Having a clean grill is not only important for safety reasons, but it can also improve performance and appearance. Additionally, built-up deposits on a grill can harbor bacteria and affect the taste of food. While dish soap and vinegar can be used to clean a grill effectively, there are also specialized grill cleaners available on the market.
It is recommended to clean the grates of the grill after each use, preferably while they are still warm, and to hand-scrub them instead of using a dishwasher. Deep cleaning of the entire grill is advised at the beginning and end of the grilling season. Various grill cleaners, including natural sprays and heavy-duty degreasers, can assist in these cleaning tasks. When used in conjunction with a grill brush, scouring sponge, scraper, or cleaning cloth, along with some elbow grease, these cleaners can help keep your grill in top condition.
For a sparkling clean grill, consider using Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. While it's technically a dish washing spray, its foamy formula clings to surfaces, making it ideal for tackling grill grime. This versatile spray can reach nooks and crannies with ease, and it's safe for both the inside and outside of most grills. Without harsh chemicals, this product is gentle yet effective, perfect for those who prefer avoiding strong ingredients. Although it may require a bit more effort for stubborn residues, Dawn's grease-fighting power ensures a thorough clean.
Another excellent option is Natural Elements 30% Vinegar. This concentrated vinegar solution is a natural and eco-friendly way to clean your grill. Vinegar is known for its cleaning properties, making it effective at breaking down grease and grime. It's a safe and non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners, perfect for those looking for a more environmentally friendly option. Just dilute the vinegar with water, apply it to the grill, and let it sit for a while before scrubbing for a shiny finish.
Vinegar is a tried-and-true natural cleaning substance, and you can use it pretty much all over the house, including for cleaning your grill. For those who want to skip the heavy-duty grill cleaners, it's another alternative we recommend. Consider cleaning in two steps, using a soapy solution (or Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray) to break down grease, then follow with Natural Elements 30% Vinegar to target the residue. This is a great process to deep-clean a grill without harsh chemicals.
With a 30% concentration, Natural Elements 30% Vinegar is stronger than your average grocery store fare. It's very acidic, designed for cleaning and not consumption. You may want to water it down a bit if it feels too strong — we usually recommend a 50:50 ratio with regular vinegar, so you can water down this concentrated option even more. If that doesn't work, lighten up the water ratio and keep it extra strong for eating through stubborn residue. Since it's so concentrated, a bottle should last quite a while, and you can use it for many other cleaning tasks as well. To help you remove pesky rust from a grill at the start of the season, you can add salt to this vinegar for even more scrubbing power.
Traeger Grill Cleaner
Looking for an effective cleaner for your grill? The Traeger Grill Cleaner is a versatile spray that can be used to clean both the inside and outside of your grill. With a soaking time of up to 10 minutes, this cleaner breaks down grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away with a soft cloth. Say goodbye to tough scrubbing!
While Traeger formulated this cleaner specifically for their wood pellet grills, it is also suitable for use on other types of grills. The best part? This cleaner is unscented, ensuring that it won't alter the smokey flavors of your wood pellet grill. After cleaning, there's no lingering fragrance, so you can enjoy your next cookout without any unwanted smells.
Carbona Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner Kit
The Carbona Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner Kit is a convenient all-in-one solution for cleaning oven racks and grill racks. Each kit includes a bag, cleaning solution, and gloves. Perfect for tackling baked-on grease and food residue on your grill grate.
Simply place the grate in the bag with the solution and let it work its magic. After eight hours, rinse off the residue for spotless grates without the need for scrubbing. While two racks can fit in the bag, larger racks can be accommodated by using heavy-duty trash bags. Each kit is single-use and provides everything you need for a thorough clean.
Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner
Introducing the Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner, a powerful solution for keeping your grill spotless. This cleaner is designed to tackle tough grease and grime on your grill grates with ease. Simply apply the cleaner, let it sit, and wipe away for a clean and shiny surface.
With Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner, you can say goodbye to scrubbing and hello to effortless cleaning. Enjoy a sparkling clean grill without the hassle, and get back to grilling your favorite foods in no time.
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner is suitable for almost any surface, including the grill. This all-purpose cleaner and degreaser is a powerful option, but with naturally derived ingredients. It has a non-toxic and biodegradable formula, and most importantly, is certified by the EPA as a Safer Choice product, which means it is healthier for the environment and people.
This cleaner is fast-acting, taking just two to 10 minutes to penetrate gunk, and then you can wipe the residue off with a brush or cloth. Despite its heavy-duty capabilities, this cleaner is biodegradable and its ingredients reduce smoke and flare-ups after cleaning (a hassle that can happen from some other cleaners). After using this cleaner, it is necessary to rinse food-contact surfaces before preparing meals, which is an important final step to keep in mind.
