How To Get Grill Grates Clean

Chrome / Nickel Plated Wire Grates

How to Clean GrillGrate Searing Station – Ace Hardware

If you own a standard Weber grill, youve seen these shiny cheap grates before. They work well for a while but after a couple of good years of service, theyre ready to toss out. The plating eventually comes off and they tend to rust quickly. Not too much loss, but then again theyre made to be replaced. These grates work excellent since the grate is thin enough to get a good sear on your meat.

Weber/Kettle Grill Hinged Grates

How To Cleangrill Grates With Vinegar

Clean the grills surface with a soft cloth, but dont spray the mixture directly on the grill Clean with aluminum foil and baking soda.Deep cleaning bbq grill grates with vinegar and baking soda:Dry the grates with a kitchen towel or place them in an open area for them to air dry.

For a deep clean process, sprinkle baking soda on the grates before spraying the vinegar solution.For more stubborn or more significant rust spots on your grill grates, make a baking soda and vinegar paste.Get rid of the aluminum foil that you had used to scrub the dirt off the grates.Here are steps to clean your gas grill using vinegar and baking soda together:

Heres how to clean stainless steel grill grates with vinegar and baking soda in five easy steps.How to clean grill grates with vinegar.I suggest that you do it at least once a month.If it is a natural gas grill, remove the grates before spraying so that water and debris to not go on the burner.

If you run into any stubborn pieces, dip a bit of vinegar into a paper towel or clean cloth.then wipe it on your grates.Instead, spray it on the cloth and focus on the grill.Instructions combine two cups of vinegar and one cup of baking soda in a garbage bag.It only takes a few simple steps to clean your barbecue grill with vinegar.

It should be a thick liquid consistency that sticks to the grill grates.It sounds daunting but its a simple process.Let it sit for an hour.Let the grates become completely dry.

The Cleaning Advantages Of Foil

It might seem strange the first time you wad up a sheet of foil and go to running it across your grill grates. I think youll notice right away though that theres a benefit of using a malleable cleaning utensil.

You dont need expensive tools to take care of your grates. A simple ball of foil will conform itself to your grill grates and turn itself into a customized cleaning and brushing tool for your grill grate. This even works on cast iron grates in addition to stainless steel.

Unlike the metal bristle brush of old which never fit really well between the grates, foil will create channels that fit perfectly between the grates of the grill.

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Gear You Need For Cleaning Your Stainless Steel Grates

Heres what you need to clean your stainless steel grate:

  • Stiff nylon brush or metal scraper

Cleaning stainless steel grill grates is a simple 4-step process:

  • Scrape
  • Scrub
  • Rinse
  • Allow me to walk you through this simple process of how to keep your stainless-steel grill grates clean. Ready? Lets dive in.

    Hacks To Clean Your Grill

    How To Clean Grill Grates  The Ultimate Guide On Grill ...
    • Steam: Fill a regular, metal tin from your kitchen with water and boil it on the grill. Push the tin to the side and begin scrapping with a bristle brush. The steam helps the grime come right off!
    • Beer: Pour half a bottle of beer over the top of greasy grates on a warm grill. The beer will break down the oil and grease, and it will come right off when clean with a bristle brush.
    • Vinegar: Put regular, household vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray vinegar all over the grill, then take a balled up piece of aluminum foil and use that as a bristle brush to scrape the grime right off.
    • Onion: Cut an onion in half, put it on the end of your grilling fork and rub it all over the grill grates, then scrub with a bristle brush. The enzymes from the onion will help break down the oil and the grease.

    And remember to be extra careful about loose brush bristles left behind on the grill a huge safety hazard. Barbecue brushes have caused an estimated 1,698 emergency room visits from 2002 to 2014, according to a study published in 2016 in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Experts suggest replacing your brush regularly, and inspecting both the grill grates and your food for lose bristles.

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    Why Should Clean Grill Grates

    We should focus on keeping everything clean and tidy. Grates should also be kept clean after grilling to ensure healthy food and reduce fire risk. Below are some more serious reasons to keep grill grates clean:

    Reduce the risk of fire

    Grease often sticks to the grill or grates after cooking. If not cleaned for a long time, grease accumulates in ingrates or other places on the grill or in burners. Grease evaporates and burns, causing it to catch fire. So regular cleaning should be done to avoid dangerous situations.

    Eliminate harmful bacteria

    Tiny particles of meat cooked for a long time get stuck in the grate. Bacteria are caused by not keeping the food stuck every day clean, which spreads in and around the grates. So to destroy the bacteria, it is necessary to keep the grates clean.

    Maintaining food quality

    You will always want your food to be served with delicious and wonderful flavors. But grill grates give you a bad smell from pre-cooked food pieces unless you have been cleaning these things. So it is everyones responsibility to keep it clean after cooking to ensure fresh and delicious food.

    Long-lasting equipment

    Almost all types of grill grates on the market are made of cast iron. Although iron grill grates are ideal for grilling, uncleanness affects the durability of the iron. Excessive moisture, exposure to frozen grease or water can cause rust and decay.

