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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How to Clean a Grill Without a Wire Brush
Updated on Jun. 28, 2023
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
The Best Baby Back RibsGrilling ribs soon? Learn how to grill ribs as we share our step-by-step recipe and secret to grilling the best-ever baby back ribs.
Best HamburgerThis is the only hamburger recipe you need! We'll walk you through how to make hamburger patties that grill up to juicy perfection.
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
Chicken Souvlaki PitasThese chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially for a Labor Day barbecue. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Smoked RibsThe gorgeous crisp bark and trademark pink smoke ring on these ribs will wow your friends and family. A generous splash of tangy apple cider added during the smoking process helps to make them super tender. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Grilled Vegetable Pesto SandwichesGrilling isn't just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my vegetarian family members who love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chicken and Zucchini Foil PacksI enjoy foil-wrapped dinners cooked on the grill, especially because there are no pots or pans to wash. You can try making chicken foil packs with most fresh vegetables you have on hand. —Dianna Smith, Newport, Tennessee
Pesto Corn Salad with ShrimpThis Labor Day barbecue recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Cuban Sandwich BurgersMy mom would make these Cuban burgers when we would visit her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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
Italian Sausage SandwichFor a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs created by our Test Kitchen. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make.
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
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street CornOne of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Baby Back RibsSlow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you're looking for lighter fare, check out these healthy Labor Day recipes.
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
Grilled Peach SundaesThese peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado SauceI’m always looking for lighter recipes for a Labor Day barbecue—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut. Hungry for more? Check out our collection of easy Labor Day recipes.
Barbecue ChickenJuicy, saucy barbecue chicken is a highlight of any grilling season. Cut up whole chickens for the best quality pieces, and add a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that's impossible to resist.
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 SkewersFruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
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
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
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted ChickenI love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
Cake & Berry Campfire CobblerThis warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a Labor Day barbecue. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
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 Recipes 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
Chimichurri SteakThis flavorful chimichurri steak recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Spoon the bright, zesty, herbaceous sauce over any type of grilled steak, like flat iron, top sirloin, ribeye, flank or skirt steak.
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
Spicy Lemon Chicken KabobsI like using Meyer lemons for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
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
Halibut Soft TacosI sometimes serve these halibut tacos wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with grilled halibut. This Labor Day barbecue recipe is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit SalsaWhen I need dessert fast, I go with angel food cake. Mix fruit salsa ahead of time, and pop the cake on the grill. —Glorimar Jimenez, Indianapolis, Indiana
Quick Barbecued BeansBarbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Grilled Pork ChopsSoaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.
Aloha BurgersSay aloha to a dinner with a tropical twist: Here's how to make a bacon and pineapple Hawaiian burger.
Simple Marinated Grilled Pork ChopsWhisk up just four ingredients for the tastiest batch of marinated pork chops ever.
Grilled Sweet PotatoesIf you're tired of the usual summer side dishes, try these grilled sweet potatoes. The Gorgonzola cheese spread is a perfect match for the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes.
Pear CrumbleNo time to make a pie? This pear crumble recipe is quick and easy, and just as delicious!
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