What is the Best Grill Cleaner? Brush and Make Your Grill Squeaky Clean (2022)

For most families, a backyard BBQ is a great way to bond and enjoy amazing food. Once the party's over, though, it can be a pain to clean up.

Luckily, with the right cleaning solution, this can be done quickly and easily! Check out the best grill cleaners below, as rounded up by our experts.

Reviews of the Best Grill Cleaners

1. Citrusafe Grill Cleaning Spray

If you're looking for a safe, biodegradable, and non-toxic grill cleaner, this option is an excellent choice.

Citrusafe is made with D-limonene, a citrus compound not only effective at cleaning but also safe for you and the environment.

Now, unlike other cleaning products, the Citrusafe grill cleaner can also be sprayed on cold grills.

You'll save on fuel costs and have a much more comfortable cleaning experience with this grate cleaner!

2. Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner

A non-toxic, heavy-duty grill cleaner perfect for deep cleaning? SIGN US UP!

Simply leave it on for around 2-10 minutes, use a grill brush to scrub away at hardened grease, and wipe it clean. Your grill will look brand new!

Its formula uses natural citrus oils, so it's completely safe to apply the foam onto cooking surfaces. There won't be any harsh chemical smells after cleaning too!

For us, the Goo Gone is the best grill cleaner if you want an all-around product for your grill interiors, exteriors, grates, and pans.

3. Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner and Degreaser

Is your dirty grill producing excess smoke and dangerous flare-ups from leftover grease?

This heavy-duty grill cleaner has a spray foam that will dissolve ANY food remnants still stuck onto your grill surfaces.

Although this grill cleaner is safe for stainless steel and porcelain surfaces, you should still cover the surrounding areas before application just in case!

4. Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and BBQ Grill Cleaner

Grill grate looking particularly grimy?

Well, this professional Carbona oven/grill cleaner rids all that grease with minimal effort like a clean, blank slate!

All you have to do is bag the grills, pour in the solution, seal up the bag, and leave it overnight! The next day, you should be able to rinse the grills clean.

With some cleaners, you may have to forcefully brush away grease and dirt, but this one is practically scrub-free.

Clearly, it's one of the best cleaners out there if you want something that's incredibly convenient and easy to use.

5. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner

With this product, you can conveniently clean, shine, and protect stainless steel surfaces such as the exterior of your grill!

We love that both the Weiman spray bottle and the Weiman wipes are great at removing fingerprints, streaks, and hard water stains on your appliances.

The spray is better for larger applications, while the wipes work well in smaller and tighter areas.

Given this, we recommend getting the full kit (which comes with a handy polishing cloth) for an extremely clean, shiny, and smooth surface.

Just make sure to wipe with the grain to avoid any scratches!

6. Cuisinart Steam Clean Grill Brush

To use this Cuisinart steam cleaner, all you have to do is pop open the handle, fill up the water reservoir, and brush away!

Unlike spray-on grill cleaners, this product utilizes HOT STEAM to clean grill grates, which means no soaps or detergents are required.

It also comes with a built-in grill brush and stainless steel scraper so you can easily remove grease build-up, burnt barbecue sauce, and stubborn food bits from the grates.

Just remember to start brushing while the grill is still very hot for the best results!

Grill Cleaners Buyer's Guide

Type of Grill Cleaner

• All-rounders are formulated for safe and effective use on most surfaces. They work well at removing grease and dirt on grates, grills, exteriors, and interior surfaces. However, if your grill requires intense deep cleaning, these products may not be potent enough.
• Heavy-duty cleaners are great for removing stubborn grease and residue from frequent grill use. These usually have stronger chemical formulations.

• Soft cleaners are gentler solutions meant for light cleaning. These are usually made from natural ingredients, and they're great for grills and grates that are well-maintained.
• Stainless steel cleaners are used to degrease and polish steel surfaces such as grill exteriors. Other types of products will not achieve the same result.

Before purchasing any of these products, our experts advise making sure they are safe to use on your intended surface, as some cannot be applied on aluminum or cast iron.

Method of Application

With spray bottle solutions and foaming nozzles, all you have to do is apply the product, wait for a few minutes, and clean with a cloth or a reliable grill brush.

The bag method involves soaking the grates in a cleaner for a longer period until the hardened bits can easily be rinsed off and wiped clean.

Strength of the Grill Cleaner

Stronger grill cleaners (usually the heavy-duty ones) are the best at removing stubborn build-up, but these will often be pricier and possess more chemical ingredients. Follow safety precautions when working with these as well.

Weaker editions, on the other hand, are best suited for all-around cleaning and maintenance.

Ingredients

Natural, eco-friendly grill cleaners are great options if you want safe/gentle formulations, but they're not very powerful compared to chemical degreasers. Use these for light to moderate jobs instead.

Additional Features

Cleaners often come with extra accessories such as a grill brush, a polishing cloth, or wipes to give you the best and most convenient experience possible.

Certain products can clean a cold grill, while others only work with heat. Some steam cleaners even have advanced settings to release water!

At the end of the day, the best grill cleaner is the one that fits your needs, preferences, and budget. If it can handle the dirt in your grill, then it's definitely a good option.

Price

Lastly, consider the price of the grill cleaner.

The most expensive option may not be the best one for you, especially if you won't be taking advantage of its full features. Always consider how much use you'll get out of it to decide if the price is worth it!

Be more of a pro in cleaning your grill by checking out the top grill cleaning tools you can have!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Cleaner for a Grill?

Cirtrusafe is a powerful option that will remove any leftover food and dirt. It's non-toxic and the best part? It's an all-around cleaner perfect for even cold grills!

What is the Best Way to Clean Grill Grates?

Use a cleaner of your choice and leave it on the grates for the recommended time. Remove any hardened bits with a brush and wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth.

What Can I Use to Clean the Outside of My Grill?

Use a cleaner that's meant for degreasing and polishing stainless steel, such as the Weiman. Spread the solution with a clean cloth, and never wipe against the grain!

What Can I Use to Degrease My Grill?

Use a strong degreaser such as the Easy-Off or the Carbona to remove stubborn grease. Follow package instructions for optimal results!

Our Top Pick For a Grill Cleaner: Citrusafe Grill Cleaning Spray

Say hello to a powerful cleaner that's easy and simple to use!

Citrusafe takes the crown among all the best grill cleaners. It's completely safe to use, well-balanced, works well even on cold grills, and reasonably priced! It is also made with D-limonene [1], which is great at cleaning grills and is also safe for the environment.

Want to cover all your bases? Check out more of our roundups below:

• The Best Grill Tool Sets