Regularly cleaning your grill grates is essential for maintaining your barbecue, smoker, or gas grill. A clean grill prevents sticking and keeps carbonized bits from ruining your food. It also extends the life of your grill by preventing rust and weakening grill parts. Here are our tried-and-true methods using safe, natural cleaners.
How to Make Your Grill Grates Look New
Identify the Material: Grill grates are going to get dirty. Different types of grates require specific cleaning methods. Regular deep cleaning is key to keeping them in top condition.
The Easiest Way to Clean Grill Grates
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use common household products instead of harsh chemicals that can damage the grill and the environment. Avoid wire brushes, scrubbing pads, and steel wool, which can scratch and damage the grates.
Cleaning Frequency
Quick Wipe-Down After Each Use: Use heat-resistant gloves and a rag with a small amount of canola oil to wipe off bits while the grill is still warm. This helps maintain so you won’t have to spend as much time and elbow grease getting them clean.
Deep Clean Twice a Year: Perform a thorough cleaning in spring and fall to prevent grease and fat buildup. Having the proper tools for cleaning the different types of grates will make the biggest difference in the level of effort it takes to keep your grill grates clean.
Soaking Solution for Cleaning Grill Grates
One of the most effective ways to quickly clean grates that are well-maintained is to use a soaking solution. You can purchase regular white vinegar in gallon jugs in the cleaning supplies aisle.
Vinegar Soak: Place grates in a tub or large garbage bag laying flat and cover with white vinegar. Tie off if using a bag. Soak for 10-30 minutes for mild cleaning or several hours for tougher jobs.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste: Apply the paste, then immerse the grates in vinegar. The chemical reaction will loosen grime, grease, and rust. Use a ball of aluminum foil to help remove stuck-on food. Rinse thoroughly before use. A nylon grill brush also works well on most grill surfaces.
Cleaning Different Types of Grates
Porcelain Grates: Porcelain grates are somewhat more challenging to deep clean because the coating can be damaged. Avoid wire brushes and abrasives to prevent scratching, chipping, cracking, and rust. Aluminum foil is safe to use on most grills because it’s softer than the metals used to make the grates. Use a nylon brush, warm water, and dish soap. Wipe down with high-smoke-point oil, like vegetable oil, to maintain the surface. Avoid using extra virgin olive oil which can burn and leave a gross flavor that is also unhealthy.
Cast Iron Grates: Cast iron grates are amazing because they hold heat well and are easy to clean. Burn off rust and debris, then use a stiff wire brush. Once completely clean, season the grates with oil with the heat turned up. This gives the iron grill grates a rust-resistant finish and prevents food from sticking.
Stainless Steel Grates: The trick with stainless steel grills is to prevent scratches. Soak and use aluminum foil to gently clean. Avoid wire brushes to prevent scratches, which will cause the finishes to crack and peel, introducing areas for rust to form beneath the finish. Use dish soap for grease removal and wipe with oil between uses. Use a ball of aluminum foil to gently loosen stuck-on food. Dab the foil ball in white vinegar and baking soda to help clean the grates. Stainless steel grates are best when kept clean between uses to protect the finish.
Cleaning After Each Use
Avoid leaving food drippings on the grates. The next time they cook, they’ll heat the grill and burn off the grates before use. Burning off the grill in this manner releases toxic chemicals into the air and contaminates your grill. Gently scrape off large chunks with a brush, then use aluminum foil held in tongs to wipe down the rest. Finish with a paper towel and some oil.
Final Thoughts
Proper maintenance extends the life of your grill grates. Keep them clean and oiled to prevent rust and ensure a nonstick surface, making cooking more enjoyable. Using a little oil between uses is a great way to prevent rust and keep your grates as nonstick as possible!
