Grilling is a beloved summer activity, but the aftermath can be a real chore. Between sticky sauce splatters, charred bits, and grease that somehow hardens overnight, scrubbing grimy grates can quickly turn into a tedious task. However, skipping the cleanup can affect the flavor of your next meal and increase the risk of dangerous grease flare-ups. While a grill brush can help remove heavy debris, many experts now recommend avoiding traditional wire-bristle brushes due to the risk of loose bristles ending up in food. Instead, pairing a safer wire-free grill tool with a powerful cleaner is the best way to tackle baked-on grease and grime.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab tested more than two dozen grill cleaners on greasy, burnt-on messes to find the best products. They evaluated how easily the cleaners cut through residue, how simple they were to use, and whether they left grates looking truly clean. The top picks included sprayable liquids, foams, and wipes, with a focus on deep cleans and heavy grease buildup.
When shopping for a grill cleaner, consider the following:
- Cleaner type: Liquids and foams are best for deep cleans and heavy grease buildup, while wipes are great for quick touch-ups and convenience. If you're sensitive to strong fumes, look for low-odor formulas or wipes that limit your exposure.
- Surface compatibility: Not all cleaners are safe for all grill types. Some formulas can damage aluminum or faux stainless steel surfaces. Always check the label to ensure it's compatible with your grill's grates.
- Ease of use: Foam sprays and overnight soak systems require less scrubbing, while some heavy-duty formulas may need more elbow grease. For a low-effort option, look for cleaners that advertise no-scrub or low-scrub formulas.
- Eco-friendliness and safety: Many grill cleaners contain strong degreasers that aren't great for the environment or your skin and lungs. Look for biodegradable formulas or those made with natural degreasers like citrus oil.
- Storage and packaging: Convenient packaging can make a difference. Products in resealable canisters or refillable spray bottles are easier to store and more eco-friendly than single-use containers.
To clean your grill, it's best to do a quick spruce-up before or after each cooking session, a thorough cleaning of the grates several times a season, and a deep clean of the entire grill once per year or as needed. Remove grates from the grill, lay down a few layers of newspaper or an old towel to protect the ground, and scrub the grates using a grill brush or a dedicated grill cleaner. Always wear gloves, especially if you're using a chemical cleaner.
Grill grates are easiest to clean when they are warm, either when heating up the grill before cooking or as the grill is cooling down after cooking. You can use a grill cleaner to clean the inside of a grill but not always on the outside surfaces, so follow the label directions. As the former Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director, Carolyn Forté spent over 40 years researching, testing, and writing about appliances and cleaning products, and Perry Santanachote is a writer, editor, and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the home and cooking spaces, you can trust Good Housekeeping's recommendations.
