When preparing the grill for the season, it is good to start by thoroughly cleaning the grate. Instead of reaching for aggressive chemicals, try natural methods that are equally effective and safe for your health and the environment. Find out how to clean the grill grate without chemicals.

Preparing the grill for the season – where to start?

The best way to prepare the grill for the season is start by assessing the state of the grate. If it is slightly polluted, simple methods are sufficient. In case of severe pollution and old lubricant, more intensive measures will be required.

Before you start cleaning the grill, it is good to know that Regular removal of dirt is the key to keeping your grill in good condition. Burnt fat and food remnants not only look disgusting, but can also affect the taste of food and pose a potential health risk.

JE also important to adapt the method of cleaning the material from which the grate is made. Most of them are made of stainless steel, enamelled steel or cast iron. Each of these materials requires a slightly different approach to cleaning.

How to clean the grill grate without chemicals – the easiest methods

Natural methods of cleaning the grill are not only safe for you and the environment, but also highly effective. Here are the best methods you can use at home.

Hot method

The most basic technique consists in using high temperatures to remove dried dirt.

  • Light the grill and wait until it reaches a high temperature.
  • Then thoroughly scrub the grate with a wire brush or a crushed aluminum foil ball.

High temperatures soften the burnt fat, making it easier to remove. This method is particularly effective as normal maintenance after each barbecue – effectively prevents the accumulation of dirt.

Soda bicarbonate and vinegar

The combination of soda bicarbonate and vinegar creates a natural and strong cleaning agent.

  • Simply sprinkle the grill grill with bicarbonate and then spray it with vinegar, causing characteristic foaming.
  • Allow this mixture to act for 15-20 minutes to dissolve the active ingredients.
  • After this time, scrub the grate with a wire brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly with water.

This method works great for moderate pollution.

With stronger pollution, you can also try another effective trick that we found in tiktok @armandhammer.

  • Mix 2 parts of soda bicarbonate with 1 part of water and create a thick paste.
  • Apply the paste to the grate, leave for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) and then simply scrub the sponge or brush.

This method is ideal when normal cleaning is not enough.

@armandhammer June is here, which means grilling season is, too! Get yours in tip-top shape with some #ArmandHammer Baking Soda! Have you tried this hack yet? 💪 #cleaninghacks #bakingsoda ♬ original sound – ARM & HAMMER

Effective natural methods to remove durable stains from the grate

When standard methods are not enough, it pays to reach for more advanced but still natural cleaning methods.

Soaking in a solution of vinegar

In case of heavily polluted grids, the soaking method will be effective.

  • Prepare a solution from the same parts of vinegar and hot water in a large container or bath.
  • Soak the grate overnight so that the acetic acid in vinegar can effectively dissolve burnt fat and food residues.
  • Shake the grate with a wire brush in the morning – the dirt should be removed much easier.
  • Finally, rinse the grate thoroughly with water and dry.

Lemon and salt

This method uses the natural properties of citric acid and salt.

  • Start by cutting the lemon in half and sprinkle with half a generous layer of salt.
  • Then use the sliced ​​lemon as a natural sponge and scrub the grate surface vigorously. When scrubbing, salt acts as a subtle abrasive, while citric acid effectively dissolves grease.
  • Rinse the grate with water thoroughly when the cleaning is finished.

This method is particularly effective for cleaning stainless steel grids.

@healthfood Super easy and safe grill cleaning #tiktokpartner #tiktoktaughtme #viral #recipes #summer #health #grillhack ♬ Canyons – BCD Studio

Maintenance of grill grate – how to prevent contamination

Regular maintenance of the grate will greatly facilitate its cleaning in the future and extend its life.

Grinding the grill with oil

After each cleaning it is worth protecting the grate with a thin layer of oil.

  • While the grate is still warm (but not hot), wipe it with a cloth soaked in oil with a high point of smoking, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil.

Apply only a thin layer – excess oil can cause smoking when used. Such oileing creates a natural coating that prevents food from sticking and effectively protects the grate from corrosion.

Cleaning after each barbecue

Get used to cleaning the grate after each use. It is best to do this until the grill is still warm – then the food residues are easier to remove with a wire brush. The little known but effective trick is to wipe the grate with the cut onion – the compounds contained therein have antibacterial properties and facilitate the removal of dirt. Regular cleaning prevents grease accumulation and greatly facilitates the maintenance of the grill clean throughout the season.

What about the other half of the onion? Instead of throwing it out, throw it on the grill, add a few ingredients and prepare a simple salsa or side dish. It is a practical, fragrant and tasty solution in one, as shown at the tictoka user @arnietex.

@arnietex Why should you clean your grill with an onion? 🧅 Some say that it is to clean your grates. Some say it disinfects, others say it doesn’t. But we all know the main reason to clean your grill with an onion is to let your neighbors know it’s about to go down 🤣🔥 But what about the other half? Grill it with some other ingredients and make that salsa! I’ve been using @littlebearproducetx ♬ original sound – ArnieTex

Storage of grate

First of all, always store the grate in a dry place to avoid rusting. If you do not use the grill for a long time, it is good to remove the grate and store it indoors. It is particularly important to thoroughly clean and oile the grate before it is stored for winter. Proper storage will extend the life of your grate and greatly facilitate the preparation of the grill for the next season.

Barbecue without worry: Clean the grill quickly and easily with the help of kitchen ingredients