We Tried 4 Methods for Cleaning Impossibly Dirty Grill Grates — And We’re Still Blown Away by the Winner

Out of doors grills are likely to bear the brunt of the workload throughout these hotter months. They assist us preserve the warmth out of our kitchens and get these basic summer season entrées (burgers! Canines! Steak! Veggies!)) on our plates. When you’re always utilizing your grill, although, the grates can get messy. Like, actually messy. In a short time. scrape-down with a sturdy brush earlier than and after you grill is an effective behavior to get into, however you actually need to present the grates a extra thorough cleansing from time to time to maintain them in tip-top form. (And no, you can’t put them in the dishwasher!) So what’s the easiest way to do the deep-clean? I attempted 4 well-liked strategies and rated each under.

I wanted 4 grill grates, however my grill solely has three. I grabbed these and borrowed three extra from my neighbor. I figured it was finest to have extras and I even did some bonus testing (extra on that later). My neighbor’s grates have been equally as soiled as mine and I promised to return them in higher situation than they got to me in. (Don’t you wish to be my neighbor? I borrow issues, clear them for you, and return them!) Then I set to work, taking footage and detailed notes for myself.

Rankings: Every methodology acquired a score. A 1 was given to the least efficient methodology, and a 4 went to the best. Together with the score you’ll discover notes on how straightforward or troublesome the strategy was, how a lot elbow grease it took, and the way a lot time it took to efficiently full.

The tactic: Crumple up a ball of (good) aluminum foil, then use the ball to scrape warm-but-not-hot grates clear.

The way it went: I discovered this methodology to be a wonderful solution to get down into the grooves and knock massive chunks and flakes off your grates … earlier than utilizing one of many different strategies. I beloved it as a result of I used to be capable of mildew the foil to the form of the grates to get down in between each. It didn’t do a terrific job at eradicating grease — which wasn’t stunning, and why I like this methodology in tandem with one other methodology. Simply take into account that utilizing extreme drive can strip away the enamel, so proceed with warning!

The tactic: Take away cooled grates from the grill. Put them in a rubbish bag and add 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Shut up the bag and let the answer soak for 8 hours or in a single day. Then, rinse the grates and scrub off any remaining meals bits, utilizing a ball of foil or a scrubby sponge.

The outcomes: This is likely one of the strategies that Arm & Hammer recommends and it’s pretty efficient! The soak helped the bits wipe off and was pretty robust on grease. I’m docking this methodology a bit, although, as a result of it’s probably not the best by way of immediate gratification. It’s a must to have the foresight to do that the day earlier than you wish to grill, and it nonetheless does require a little bit of effort and time in your half when the soaking half is over.

The tactic: I used Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser, which says to spray on the floor, wipe clear, and rinse completely. The label additionally says to not let the stuff dry earlier than rinsing, so that is positively not a type of spray-and-sit conditions.

The way it went: This was one of the crucial hands-on strategies and, by far, the messiest. It did yield nice outcomes, however it took so much to get to that time. Whereas I used to be very pleased with the grate after the cleansing, I did have a lot of grease splatter marks (from all of the scrubbing with the comb) on my footwear and pants! I’d be keen to place within the effort if there wasn’t an possibility that topped this one, which brings me to this subsequent methodology …

The tactic: Take away cooled grates from the grill. Fill a sink or bucket with heat water and roughly 1/2 cup of baking soda. In a bowl, combine up a paste of Dawn dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste to the grates, ensuring to get in all of the nooks and crannies, and let the grates soak for at the very least half-hour. Then scrub, wash, and rinse.

The way it went: The paste did a fully incredible job of eradicating oil and getting the tops of the grates clear. I truthfully wasn’t anticipating such dramatic outcomes! It didn’t work so properly on the chunky burnt-on elements down within the grooves. When utilized in mixture with aluminum foil, nonetheless, this methodology is actually nice, and helps to keep away from utilizing an aerosol or any harsh chemical compounds. That is the one approach I’ll be cleansing my grates any more!

I’ve used Easy-Off in lots of checks earlier than and it really works actually properly, so it at all times wins. I imply it’s proper there within the title: EASY! I virtually didn’t attempt it on this take a look at, as a result of I do know that the tough chemical compounds are a turn-off (pun not supposed) for some folks. However then my editor wrote about the way it’s her new favorite method and I gave it a attempt. Right here’s how I did it and the way it labored for me.

The tactic: Take away cooled grates from grill and place them on a trash bag outside, or in a utility sink in a well-ventilated space. Brush the grates to take away as a lot gunk as potential. Spray the grates with Straightforward Off, permit to foam, and let sit for 40 minutes. Brush down the grates, rinsing steadily. You should definitely rinse completely earlier than placing them again on the grill.

Hew it went: The Straightforward-Off works because it’s meant to, loosening grit and dirt, making it a lot simpler to wipe away. It took me two periods to efficiently take away the grime from the grill grate. The primary time cleaned the highest of the grate, however didn’t loosen the stuff that was actually caught down in between. After one other 40 minutes, I used to be capable of simply wipe down most of what was left over. There was a tiny little bit of gunk left, which I used to be capable of simply get out with some aluminum foil. This methodology was the simplest (positively the simplest on the enamel!), however once more, I do know it’s not for everybody.

How do you clear your grill grates once they want a deep, deep clear?