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4 Effective and Easy Methods to Clean Grill Grates

Oven is one of the essential and highly preferred appliances for many women. However, cleaning the grill is always the most unpleasant task.

Administrator

22 February, 2024

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The difficulty in cleaning grills is not only because they are always greasy, but also because of their bulky shape and hard material, which may not fit well in your sink, meaning you have to find an alternative place to clean them.

This led me to this small experiment. I set out to find the best (and easiest) way to clean grills. Below are the 4 methods that I used. Let’s take a look at this article for more information!

How did I experiment with different methods?

Before proceeding, of course, what I need to do is prepare 4 equally dirty grill trays. So I took 2 out of my oven and borrowed 2 equally dirty ones from a neighbor.

Then, I got down to work, took pictures and made detailed notes for myself.

1. Grill cleaning method: Fragrant paper + Dishwashing detergent

– Total time: Overnight (up to 12 hours)

– Rating: 2/5

– How to: Place an old towel at the bottom of the bathtub, arrange a few thin Bounce scented sheets (so that they are the same size as the grill) on top, then place the grill on top. Pour enough hot water to submerge the grill, then dissolve 1/2 cup of liquid or powdered dishwashing detergent.

Soak the grill overnight, then use a dry towel to wipe it clean, removing grease and food debris. Finally, clean the grill with clean water and soap.

– Result: The scented sheets are supposed to dilute the binder and soften the grilled food, making it easier for you to wipe the grill. Although at first glance you may feel that the grill looks cleaner now, when you look closely, you will see that the stubborn dirt is still not coming off.

At this point, I decided to use a sponge to see if that would help, and it did, but the result was still not impactful enough for me to consider it a good method for cleaning grills.

2. Grill cleaning method: Dishwashing detergent

– Total time: Overnight (up to 12 hours)

– Rating: 3/5

– How to: Place an old towel at the bottom of the bathtub, place the grill on top, then dissolve about 1/2 cup of liquid or powdered dishwashing detergent in warm water in the tub. Soak the grill overnight, then rinse it with a sponge and clean water.

– Result: This method is essentially the same as the first method, except that it does not require drying sheets, so I was curious to see how it would turn out. The soaking part also works well, but the sponge definitely performs better in removing grilled food from the surface of the grill compared to the drying sheets.

At this point, I think I have enough evidence to conclude that using drying sheets during the cleaning process is unnecessary. This method is very suitable if your grill is not too dirty and you have time to soak them overnight. Just make sure you have a good sponge brush.

3. Oven rack cleaning method: Trash bags + Easy-Off oven cleaner

– Total time: 50 minutes + 5 minutes of action

– Rating: 4/5

– How to: Place the grill in a large trash bag and place it in the sink or on the ground outside. Spray Easy-Off oven cleaner on the entire surface of the grill, keeping it about 9 to 12cm away. Close the bag and let it sit for up to 45 minutes. Then use a paper towel to wipe away the dirt on the rack. Rinse with warm soapy water when you have completed the steps.

– Result: I carefully pulled out the top of the trash bag, grabbed a roll of paper towels, and started wiping away the foam residue on the grill. The result surprised me and I was very satisfied because it didn’t take much time or effort.

I would give this method a score of 5 because it truly delivers amazing results, but my preferred method would be the next one, as it doesn’t even require you to spray any chemicals (many people are concerned about potential health effects).

4. Oven rack cleaning method: Bar Keepers Friend all-purpose cleaner

– Total time: 1 hour + 5 minutes of action

– Rating: 5/5

– How to: Create a paste by using Bar Keepers Friend and water. Note to create a paste that is not too thick or too thin. Use a brush to apply the paste to the front and back of the rack. Let it sit like this for 45 minutes, then rinse with a sponge and warm soapy water.

– Result: This method seems a bit unpleasant as it creates a sticky feeling. However, for me, it has become a favorite method because it is easy and completely clean without any effort to scrub. I did this job in a regular sink. This shows that you can clean grills wherever you want.

According to Trí Thức Trẻ

Frequently asked questions

There are four main methods to clean grill grates effectively and easily: using an onion, applying baking soda paste, employing aluminum foil, and investing in a grill brush. Each method offers a unique approach to removing grime and grease, ensuring your grill grates are spotless and ready for your next barbecue session.

Onions contain natural antibacterial properties and act as a mild abrasive. By cutting an onion in half and securing it with a fork, you can rub it across the grill grates while they’re still warm. The onion will help loosen burnt residue and leave a protective layer that prevents rusting.

Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water, then apply it to the grill grates. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing with a wet brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly afterward. This method is particularly effective for removing stubborn grease and grime.

Crumple up a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball and use it to scrub the grill grates. This method is especially useful when dealing with heavy-duty grease and burnt-on food residue. The foil acts as a scouring pad, providing an effective yet affordable cleaning solution.

A grill brush is designed specifically for cleaning grill grates and can reach between the grates to remove built-up grease and grime. It’s a long-term investment that ensures your grill is thoroughly cleaned and maintained, making it easier to host frequent barbecue gatherings.