How to Clean Grill Grates

What You'll Need

• Wire grill brush
• Aluminum foil (alternative)
• Vegetable oil
• Soap-Man Turbo Clean Degreaser
• Bucket of soapy water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the grill

   Turn on the grill to high heat for 10-15 minutes to burn off food residue.

2. 2

   Brush with a wire brush

   Use a sturdy wire grill brush to scrub the grates while hot. The heat makes residue release easily.

3. 3

   Use foil for tough spots

   If you do not have a brush, crumple aluminum foil into a ball, hold with tongs, and scrub the grates.

4. 4

   Oil the grates

   Once clean, dip a folded paper towel in vegetable oil and rub it on the grates with tongs to season and prevent sticking.

5. 5

   Deep clean periodically

   Every few months, remove the grates, soak in soapy water with degreaser, scrub thoroughly, dry, and re-oil.

Pro Tips

• TIPBrush grates after every use while still hot -- this is the easiest time to remove food residue.
• TIPReplace your grill brush annually -- worn bristles can break off and end up in your food.
• TIPCover your grill when not in use to keep grates clean and prevent rust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing a brush with loose bristles, which can leave wire bristles in food. Inspect the brush regularly.
• XCleaning cold grates, which makes residue much harder to remove.
• XSkipping the oil after cleaning, which causes food to stick and grates to rust.

Frequently Asked Questions