    Can I Grill On The Rust

    Simply put I wouldnt recommend it. Its unsanitary and potentially unhealthy.

    Itll also inhibit the grilling process, preventing those good grill marks from forming and cooking your food unevenly.

    Its my strong suggestion that you use one of these rust removal techniques to spot or wholly clean your rusty grill grate before using it.

    Also Check: How To Clean Porcelain Grill Grates Char Broil

    Cast Iron Grates Rust Prevention

    Now that you know how to clean cast iron grates, you should know that cast iron needs to remain oiled, or it is often referred to as seasoning. Without any type of porcelain coating, the raw iron exposed to the elements will rust. This process is simple and will expand the life of your cast iron grates.

    Grab an old rag and soak it in vegetable oil and apply the oil to the grate. Make sure you cover every inch with oil to prevent rust. You should season or oil at least every time you deep clean your grates with soap, vinegar, and baking soda.

    How To Keep Your Grill Clean

    Grill Grate Cleaning
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    To love grilling is to love your grill.

    Like any good relationship, you need to put some work into the one you have with your grillluckily the time spent keeping a happy grill is minimal and the payback for the effort is enormous. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a top-of-line model or a cheap knock-off, with proper maintenance, any grill is bound to keep you cooking for a good-long time.

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    How To Clean A Grill The Grates

    Protective gloves

    Soft scouring pad

    Whatever type of BBQ you have, you should always start with the grates heres what we recommend:

    1. Firstly, you should run the empty grill on full temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will burn any remaining food residue to a charred state, making it easier to remove. At the same time, this will also kill any bacteria.

    2. Wait for the grill to completely cool before you start to clean.

    3. The next step depends on the type of grates you have. With the exception of porcelain, cast iron and stainless steel grates, most can be scrubbed with a metal brush or spatula. Scrub in the direction of the grates, and make sure you cover the underside as well. Stainless steel, cast iron and porcelain can scratch easily, so for these use a sponge, microfiber cloth or dedicated cast iron brush.

    4. If this doesnt shift the residue, you can submerge the grates in hot, soapy water and leave them to soak overnight before scrubbing, rinsing and drying. If youve got a cast iron grate, do not leave this to soak as it will leave it vulnerable to rust. You can rinse this grate under hot, running water, but make sure you thoroughly dry it afterwards and coat it in a layer of oil for protection. The easiest way to make sure its dry is to place it back on the grill and run it on full temperature for 10 minutes.

    Your grates should now be spotless again!

    What Is The Best Way To Clean Grill Grates Fast And Efficient Methods

    Cleaning your grates is an important step to making them last longer. But the question is – is the cleaning process the SAMEfor all types of grates?

    The BEST way to clean them actually depends on the TYPE of grates you have.

    Dont worry as our experts have prepared a COMPLETE guide on how to correctly and efficiently clean grills of any kind!

    Also Check: How To Clean Porcelain Grill Grates Char Broil

    Baking Soda And Scour Sponge Grate Cleaning

    If you have porcelain or enamel grill grates, this is the method for you. Metal such as a wire brush or aluminum foil can scratch the finish of coated grill grates, so using a scour sponge or nylon bristle brush is best. Dont worry though, the power of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda will help dissolve and abrade the charred on food bits to get your grill grates clean.

    • Remove the stainless steel grate from the grill and place on a flat surface.
    • Moisten the grill grate with water.
    • Sprinkle ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda liberally over the stainless steel grates and let sit for 10 minutes.
    • Using a damp scourer sponge, scrub the grate going up and down each wire.
    • Rinse with water and return the grate to the grill.

    Allow Yourgrates To Season

    6 Easy Ways to Clean Grill Grates and Prevent Rust

    Avoid over cleaning your grates in the beginning to allow them to season and develop a non-stick coating. We like to compare GrillGrates to a good cast iron pan: seasoning is the KEY to good food! Your grates will go from gray to light brown to black over time this is a good thing!

    Warning: Do not put in the dishwasher.Do not use oven cleaner or harsh caustic cleaners.

    Also Check: How To Clean Porcelain Grill Grates Char Broil

    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. Mix two parts baking soda and one part vinegar until you have a thick paste. Using a brush or a rag, apply the paste to the rust spots on the grates. Let it sit for an hour.

    When you come back to it, some of the paste should be absorbed. Scrub the affected areas with the rough side of a sponge, steel wool, or a scrub brush. The rust should come off quickly. If it doesnt, try the next method.

    Prevent Rust On Your Grill Grates

    Cleaning rusty grill grates can be a pain. But you can prevent the rust from invading your grill in the future by seasoning your grates. Once your grates are clean and rust-free, simply coat them in cooking oil of your choice. Make sure theyre fully covered and then fire up the grill. Let it heat the grates on high for about an hour. This serves to solidify the oil on the metal, resulting in a protective sheen.

    To maintain your seasoned grates, apply a layer of cooking oil before and after youre done cooking. Its also a good idea to buy a grill cover if you dont already have one. Before the winter hits, put your grill in a shed or your garage, if possible. All these things will help keep your grill in the best shape possible for years to come.

