How to Clean a Grill Without a Wire Brush
Updated: Jun. 28, 2023
You don't need a brush to keep the grill spic 'n' span! Here's a list of ways you can clean up without one.
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Using a grill brush isn’t the only option when it comes to getting your grill clean between barbecue sessions. These unexpected ideas for how to clean a grill will all get the job done effectively, no brush required. You won’t feel guilty about firing up the grill to cook extra-saucy BBQ recipes this summer, because any leftover marinade will come off in minutes.
Be sure to clean your grill grates or racks after each use for the best-tasting meals. Here’s what to do:
Use a Leftover Onion
It might seem a little strange, but you can use half an onion to clean your grill. Just spear the onion on a barbecue fork, and use the cut side to scrub things clean while the grill is still hot. The acidic enzymes will break down grease without being overly abrasive, but be careful with your hands.
Clean up with Aluminum Foil
Grab a handful of aluminum foil, ball it up and use grill tongs to hold it while you scrub away. You can even re-use the same aluminum foil from cooking. (These wrap-and-cook packet recipes will give you a tasty dinner and the foil you need!)
Snag a Nylon Scouring Pad
Grab a scouring pad from your kitchen and take it to the grill for fast and easy cleanup. You can find them on Amazon in so many shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find what you like working with best.
Use Your Steamer
Have a portable steamer (like this one) at home? It’s good for more than just clothes! Bring your steamer outdoors to dislodge anything that isn’t coming off with other cleaning methods alone.
Mix Vinegar & Ammonia
For the most stubborn, baked-on gunk, put your grill grates into a trash bag with 3 cups ammonia, 3 cups white vinegar and 1 cup baking soda. It will deliver a deep clean with ingredients you probably already have. (Is there anything vinegar can’t do?) Depending on how greased-on the grime is, you will probably want to let it soak for a solid 24 hours before rinsing off.
Oil the Grill in Advance
While you’ll definitely still need to give your grill a thorough cleaning before each barbecue, you can make the clean-up work easier by putting oil on the grates in advance. Just use a paper towel to rub oil on the grill gates in advance to prevent as much stickage.
Don’t miss our expert How to Clean Your Grill guide!
The Best Menu for Your Next Cookout
Grilled Corn in HusksIf you're new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor that are perfect for a Labor Day barbecue. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Grilled Potato and Corn SaladCorn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra special. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Grilled Vegetable PlatterThe best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota. Looking for more recipes? Here are our favorite crock pot cookout ideas.
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladThis hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster for your next Labor Day barbecue. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Grilled Italian Sausage SandwichesTry these sausage sandwiches for a casual but hearty meal. Full of traditional Italian flavor, they're a snap to make. —Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota
Buttery Grilled ShrimpThis grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a Labor Day barbecue, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pot of S’moresMom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular Labor Day barbecue treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Rosemary Lamb ChopsMy father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Barbecued Picnic ChickenI like to serve this savory chicken at Labor Day barbecues. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Spicy Grilled EggplantThis side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Grilled Marinated RibeyesThese juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Fruit ‘n’ Cake KabobsA neighbor served these kabobs at a Labor Day barbecue and brought some over for us to sample. I was pleasantly surprised at the tasty toasted cake and juicy grilled fruit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Teriyaki Shish KabobsWhen I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Stuffed Chorizo Burgers with Tomatillo SalsaI created this chorizo burger for my new boyfriend and his family for our first meeting. Needless to say, they loved the recipe and fell in love with me, too! These burgers go great with plantain chips or a spicy potato salad from the grocer. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
Grilled JalapenosWhen hosting a Labor Day barbecue, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Flavorful Grilled Pork TenderloinFolks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Marinated Pork ChopsI make these tasty loin chops all the time and my family never tires of them. I whip up this pork chop marinade and let them soak overnight to get them tender. —Jean Neitzel, Beloit, Wisconsin
Grilled Steak FajitasThis tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans and a gelatin dessert. —Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas
Meat ‘n’ Potato KabobsThey're summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitOne summer, my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce for her Labor Day barbecue. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Grilled GuacamoleIf you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Steak with Chipotle-Lime ChimichurriSteak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Lemon Garlic MushroomsI baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple Labor Day barbecue side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Spiced SalmonThis delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta
Quick Barbecued BeansBarbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Ultimate Grilled Pork ChopsA little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Grilled Hash BrownsSince my husband and I love to grill meats, we're always looking for easy side dishes that cook on the grill, too. So I came up with this simple recipe for hash browns. There are never any leftovers when we serve them at Labor Day barbecues. —Kelly Chastain, Bedford, Indiana
Aloha BurgersI love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola SpreadMy husband first tried this recipe with plain potatoes. They were so yummy; we experimented with sweet potatoes. Dipped in Gorgonzola spread, they’re irresistible. —Kristen Minello, Macomb, Michigan
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt DipArtichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York
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Originally Published: June 06, 2018
