For Stubborn, Greasy Messes, Go for One of These Best Grill Cleaners

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Cookout season is upon us! When the weather turns nice, there's nothing like firing up the grill for that one-of-a-kind taste, whether it be for a big backyard barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner. And no matter if you prefer charcoal, gas, or you whip out that portable grill while camping or tailgating, there's one thing to do before you tackle all those best grilling recipes: You’ve got to clean your grill grates. It keeps you safe and your food delicious, and the easiest way to tackle that grimy task is with these best grill cleaners.

Sure, you can rely on balls of aluminum foil to clean up after a simple meal, and of course, grill brushes are some of the best grilling accessories you can have handy. But for all that built-up grease and those stuck-on burnt bits, you’ll need a specialized cleaner to tackle more stubborn messes. These best grill cleaner sprays, foams, and wipes will also help you avoid flame flare-ups and remove bacteria that might build over time. (Remember, a lot of that grime is old, rotting food. Ick!) While some of these cleaners are designed specifically for grill grates, you’ll find others that double as oven cleaners for their degreasing ability and even some that work as all-purpose cleaners for inside and outside the home. Give your grill a thorough cleaning at the beginning of grill season and then as you see buildup happening (here's looking at you, stickily delicious BBQ recipes). Then get ready to cleanly and safely fire it up all season long!

If you want to be hands-off and have the time to let your grates soak, this is the best option. Place the grates in the bag that comes with the cleaner, add the cleaner to the bag, and let the grates soak overnight. Then simply rinse them off and you're ready to go!

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Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner

$14.98

amazon.com

If you have large, sticky messes all over your grill including the grates, Goo Gone will get rid of it in two to ten minutes of soak time. The foam sticks to the surfaces to penetrate all that grime and then you just wipe it away.

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Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner - 2 Pack

$19.98

amazon.com

If you have a really sticky situation, grab a brand that's made for heavy-duty messes like Zep. Let the foam sit for 10 minutes before wiping the grime away. It also works well on stainless steel, porcelain and ceramic, so use it on your oven as well as your pots and pans.

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Zep Heavy-Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner

$7.28

amazon.com

Though this is called a "grill grate cleaner" it does clean the entire grill interior, as well as smokers, ovens, and microwaves. It starts to penetrate grease in about one minute, but may require a little elbow grease to scrub it all off.

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Weber Grill Grate Cleaner

$10.49

amazon.com

This is a great option if you want a streak-free shine on your stainless steel. It also has a very low odor and starts working in two minutes, so you can clean up fast without worries. You can also use it in your oven and on your pots and pans!

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Parker & Bailey Grill Cleaner and Degreaser

$11.99

amazon.com

If you have a small cleanup, you can quickly wipe it up in 30 seconds. If you have a larger mess, you may have to wait for 40 minutes, but it's worth it. Eventually, it requires less scrubbing for a squeaky clean surface.

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Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner

$12.92

amazon.com

One of the best ways to remove grease on practically anything is Dawn. This dish soap is great for pretty much every greasy surface inside and out of your home, including your grill grates. The spray version helps give you maximum coverage on all surfaces.

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Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

$4.94

walmart.com

There's very little that Simple Green can't do anywhere inside or outside of the house. Used as is, in its full concentration, it will penetrate grease and grime like a champ. You can also dilute it in water for lighter cleaning jobs; just follow the instructions on the back for guidance.

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Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner

$4.47

walmart.com

If you don't love the idea of a spray or foam, try wipes! This kit comes with a scrubber brush and 25 cleaning wipes that work together to clean your grill without having to spray, wait, and then wipe.

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Proud Grill Q-Swiper Grill Cleaner Kit

$16.76

walmart.com

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