Cleaning your BBQ grill regularly is essential to keep it functioning properly and tasting great. While soap and water can work, using vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly way to cut through grime and grease. Vinegar helps dissolve stubborn baked-on food and sauces, allowing you to scrub your grill clean. Follow these simple steps for how to clean BBQ grill with vinegar.
Supplies Needed
- White or apple cider vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Scrub brush or abrasive sponge
- Old towel or rag
- Protective gloves
Preparing Your Grill
Before cleaning with vinegar, make sure your grill is cool and turned off. Remove the grates and heat plates and set aside. It’s easier to clean these separately. For gas grills, remove and clean the burner covers too if needed. Protect your hands by wearing gloves before handling dirty grill parts.
Making a Vinegar Cleaning Solution
Pour undiluted white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. You’ll want enough to thoroughly coat the interior of your grill. No need to dilute the vinegar with water for cleaning purposes.
Spraying and Scrubbing the Grill
Liberally spray vinegar over the entire interior of your cold grill, coating the walls, lid, and bottom. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to help dissolve grease and debris. Use a scrub brush or abrasive sponge to scrub away grime. Focus on baked-on spots and be patient with scrubbing. The vinegar will help soften and lift residue with some elbow grease.
Rinsing Away Grime
Once you’ve loosened up the mess inside your grill, it’s time to rinse. Use a garden hose on a high pressure setting to thoroughly rinse away grease and food particles from all grill surfaces. Make sure to rinse underneath the lid and all corners until the water runs clear.
Cleaning Grates and Plates
While the grill interior is soaking, clean the grates and heat plates. Place them in a large plastic bin or on newspapers outdoors. Spray them down generously with vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Use your scrub brush to remove stuck on food and grease. Rinse clean.
Drying and Reassembling
Before reassembling your grill, wipe down all parts with an old towel to dry. This prevents moisture from accumulating inside. Replace heat plates, grates, and burner covers. Your grill interior should look shiny and free of residue once dry.
Maintaining a Clean Grill
- Scrub grates after each use with a grill brush while still hot. This prevents buildup.
- Remove and clean heat plates regularly.
- Keep grates lightly oiled when not in use.
- Deep clean interior 4 times per year or as needed.
Vinegar is a wonderful natural cleaner that helps remove grease buildup without harsh chemicals. Follow these steps for how to clean BBQ grill with vinegar and you’ll be ready for delicious grilling all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Grill with Vinegar
Here are some common questions about using vinegar to clean your BBQ grill:
What kind of vinegar works best for grill cleaning?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work equally well. Stay away from balsamic and other flavored vinegars. You want basic distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 5% acidity.
Is it okay to use vinegar on stainless steel grills?
Yes, vinegar is safe for stainless steel! It will cut through grease and residue without damaging the surface. Just rinse well after cleaning. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Can I put vinegar in a pressure washer to clean my grill?
It’s not recommended. The vinegar could damage the pressure washer over time due to the acidity. Stick to manual scrubbing with full-strength vinegar instead.
What about using vinegar and baking soda together?
Vinegar and baking soda can be used together to clean your grill grates and caps. Make a paste and apply with a scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly after. Don’t use this method inside the grill itself.
How often should I deep clean my grill with vinegar?
Aim to do a thorough vinegar-based deep cleaning at least four times a year. Clean it more frequently if you use your grill very often.
Is vinegar safe for porcelain grill interiors?
Yes, vinegar is typically safe on porcelain. It shouldn’t etch or stain the surface. As always, test on a small spot first to be sure.
Can vinegar flames up when cleaning a hot grill?
Vinegar should only be used to clean a completely cooled and shut off grill. The acid could react and flare up if the grill is hot. Wait for it to cool entirely before cleaning.
Vinegar is an economical, effective way to rid your grill of grease buildup and leave it shining! Use these tips for how to clean BBQ grill with vinegar safely.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your grill with vinegar allows it to function properly for many years. The acidic vinegar cuts through stubborn grease and carbon deposits quickly and efficiently. Follow the steps to safely prepare, spray, scrub, and rinse your grill using undiluted white or apple cider vinegar. Keep grates clean after each use and do a thorough vinegar-based deep clean inside at least four times per year. A sparkling clean grill is one of the keys to delicious BBQ every time you cook. Happy grilling!