How to clean your grill without a brush
Skip the wire brush. These safe, smarter methods with get your grill grates clean without the damage.
It’s grilling season! While some prefer to grill over charcoal and others with gas, one thing remains true for all grills: they need to be cleaned.
From burgers and hot dogs to grilling pizzas or using the grill to make delicious desserts, a clean grate is the best place to start. With a clean grill, food tastes better and cooking is safer, too.
You may have heard that traditional grilling brushes can be hazardous. Wired varieties may create a choking hazard, while other materials aren’t durable and can melt. So ditch the wired option and keep reading to discover a few alternative ways to ensure your grill is always ready to go this summer.
Watch this video for alternative ways to clean your grill without using a wire brush.
How to clean a grill
The best time to clean your grill is while it’s still warm. Preheating the grates will ensure any germs and bacteria are gone and will burn off any residue.
Steam is key for cleaning grates. Heat and water are just about all you need to clean the grill. You can use either a bowl of water or a spray bottle.
Here are some safer alternatives to wire brushes:
- A grill-safe scrubbing pad. Wet the scrubbing pad with water and scrub away.
- A grill cleaning block. These work on a hot or cold grill. Wet the block and start cleaning. The stone will form around the grates, so these are only useful if your grill’s grates are continuous and smooth.
- A grill scrubber pad. These are designed for use on cold grills. A damp one of these is a good way to give your grill a quick dust off before you fire it up.
Once the grates are clean, use a wet rag to wipe away any residue. A safe way to do this is to roll it up and pinch it between a pair of tongs so you don’t have to get your hands too close to a hot grill.
How to clean a grill with an onion
To quickly clean your grates while you’re grilling, use an onion. It’s a safe option to keep the grates clean for your all-day grilling marathons. Plus, it’ll add a little bit of extra flavor!
Just slice an onion and rub it along the grates using tongs.
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Easy grilling recipes
Everyone knows about grilling burgers and hot dogs. But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can fire up your grill any time of day to make breakfast or dessert.
To make eggs on the grill:
- Make a pan for your eggs by layering a few sheets of aluminum foil and molding it over an upside-down bowl. Adjust the size depending on the number of eggs you’re cooking. You can also use a muffin tin.
- Coat the inside of the foil with cooking spray.
- Add your eggs and any preferred mix-ins, like peppers or onions.
- Put the foil on the grill.
To make a skillet cookie on the grill:
- Preheat your propane grill by turning on the outer burners and leaving the middle ones off.
- Break off pieces of homemade or store-bought cookie dough and fill the skillet.
- Put the skillet on the grill over the unheated burners and let it cook over indirect heat with the lid closed.
- Cook until the edges are crispy and the middle is gooey but cooked through. Depending on how you like your cookies, you can cook for longer or reduce the cooking time.
