaning up: The rail design sometimes may require a bit more effort to clean than a traditional grate. To loosen stubborn, carbonized grime, soak your grates in soapy water overnight. Vinegar Cleaner with Baking Soda Place the grill grates in a tough plastic garbage bag that will enfold them. Some even ended up in the emergency room. Use the spray bottle to apply the vinegar-water mixture to your grill grates. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. After you clean grill racks thoroughly, rinse grates well with warm water or a garden hose and dry the surface with a clean towel. When you’re finished, rinse off the grill grates with cool water until all … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. When cleaning stainless steel grates, many grillers cover the top of the grates with tough aluminum foil and heat the grates on high for 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t forget to consistently clean the rest of your grill and your grill tools and accessories. Spray the vinegar solution on them and … First, make sure your grill is off, and that the grates are cool enough to touch safely. Plus, this method kills two birds with one stone: cleaned grates that are also sanitized by the heat. GrillGrates will season quickly like a cast iron skillet. Eek! Step 3 - Perform Monthly or Annual Vinegar Cleanings. Soapy water is the safest cleaning solution for most gas grills. Use a vinegar rinse to remove the soapy residue before using the grate again. 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. It will surely bring back the look of your BBQ grill. 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. Wire bristles are notorious for breaking off and falling into your food. Eye protection and disposable gloves are recommended. Return the grates to your grill, close the lid and warm it up. In addition to using the burnoff method, we recommend scrubbing your grill grates down with hot, soapy water every month. Approved. One is to cover the top of the grates in aluminum foil, turn the grill on high and then close the lid. A sturdy and solid stainless grill brush with excellent design to clean grill grates effectively. The focus on the GrillGrates is to remove stuck on debris. Steel wool helps to remove burnt on debris. Quick Summary. Close the lid and let it steam for 30 minutes. Use Vinegar or a Grill Spray. When the grill is turned off and cool to the touch, spray the cleaner directly onto the grill top. In the morning, scrub it again. Grill grime, begone. The GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper have a unique design with the grill brush composed of three brushes in one. Do this by adding equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Cleaning grill grates by burning them does not mean setting them on fire. The Best Way to Clean Grill Grates Prepare a vinegar solution for cleaning your grill grates. Sprinkle the baking soda on every part of the charcoal grill for effective clean-up. Last Updated: September 13, 2019 *If you’re using a grill spray, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the bottle. Do not scrub too hard because it can damage the surface of the grill. Your work is not finished just yet. How you clean your grill grates and what products you use depends on what material the grates are made of. It will also kill any potentially harmful germs left behind by raw meat, leaving your cooking surface both cleaner and safer. To keep your stainless steel grill grates looking shiny and new, give them a good cleaning once a month. Steam-cleaning your grill is always an option. Open the grill and using a grill brush, begin to clean the grill grates top side and bottom side. Rub the grates again with a grill brush and rinse with cool water. 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. The mundane task of cleaning your grates after each use will do wonders to help retain their quality and longevity. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This will allow the acid in the vinegar to eat through the oil and grease sticking to your grates. 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”. Cleaning your grill grates may sound daunting, but it doesn’t take much to get them sparkling. Porcelain grates don’t require seasoning. This method is especially strong to remove very gunked-up grates in a hurry. While some grillers opt for a traditional grill brush, many do not know how dangerous wire grill brushes can be. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. This trick gets the job done, too. "I inherited the task of cleaning last year's BBQ grills. Use a grill brush on more hardened buildup. Baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent that will soften even the toughest stains. If the grill brush is hard to get or is inaccessible, you can use tin foil to clean them. To clean a charcoal grill, start by removing the grates. You can use the included spatula for easier cleaning. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then use a lemon to scrub-off the remaining caked-on grill grate. A time may come, at the start of grilling season perhaps, when deep cleaning is required. Leave it on for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, use your grill brush (or alternative tool) to brush the grates clean. It will foam so permit space in the bowl or the container. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Return the grates to your grill, close the lid and warm it up. That’s it—no rinsing required. 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 shut down the grill and enjoy your grate meal. While cleaning your grill grates with soapy water is our preferred method, some prefer using vinegar or a grill spray. Spray your grill grates with the mixture. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Clean-Grill-Grates-with-Vinegar-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Grill-Grates-with-Vinegar-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Clean-Grill-Grates-with-Vinegar-Step-1.jpg\/aid10834021-v4-728px-Clean-Grill-Grates-with-Vinegar-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"