It's possible to use this cleaner as-is or to dilute it, depending on how soiled the grill is. This means a bottle can last quite a while, depending on your cleaning habits. This product isn't a dedicated grill cleaner, so you can also use it all around the house. The only surfaces that it's not suitable for are leather, suede, unfinished wood, opals, and pearls. This short, but varied, list really shows how versatile this product is, and you can use it for the grill, kitchen, bathroom, fabric surfaces, and beyond. It's the best grill cleaner for when you want a very versatile cleaner that you can use for both light daily cleaning and heavy-duty grill scrubbing.
Looking for a heavy-duty grill cleaner that won't break the bank? Consider the Kingsford Heavy Duty Spray-On Grill Cleaner. This easy-to-apply aerosol spray dispenses a foam cleaner that effectively clings onto grill racks, making cleaning a breeze. Unlike liquid cleaners, the foam stays in place, minimizing messes.
Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 30 minutes to tackle tough burned-on grease, then simply wipe off the foam and residue with a wet cloth—no scrubbing required. This versatile spray can also be used on ovens, broilers, and stainless steel surfaces, extending its utility beyond just grills. While some users mention a strong smell and the need for multiple applications on heavily soiled grills, the affordability of this cleaner makes it a worthwhile option to consider.
This spray offers a gentle yet effective solution for cleaning your BBQ grill. It is non-corrosive, non-flammable, non-toxic, and phosphate-free, making it a safe choice for those seeking a more natural approach. While it may not be as heavy-duty as some other cleaners, requiring a minute of soaking time and some scrubbing with a non-wire grill brush, its lack of harsh chemicals is a trade-off many are willing to make for a cleaner and safer cooking surface.
Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner
Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner by Easy-Off is a reliable choice for deep cleaning your outdoor cooking equipment. This powerful cleaner is designed to tackle burnt-on food and grease on BBQs, smokers, and grill grates without causing any scratches. With just 40 minutes of soaking time, it effectively removes tough grime, allowing you to wipe it off easily with a wet cloth. However, it is important to note that this cleaner is recommended for cooker racks only and should not be used on sensitive components or the exterior and interior of the grill.
Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes
If you've ever struggled with cleaning stainless steel and ending up with residue and streaks, look no further. Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes are specially designed cleaning wipes for stainless steel surfaces. These wipes have a streak-free formula that not only cleans but also shines stainless steel without leaving any marks. Additionally, they provide protection to stainless steel surfaces by creating an invisible barrier that repels dust and minimizes the appearance of new fingerprints.
Packaged in a sealed container and pre-moistened, these wipes are convenient to use on various stainless steel appliances such as grills, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. They are effective in restoring the shine to range hoods, backsplashes, and trash cans. While they may not tackle tough burnt-on residue, these wipes are perfect for giving the exterior of a steel grill a polished look.
For enhanced safety during your grilling adventures, consider using a non-flammable, non-corrosive, and phosphate-free grill cleaner. This type of cleaner is gentle on your grill, ensuring it won't get damaged, spark, or smoke when you start cooking after a thorough cleaning. In some cases, you may need a scrubber to tackle stubborn residues. Remember that these cleaners are designed for the interior parts of the grill, so it's advisable to use a different cleaner for the exterior to avoid leaving a filmy residue, as noted by some reviewers.
Kona Safe/Clean Grill Cleaner Spray
Completing our selection with another safe and efficient cleaner, we present the Kona Safe/Clean Grill Cleaner Spray. This cleaner boasts a thicker formula that adheres to surfaces, allowing it to penetrate and clean grills effectively by eliminating grime, grease, and food residues. Suitable for all types of grills, including electric ones, this product is recommended for both interior and exterior cleaning, such as grill grates, glass surfaces, and wheels. Its versatility extends to ovens, smokers, toasters, air fryers, microwaves, and cookware.
The degreasing formula of this cleaner can start working in as little as a minute to tackle grime, although deeper cleaning may require more time. It is free from corrosive elements, non-flammable, and has a low odor, making it a pleasant and safe option for cleaning. Additionally, it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and phosphate-free, ensuring a safer cleaning experience.
How we chose the best grill cleaners
In the quest for the perfect grill cleaner, we took into consideration several key factors. Our selection includes products from renowned brands with expertise in either grills or cleaning solutions, and sometimes both. These brands have built a solid reputation for their grills or cleaning products. To identify the top grill cleaners, we delved into third-party reviews and customer feedback to assess real-world performance. Each grill cleaner featured on our list boasts hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews and a minimum four-star rating. Backed by their stellar brand reputation, these products are highly trusted.
To cater to a diverse range of grill owners, we curated a selection of products that cater to different preferences. Our lineup includes natural and non-toxic options, such as dish soap spray and cleaning vinegar, ensuring that anyone can use them safely. Additionally, we included heavy-duty chemical cleaners for those tough grime situations or when time is of the essence and extensive scrubbing isn't feasible. With such variety, you're sure to find a grill cleaner on this list that suits your needs perfectly!