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    Two Effective Methods To Clean Grill Grates

    Nowadays, there are some good quality grills for grilling. Which usually has many advantages. Depending on the structure and characteristics, in some cases, the method of cleaning grates is almost the same or different. So lets learn about two such grill grates below:

    Char-Broil Tru Infrared Grill Grates

    Char-Broil Tru grill grates use infrared technology, which gives users control over cooking food with higher temperatures. Infrared heat helps prevent stains on the grill surface. As well as giving the added benefit of quick-cooking on low gas. There are two ways to clean infrared grates. Heres a summary of the best and easiest ways for you:

    1st Step

    • Spray the grates and warming rack at 8-12 inches from the grates surface, using charbroils grates cleaner.
    • Run the cleaner for 4-5 minutes to penetrate the grease.
    • Once sprayed, scrub with a charbroils brush.
    • Then wipe with a soft and dry cloth.

    2nd Step

    • Rub the grates with a safe brush of char-broils to remove any food left on the grill.
    • Then soak the grill grates in soapy water and wash with a sponge.
    • Dry and use.
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    Weber Genesis Grill Grates

    How to clean weber genesis grill grates? The subject may seem a little difficult for newcomers. Because it usually comes with two grill grates, cast iron and porcelain. Whose level of cleanliness is different. It is very easy to clean the Weber genesis grill grates. Below are some simple ways to clean up:

    Cast Iron
    Porcelain

    No Scrub Baking Soda And Vinegar Grate Cleaning

    How to Clean Your Grill Grates | Char-Broil

    If you have an extremely dirty grill with stubborn, caked-on grease or grime that doesnt loosen right away soaking the grimy grates overnight in baking soda and white vinegar can save the labor of scrubbing.

    Try this method to deep clean your grates at the beginning of grilling season or use it after a cookout, especially if you cant scrub the grates right away.

    • Once your grates are completely cool, remove from the grill.
    • In a large garbage bag , combine 2 cups of white vinegar and one cup of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. The mixture will begin foaming right away.
    • Place all the grates into the trash bag and seal it with a tight rubber band or knotted string. Place the bag with the grates and the solution in a cool, out-of-the-way place and wait 8-12 hours or overnight.
    • Remove the grates from the bag and rinse in a large sink or with a hose. Most, if not all of the grime should fall away from the grates. Rub any stubborn residue away with a ball of aluminum foil or sponge it will be much easier and looser than before soaking.
    • Seal the garbage bag and discard it and any remaining solution.
    • Return your grates to your grill.

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    Rusty Steel Grill Grates Heres How To Clean

    Many fire pits come with grilling grates for cooking, as of course your actual gas or charcoal grill. Notice over a period of time the grates get rusty and aesthetically unappealing? We want to share with you how to clean the rust, etc. from your grilling grates whether you are using a propane gas fire pit, a wood burning fire pit or a natural gas fire pit. You need to remove the rust as soon as you notice it. There are certainly some health concerns from ingesting rust. Grill grates are created with several different materials, such as cast iron and steel. Most metals are not resistant to the elements especially after having heat applied to them and if they are not cared for properly, can rust to the point of needing replaced. Read on to learn how to care for your grill grate.

    For Steel Grates

    1. First combine two gallons of jot water with on fourth cup mild washing soap in a bucket. Wearing gloves begin scrubbing the entire grill with a sponge and the water/dish soap mixture. Rinse it off with plain hot water and let it air dry for at least a hour.

    2. Once the steel grates are clean, mix one-half tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water. Use an old toothbrush to rub the baking soda mixture onto the rusted areas. Baking soda is no-abrasive so the rust should be expected to be gently lifted off keeping the steel undamaged. Then wipe this off with a paper towel.

    3. In order to bring back the nice shine of the steel, wipe it down with distilled white vinegar.

    Salt Paste

    How To Clean Grill Grates

    Cleaning your grill grates will help reduce rust buildup and ensure tasty food when you grill. You want to scrape your grates after each use, but you should also do a deep cleanse at least once a year. Cleaning doesnt have to be a chore, but depending on what type of grill grates youre using you want to be careful how you clean them.

    Porcelain grill grates hold heat well and are rust-resistant, but you want to keep them cleaned and cared for. Any chips or scrapes in the porcelain will expose the metal underneath and allow water to seep in, which can create rust. So when cooking with metal tools be careful not to scrape or nick the grates. When cleaning porcelain grill grates, dont use metal or wire brushes. Use a soft bristle or a nylon grill brush. Burn off any food leftover on the grates. Then let the grates cool and scrub them with the nylon cleaning brush.

    Cast iron grill grates are very durable, tolerate high temperatures and create an even cooking surface. They are tough and can withstand just about anything except water iron is prone to rusting. When cleaning cast iron grates, burn off any food left over on the grates. Then let the grates cool and scrub them with the nylon cleaning brush. After cleaning the grates, dry and saturate the grates with vegetable oil to prevent rust from forming.

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