How To Quickly Clean Grill Grates

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Choose Your Best Way to Clean Grill Grates

You don't need to use a specialized grill cleaner or harsh chemicals to clean your grill, even if it's covered in charred grease and grime. When you clean the inside of your grill with baking soda, you can use a nylon-bristled brush, scourer sponge, a ball of aluminum foil, or even a paper towel or rag, depending on what you have available.

To clean grimy stainless steel grill grates, heat your grill to high to burn off and loosen any excess food, then let the grates cool before scrubbing. You can also skip this step and go straight to the scrubbing.

Here are four ways to clean your stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel grill grates with minimal effort, thanks to the power of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda.

Method #1: Clean with Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda

Make a paste of 1 ½ cup ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and ½ cup water in a small bowl. It should be a thick liquid consistency that sticks to the grill grates.
Using a brush or sponge, cover the grill grates with the baking soda paste and let sit for a few minutes.
Tear off a sizable piece of aluminum foil (about 2-3 ft. long) and crumple into a ball.
Scrub the baking-soda covered grate wires with the aluminum foil ball, working up and down each wire and across the grate.
Rinse the grate with water and return to the grill.

Method #2: 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. Don't 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.

Method #3: Clean Cast Iron Grill Grates Without Removing From the Grill

Cast iron grill grates are durable and heat evenly but can be prone to rusting. If you open your grill to see rusty cast iron grates, don't despair. Reach for the baking soda, even if your cast iron grates don't easily come out of your grill.

Make a paste of 1 ½ cups ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda, ¼ cup dish soap, and ¼ cup white vinegar in a small bowl. It should be a frothy liquid consistency that sticks to the grill grates.
Using a brush, paint the grill grates with the paste, avoiding the heating elements if this is a gas grill. Close the grill. Note: do not turn the grill on.
Let the paste sit for 8-12 hours or overnight.
Use a nylon-bristled brush or scourer sponge to remove the loosened debris and grime.
Use a damp sponge and warm water to wipe away any remaining residue.

Once all the rust is removed, thoroughly dry the grates and rub them with a generous amount of vegetable oil to coat them and protect from moisture. You can also turn the grill on high after coating with oil to help lock in the seasoning and be ready for your next BBQ.

Method #4: No Scrub Baking Soda and Vinegar Grate Cleaning

Meat On Grill.

If you have an extremely dirty grill with stubborn, caked-on grease or grime that doesn't 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 can't scrub the grates right away.

Once your grates are completely cool, remove from the grill.
In a large garbage bag (big enough to hold all the grates), 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 (like your garage) 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.

More Ways to Clean With ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile natural cleaner that can be used around your home to help with everyday cleaning and seasonal deep cleans. For more tips on using baking soda around your home, explore these articles:

How to Clean a Scorched Pan
How to Clean Your Oven Naturally with Baking Soda
How to Open Your Pool for the Summer