20 Ways to Clean a Grill Without a Brush (You Won’t Believe #17)

A clean grill is the secret to great flavor and safe cooking.

But what if you don’t have a brush — or don’t want to deal with bristles?

Good news: there are plenty of simple and safe alternatives you can try.

Below are 20 ways to clean your grill without a brush, from common household hacks to smart grill tools.

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel :)

Use a Ball of Aluminum Foil

Crumple up some foil into a tight ball.

Grip it with tongs and scrub the hot grates.

The foil is tough enough to knock off stuck-on bits without scratching the surface.

Heat and Scrape with a Wooden Grill Scraper

Wood scrapers form grooves that match your grates over time. 

They scrape off char without any risk of metal bristles.

A safe, reusable option is the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper

 Want to learn more about how these tools work?

Check out this guide: Discover the Secrets of Using a Wood Grill Scraper!

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon USA

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon Canada

Onion Scrub

Cut an onion in half, stab it with a fork, and rub it on hot grates. 

The natural juices break down grease while the texture scrapes away grime.

Steam Cleaning with Water

Fill a spray bottle with water.

After cooking, mist the hot grates and quickly close the lid.

The steam helps loosen stuck food for easy wiping.

Grill While Hot, Then Wipe

When the grill is still warm, use a damp cloth or strong paper towel to wipe down the grates.

Heat makes stuck-on bits easier to remove.

Coffee Soak

Soak the grates in leftover coffee.

The acidity helps dissolve grease, and the soak makes scrubbing easy afterward.

Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the grates, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a cloth or foil ball.

Baking Soda Paste

Combine baking soda with water to form a paste.

Spread it on stubborn spots, let sit, and then scrub off for a shiny finish.

Pressure Washer Blast

If your grill is especially dirty, a pressure washer can strip away grease and buildup in minutes.

Just be sure to dry the grates well afterward.

Lemon Juice Wipe

Cut a lemon in half and rub it across the warm grates.

The acid helps break down residue, and it leaves a fresh smell.

Beer Degrease

Pour beer directly on the warm grates.

The carbonation and alcohol loosen grease, making scrubbing easier.

Salt Scrub

While the grates are still warm, sprinkle coarse salt and rub with a damp cloth.

Salt acts as a natural abrasive cleaner.

Nylon Scouring Pad

For cooler grates, a nylon scrub pad works well.

It’s gentle on surfaces but tough on stuck-on food.

Grill Stone or Pumice

A pumice stone designed for grills can scrape off grease without leaving metal behind.

Just use it gently on cast iron or steel.

Want to know how these compare to other tools?

Here’s a full Grill Cleaning Block Review: Assessing its Effectiveness.

Dishwasher Soak

If your grates fit, run them through the dishwasher on a heavy cycle.

This won’t work for cast iron, but it’s fine for stainless steel.

Hot Water and Dish Soap

Remove the grates and soak them in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes.

A sponge or cloth will then easily wipe away softened grease.

Potato Trick (Yes, Really!)

Cut a raw potato in half and rub it over the hot grates.

The starch creates a film that helps release food bits and makes wiping easier.

Weird — but it works!

Charcoal Burn-Off

If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn for 10–15 minutes after cooking.

The extra heat incinerates stuck-on food before it hardens.

Cast Iron Pan Scraper

If you own cast iron cookware, you might already have a pan scraper.

These little tools also work great on grill grates.

High-Heat Wire-Free Tools

Modern bristle-free grill cleaning tools scrape with coils or metal edges instead of wires.

They give you brush-like power without the safety risk of bristles.

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Brush - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Scraper Brush - Amazon Canada

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a wire brush to keep your grill spotless.

From onions and potatoes to steam and scrapers, there are plenty of safe and simple ways to clean.

If you want a dedicated tool built for safe, bristle-free cleaning, try the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper.

And if you love grilling, don’t forget to check out our full range of BBQ products designed to make life behind the grill easier.

Click the image below to explore more.