How To Clean Grill Grates?

How to Clean Grill Grates: Tips for Maintaining Your BBQ Gear

XO Key Takeaways:

  • Clean grill grates after every use while still warm to prevent buildup, improve heat distribution, and avoid rust.
  • Use a grill brush, crumpled foil, or even cut onion for quick, effective cleaning.
  • Deep clean every 4–6 months using dish soap or a vinegar + baking soda soak—avoid soaking cast-iron grates.
  • Never grill on severely rusted grates; clean surface rust or replace damaged ones for safe cooking.

Nothing entirely ruins a cookout like unexpected flare-ups, uneven heating—or worse—grilling on dirty, rusted grates. Grill maintenance shouldn’t be optional if you want perfectly seared steaks and flavor-packed veggies. Enhanced flavor and evenly cooked, delectable experiences all start with one task: knowing how to clean grill grates properly.

Cleaning your grill grates doesn’t have to be a chore if you are prepping for BBQ season or wrapping up after a fantastic weekend cookout. With some know-how and the right tools and techniques, it can be quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying.

Why Cleaning Grill Grates Should Never Be Optional

While it’s easy to become tempted after a long day of grilling to leave the mess for another day, you shouldn’t skip cleaning the grates.

Over time, your grill grates accumulate grease, carbon, food residue, and rust. While some believe leftover char adds flavor, that buildup leads to uneven heating, flare-ups, and possibly tainted food.

Regular cleaning removes these contaminants, maintains performance, and prevents rust. Ignoring it shortens your grill’s life and compromises flavor and safety.

What Is the Easiest Way to Clean Grill Grates?

The easiest method? Timing. Clean right after cooking while the grates are still warm—debris is softer, and cleanup is much easier.

Use a Grill Brush While It’s Hot

  • Use a stiff-bristled grill brush or scraper to remove debris while the grill is still hot.
  • Heat loosens residue, making it easier to remove without harsh scrubbing.

XO Tip: No grill brush? Use crumpled aluminum foil held in tongs or a stainless-steel scrubber.

The Onion Trick

  • Slice an onion in half and spear it with a grilling fork.
  • Rub it over hot grates—the acids help break down grime while lightly seasoning the grates.

These are perfect for maintaining newer grills, but deeper cleaning is also essential a few times a year.

Can You Soak Grill Grates in Dawn?

Yes! Soaking grill grates is a great deep-cleaning technique, especially after heavy use.

What You Need:

  • Hot water
  • Dish soap (e.g., Dawn)
  • White vinegar + baking soda (for tough grime)
  • Grill brush or nylon scrubber
  • Microfiber towel
  • Large sink, tub, or garbage bag for soaking

Steps:

  1. Place cooled grates in the soak container.
  2. Add dish soap OR a mix of 2 cups vinegar + 1 cup baking soda.
  3. Let soak for 8+ hours (overnight preferred).
  4. Scrub, rinse thoroughly, and dry to prevent rust.

Note: Don’t soak cast iron for long. Scrape instead and reseason with oil and heat.

Is It Okay to Grill on Rusted Grates?

Technically yes—but you shouldn’t. Light surface rust is manageable, but long-term exposure affects food safety and performance.

Solution: Scrub off rust with steel wool or a wire brush, rinse, dry, re-oil, and heat the grates to seal them.

If grates are breaking or pitted, it’s time to replace them.

What’s the Best Solution to Clean the Inside of a Grill?

The inside of your grill collects buildup too. For a deep clean, mix:

  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup baking soda

Spray or spread mixture inside. Let sit for 15–20 minutes, scrub, then rinse or wipe clean.

XO Tip: Avoid oven cleaners or bleach—these can damage surfaces and leave toxic residues.

Is It OK Not to Clean the Grill Grates? Just This Once?

It happens—but skipping repeatedly adds up. Debris builds, burners clog, heat becomes uneven, and flavors mix. Long-term, it increases the risk of rust and appliance wear.

Cleaning grill grates is a small effort with major benefits.

Clean Grates = Clean Flavor (And the Right Grill!)

Learning how to clean your grill grates is about more than just maintenance—it’s about maximizing flavor and extending the life of your equipment.

Of course, having a high-performance, easy-to-maintain grill helps too. XO grills are built with both durability and flavor in mind—easy to clean, beautifully designed, and engineered to last.

Upgrade your grilling game today. Shop XO’s premium outdoor grills and experience the difference craftsmanship makes.