Thinking About Cleaning a Grill With a Potato?

If you spend time grilling, you’ve probably heard of unusual cleaning hacks.

One of the most talked-about methods is cleaning a grill with a potato.

It sounds odd, but many backyard cooks swear by it.

We decided to try it ourselves to see if it’s worth your time — or just another myth.

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Why a Potato?

The idea comes from the natural starch inside potatoes.

When you rub a cut potato on a hot grill, the starch releases and forms a thin layer.

That layer is said to:

• Help loosen food residue

• Create a temporary non-stick surface

• Make the grates easier to wipe clean

It’s also appealing because potatoes are cheap, safe, and chemical-free.

But does it really work in practice?

If you want to see another step-by-step guide on this trick, you can check out Clean Grill With Potato! Here's the Easy Function Way.

Testing the Potato Method

Here’s how we tried it:

• Heated the grill to medium.

• Cut a raw potato in half.

• Speared it with a grilling fork for easy handling.

• Rubbed it firmly over the hot grates.

At first, the potato sizzled and left behind a shiny coating.

Some light food bits came off quickly.

However, thicker grease and burnt-on residue were not so cooperative.

After several passes, the grates looked better, but not spotless.

What We Found

• Good for quick touch-ups: If you grilled yesterday and just want a surface refresh before cooking again, the potato can help.

• Not great for deep cleaning: For stuck-on carbon, grease, and layers of buildup, it falls short.

• Safe and natural: No metal bristles, no chemicals — just a potato.

So, while this trick has some merit, it’s not the one-size-fits-all solution for grill care.

For more creative hacks, you might also enjoy Top DIY Grill Cleaning Solutions with Household Items.

A More Reliable Cleaning Option

When you need a true deep clean, a proper grill tool is the better choice.

One safe alternative is a wooden grill scraper, which shapes itself to your grill grates over time.

Unlike wire brushes that can shed bristles, a wood scraper avoids safety risks while still giving you real scrubbing power.

👉 Check out the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper. It’s durable, safe, and built for long-term use.

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Should You Use a Potato or Not?

If you’re curious, give the potato trick a try.

It can be a quick, chemical-free way to prep your grill before throwing on burgers or veggies.

But don’t expect it to handle months of baked-on grease. For that, you’ll want a sturdy scraper or brush.

Think of it this way: the potato is a handy short-term fix, but a proper tool is your long-term solution.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a grill with a potato isn’t a gimmick — it works to a degree.

It’s cheap, natural, and simple.

But when your grates need more than a light touch-up, tools made for the job save time and effort.

If you’re ready to make grill care easier, click the image to explore our full range of Easy Function BBQ cleaning tools and accessories.