12+ Genius Tricks to Clean Your Grill Fast (No Fancy Tools Needed)

There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma and mouthwatering flavors that come from cooking up burgers, steaks, or veggies on the ol’ backyard grill. But let’s be real – that grill can get pretty messy, pretty fast.

Food scraps, grease, and grime can really start to build up, making it a pain to use and threatening the performance of your trusty cooktop. That’s why it’s so important to keep your grill clean.

Regular maintenance will not only make your grilling experience more enjoyable, but it can also extend the life of your grill and ensure it’s working at its best. Plus, a clean grill is just nicer to look at.

We’ll take a look at the best ways to clean your grill, from quick daily wipe-downs to more thorough deep cleanings. With these tips, you’ll have your grill sparkling in no time.

Daily Grill Cleaning

The key to keeping your grill in tip-top shape is to do a quick clean after each use. This helps prevent a major buildup of gunk and makes the deeper cleanings much easier down the line.

Here’s how to do a simple daily clean:

1. Brush the grates

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As soon as you’re done grilling, give the grates a good scrubbing with a grill brush or ball of aluminum foil. This helps remove any food particles or grease that’s still clinging on.

Be sure to do this while the grates are still warm – it’ll make the job a lot easier.

2. Wipe down the exterior

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Use a damp cloth or paper towels to wipe down the outside of the grill, including the lid, sides, and control panel. This will remove any splatter or fingerprints. You can also use a mild soap and water solution if needed.

3. Empty the drip tray

Most grills have a small drip tray or catch pan that collects grease and juices as you cook. Make sure to empty this out after each use so it doesn’t get too full and messy.

You can also line the tray with tin foil and just change it out periodically.

4. Cover it up

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Once the grill has cooled completely, cover it up to protect it from the elements. This will keep dust, dirt, and critters from getting in and making a mess.

That’s it! Doing these simple steps after each grilling session will really help keep your grill in great shape. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference.

Deep Cleaning the Grill with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Of course, even with regular daily maintenance, your grill is going to need a more thorough cleaning every so often. Here’s how to do a deep clean:

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need:

• A grill brush or scrubbing pad
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• A bucket of warm water
• Rags or paper towels

2. Disconnect and disassemble. Start by turning off the gas and disconnecting the tank, if you have a gas grill. Then remove the grates, flavorizer bars, and any other removable parts. This will give you better access to the interior.

3. Scrub the grates. Fill your sink or a large bucket with warm, soapy water. Submerge the grill grates and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen up any baked-on food. Then use your grill brush or a scrubbing pad to give them a good scrub.

4. Clean the interior. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the interior surfaces of the grill, including the lid, walls, and bottom. Then spray or pour vinegar over the baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction that helps break down grease and grime. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it all down with a damp cloth.

5. Tackle the burners. If your grill has gas burners, use a wire brush to clean off any debris or blockages. You can also use a toothpick or paperclip to clear out the tiny holes. This will help ensure proper gas flow.

6. Clean the exterior. Wipe down the outside of the grill with a soapy rag, paying special attention to the control panel, handles, and other high-touch areas. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

7. Reassemble and season. Put all the cleaned parts back in place, then fire up the grill and let it run for 15-20 minutes. This will help season the grates and burn off any remaining residue.

And that’s it! Your grill should now be sparkling clean and ready for many more seasons of delicious grilling. Just remember to do this deep clean a few times per year, depending on how often you use your grill.

Deep Clean Your Grill with an Onion or Orange

There’s another way to clean your grill! Using natural ingredients like onions or oranges to clean your grill is a simple and chemical-free way to get rid of stuck-on food and grease.

Here’s how you can do it:

Cleaning with an Onion

An onion contains natural oils and enzymes that help break down grime on grill grates. It’s a quick and easy method, especially right after cooking.

Steps:

1. Heat the Grill: After you finish cooking, turn the grill on high heat for about 10-15 minutes to burn off food residue.
2. Cut the Onion in Half: Take a large onion and cut it in half.
3. Use a Fork or Tongs: Pierce the cut side of the onion with a fork or hold it with tongs so you don’t burn your hands.
4. Scrub the Grates: Rub the onion directly onto the hot grill grates. The onion juices will help loosen stuck-on bits while the heat will burn off grease.
5. Repeat if Needed: If there’s still residue, use another half of the onion or scrub a bit more.
6. Wipe Down: After scrubbing, you can wipe the grates with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove loosened debris.

The onion method works great because it’s natural, smells fresh, and leaves a little seasoning on your grill.

Cleaning with an Orange

Oranges have natural acids and oils in their peel that can help cut through grease and grime.

Steps:

1. Heat the Grill: Warm up your grill for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
2. Cut an Orange in Half: Similar to the onion, cut a fresh orange in half.
3. Use a Fork or Tongs: Hold one half of the orange with a fork or tongs.
4. Rub the Orange on the Grates: Scrub the orange peel side against the grill grates while they’re warm. The citrus oils will help dissolve grease buildup.
5. Let It Sit: You can let any leftover orange juice sit for a few minutes to help break down grime further.
6. Wipe Clean: Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the grates and remove loosened debris.

Cleaning with orange leaves a fresh citrus scent and can be a nice alternative if you don’t have an onion on hand.

Tips for Both Methods

• Always be careful when handling hot grill grates. Use tongs or forks to hold the onion or orange halves.
• These natural methods work best for light to moderate cleaning after each use, not for heavy grease buildup.
• After scrubbing with onion or orange, give your grill a quick wipe with a wet cloth to avoid any leftover bits burning during your next cook.

Using onions or oranges is a handy, eco-friendly way to keep your grill clean between deeper cleans without harsh chemicals or special tools.

Bonus Tips

Here are a few extra tips to keep your grill in top shape:

• Before grilling, spray a non-stick cooking spray on your grates to minimize food particles sticking.
• While the coals are still hot (after you’ve finished cooking) use a grill brush to scrape off the food particles so they can burn up in the coals (or briquettes) below. Or, if you have the “clean” feature, you can run that at this point.
• Check the gas tank and hoses regularly for any leaks or damage.
• Consider replacing your grill grates every 2-3 years, as they can become worn over time.
• Never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they can damage the grill’s finish.
• For stubborn stains or buildup, try soaking the grates in a baking soda and water solution overnight.

With these cleaning methods and maintenance tips, you’ll be able to keep your grill looking and performing its best for years to come. Happy grilling!