GEICO More

GEICO Insurance: Home Page Log In
  • Driving
    • Auto
      • Car Safety & Insurance
      • Parents & Teens
      • Auto Care
    • Cycle
    • RV, Boat & More
  • Living
    • Food
    • Health & Fitness
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Protection
    • Pets
    • Technology
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Saving
    • Money
    • Insurance 101
    • Life Hacks
  • Community
    • Commercials
    • Inside GEICO
    • News & Events
    • GEICO Military
    • Your Policy
Home / Living / Food / How To Clean A Grill In Minutes

How To Clean A Grill In Minutes

June 19, 2017 47 Comments

outdoor grilling partyWhen summer hits, you want to have every meal outdoors. (And every morning coffee and afternoon ice cream, too.)

So you’re probably using your grill a lot. It makes for yummy burgers, but dealing with the residue isn’t nearly as enjoyable. Here’s the good news: cleaning up your grill isn’t nearly as daunting as it seems—if you do it the right way. We asked Jimmy Shotwell, owner of Memphis Barbeque Supply, for his expert tips.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Heat-Resistant Gloves
  • Bristle-Free Grill Brush
  • Scraper
  • Spray bottle
  • Aluminum foil
  • Vinegar

STEP 1: Pre-Cleaning Prep

The best way to clean your grill is while it’s hot, ideally after each use. Turn heat to high for about 15 minutes to burn grease and stuck-on food into carbon. You’ll know it’s ready when it stops smoking. Turn grill off.

STEP 2: Brush And Scrape The Grates

Minutes 1‑2

After the grill has cooled slightly, use a bristle-free grill brush to loosen particles, then scrape grates (top and bottom) to remove residue. For help with stubborn, burnt-on gunk, mix one part vinegar to four parts water and spray or wipe it on grates before scrubbing. You’ll need to heat the grill to high again to burn off the vinegar. Never use oven cleaner or put grates in the dishwasher.

STEP 3: Clean The Inside

Minutes 3-5

Disconnect the propane tank, cover heating elements with foil, apply the vinegar and water mixture on the inside of your gas grill, and scrub it all over with the grill brush. (Excess on grates may also come off with warm soapy water and a thick rag.) Remove the foil, reconnect the propane, and voila!

Repeat these steps every few months to remove grease buildup and help reduce flare-ups. Also, remove and clean your grease tray regularly when the grill is cold.

Jimmy’s Hack:

If you’re grilling at a campsite or tailgate and don’t have a grill brush, use metal tongs with balled-up aluminum foil or a block of wood as a scrubber instead.


Your home is one of your most important investments, so be sure to protect it. GEICO can help you obtain an affordable homeowners insurance policy. Get a fast, free quote today.

By Nicole Cherie Jones

Next: 6 Hacks for Safer, Hassle-Free Grilling

Other Articles You Might Like

two kids making cupcakes in a kitchen
Make Your Little Helpers Love Cooking
All-American Hot Dog Faves
All-American Hot Dog Faves
Boy eating taco
What Makes A Good Taco?

Filed Under: Food

    Leave a Reply to Arithia Calhoun Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Rufino umana says

    August 4, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    Wow Geigo lo recomiendo es mui buen I barato se los recomiendo a todos

    Reply
  2. Archimedes febre says

    July 16, 2015 at 11:15 am

    Thanks for the tips regarding the quick and easy BBQ cleaning.

    Reply
  3. Semi da costa says

    July 13, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    Geigo is great company

    Reply
  4. Meg says

    July 10, 2015 at 4:56 am

    I’ve had GEICO for 6 months and can’t complain. Another cleaning tip, before or after doesn’t matter, place a piece of foil (long enough to cover the cooking area) on grates and heat grill. It burns off the charred bits fast and you can use the crumpled foil to scrape any residual.

    Reply
  5. Tania says

    July 7, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    i like

    Reply
  6. jose ruiz says

    July 6, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    GEICO is good

    Reply
  7. Arithia Calhoun says

    July 6, 2015 at 12:18 am

    I like to grill rib’s and chicken on the barbecue and thanks for your cleaning tips for the grill and thanks for the great insurance.

    Reply
  8. ruben v colon says

    July 5, 2015 at 6:28 pm

    one of the best insurance the ever i have in my driving corea

    Reply
  9. Dan Marroquin says

    July 1, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    GEICO is best car insurance I’ve ever had.
    Thanks for bbq tips.

    Reply
  10. Joseph Santana says

    June 30, 2015 at 10:02 am

    I have been with geico for a very long time and been told to change my insurance company for lower price but geico is always being there for me to answer any questions I have and always giving tips on how to get the best of them in anyway thanks GEICO

    Reply
  11. susan blakely says

    June 30, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Just recently switched to geico, what a HUGE savings!!! Thanks for the grilling tips. GEICO #1! 🙂

    Reply
  12. mary says

    June 29, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    Good Insurance with low cost

    Reply
  13. Anthony says

    June 29, 2015 at 11:49 am

    GEICO the best I never never I have problem with my insurance thanks GEICO.

    Reply
  14. zina bagdadi says

    June 29, 2015 at 10:49 am

    GEICO is the best insurance.

    Reply
  15. Steven says

    June 29, 2015 at 10:04 am

    I like cheeseburgers and brats on the grill. Thank you for the helpful tips on cleaning and preparing your grill. I will put it to good use.

    Reply
< 1 2 3
GEICO Mobile Digital ID Cards

Recent Posts

  • Pets 8 Tips To Help You Be A Better Pet Parent
  • Car Safety & Insurance How To Avoid Road Rage
  • Life Hacks 6 Smart Tips For Starting A Small Business

Subscribe to GEICO More RSS

Get A Quote

  • Auto Insurance
  • Motorcycle Insurance
  • Homeowners Insurance
  • Renters Insurance
  • Boat Insurance
Review your policy at geico.com
  • Legal
  • Safe Driving
  • Contact Us
  • geico.com
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
©2019 GEICO