As a devoted barbecue enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle of meat hitting a hot grill. However, the aftermath of a smoky, flavorful cookout often leaves my grill covered in stubborn grease and charred residue. Over time, I’ve discovered an effective and eco-friendly solution that not only tackles the toughest grime but also keeps my grill in top-notch condition.

In this guide, I’ll share my personal step-by-step process for how to clean BBQ grill with vinegar and baking soda using two household staples: vinegar and baking soda.

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the cleaning process and learn how to clean bbq grill with vinegar and baking soda, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

White vinegar

AVO Half Gallon 2Pk-64 oz Pure Natural Distilled White Vinegar

When it comes to keeping your beloved BBQ grill in pristine condition, the right cleaning solution can make all the difference. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to a game-changer: AVO White Distilled Vinegar. From AVO Made for Great Cooking, this liquid gold is not only a culinary marvel but also a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning.

With its chemical-free, non-toxic formula, AVO Vinegar ensures a thorough cleanse without any worry about harmful additives. Packaged in a convenient 1-gallon bottle, this vinegar packs a punch with a 5% acidity level, making it an ideal companion for your grill-cleaning endeavors.

But it doesn’t stop there. AVO’s commitment to reducing environmental impact is commendable, ensuring that every bottle you use contributes to a greener planet. And for those who prioritize products made in the USA, you’ll be delighted to know that AVO Vinegar is proudly produced, packaged, and inspected right here on American soil.

Baking soda

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda

AVO White Distilled Vinegar, a product of AVO Made for Great Cooking, is not just your average vinegar. It’s a chemical-free, non-toxic formula that ensures a thorough cleanse without any potentially harmful additives. With a 5% acidity level packed into a convenient 1-gallon bottle, it’s a trusted companion for breaking down grease and grime.

Now, pair it with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, a versatile paste that knows no bounds when it comes to cleaning. In compact 16-ounce units, this powerhouse paste is renowned for its ability to tackle tough stains, deodorize spaces, and bring a shine to surfaces. At just 8 ounces in weight, it’s compact yet potent, proving that good things really do come in small packages.

Together, AVO Vinegar and Arm & Hammer Baking Soda form a dynamic cleaning duo that will revitalize your grill. So, say goodbye to stubborn residues and hello to a spotless, ready-for-action BBQ surface. Your taste buds and your grill will thank you.

Dish soap

Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap

Dawn Dish Soap, with its original and gentle scent, is a household name known for its ability to cut through tough food residue and grease. It leaves dishes sparkling clean, making it a go-to for kitchens everywhere. But its prowess isn’t limited to just dishes. This versatile gel-formulated soap is equally effective at tackling the grime and build-up on your grill.

Pair Dawn with AVO White Distilled Vinegar, a non-toxic, chemical-free solution that contains no potentially harmful additives. Packaged in a 1-gallon bottle with 5% acidity, it’s the perfect companion for breaking down grease and grime, ensuring your grill is in top-notch condition.

And don’t forget about Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. This versatile paste, renowned for its stain-fighting capabilities, can work wonders on your grill’s toughest spots. With its compact yet potent 16-ounce units, it’s the perfect complement to this cleaning powerhouse trio.

Spray bottle

Hula Home Hair Spray Bottle

The Hula Home Continuous Fine Mist Spray Bottle offers an uninterrupted spray of fine mist, making it a standout choice for various applications. With its 0.22mm spray nozzle diameter, the mist is so fine that it dries up almost instantly, sparing your surfaces from any potential water damage. This sprayer’s unique design not only ensures a continuous spray with minimal effort but also offers a light trigger pull, making it particularly convenient for those with arthritis.

Pair this exceptional spray bottle with AVO White Distilled Vinegar, a safe and natural solution perfect for breaking down grease and grime on your grill. Add to that the stain-fighting prowess of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, and you have a powerful cleaning trio at your disposal.

What’s more, the Hula Home spray bottle is super quick to refill, thanks to its innovative twist top design. No more time wasted unscrewing the head multiple times; now, you can focus on cleaning your grill or any other task at hand. With its leak-proof, 360° spray capability, you can direct the water exactly where you want it, without worrying about messy leaks.

Grill brush or scrubber

Grill Brush and Scraper Bristle

Crafted with precision and safety in mind, Weetiee Bristle Free Grill Cleaner brush and scraper combo ensures a worry-free grilling experience. What sets this grill cleaner apart is its bristle-free design, eliminating the risk of wire bristles or melting nylon. With this innovative tool, your food stays 100% bristle-free, allowing you to enjoy your barbecue without any concerns. Plus, the addition of a wider scraper means you can efficiently clean more areas in less time.

Upgraded for all grill types, the Weetiee Grill Cleaner boasts a flexible helix that easily reaches and cleans even the hard-to-reach sides of grates. Whether you have a gas, charcoal, smoker, or other grill type, this cleaner will leave your grates looking brand new. Built to last, the Weetiee Grill Cleaner features a 120% more rigid triple helix, ensuring its durability and longevity. The 18-inch tough plastic handle provides a secure grip, protecting your hands from burns and preventing any bending or snapping.

To top it off, Weetiee stands behind their product with a 100% money-back lifetime guarantee. This BBQ accessory is sure to become a favorite, and they’re confident you’ll be satisfied. Plus, considering getting one for yourself and one for your grill-loving friend. In combination with AVO White Distilled Vinegar, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, and the Hula Home Continuous Fine Mist Spray Bottle, you have a comprehensive set of tools to ensure your grill stays in top-notch condition.

Old towels or paper towels

Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels

These highly absorbent towels are a game-changer when it comes to tackling messes, and they’re a perfect complement to your grill-cleaning arsenal. With 16 Family Rolls in a pack, each roll contains 1872 sheets of 2-ply, high-absorbent paper towels. What sets Bounty apart is its remarkable absorbency, allowing you to use fewer sheets compared to leading ordinary brands. This means you can pick up messes quicker and more effectively, making cleanup a breeze.

With Quick Size rolls, you have the flexibility to choose your sheet size based on the size of your mess. This adaptability ensures you get the most out of each roll. In fact, 8 packs of 2 Family Rolls provide you with the equivalent of 40 Regular Rolls, offering you plenty of cleanup power. Bounty has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years, a testament to its quality and effectiveness. These paper towels are now even more clothlike than previous products, providing a superior feel and absorbency for a versatile clean.

In combination with AVO White Distilled Vinegar, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, the Hula Home Continuous Fine Mist Spray Bottle, and the Weetiee Bristle Free Grill Cleaner, you have a comprehensive set of tools and supplies to keep your grill in pristine condition.

Bucket

Rubbermaid Roughneck Square Bucket

With a capacity of 15 quarts (14.19 liters), this Roughneck bucket is designed for heavy-duty use. Its heavy-duty wire bails provide extra durability, ensuring it stands up to the demands of even the messiest grilling sessions. The twin spouts are a thoughtful addition, guiding water flow from either side, making cleanup a breeze.

Manufactured in the United States, this Rubbermaid bucket is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. Its royal blue color adds an extra touch of shine to your grilling setup, making it both functional and visually appealing. Featuring a plastic grip, this bucket offers comfort while carrying and transporting, ensuring that even when filled to capacity, it’s easy to handle. Its square shape and sturdy construction make it a reliable companion for all your grilling adventures.

In combination with Bounty Quick Size Paper Towels, AVO White Distilled Vinegar, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, the Hula Home Continuous Fine Mist Spray Bottle, and the Weetiee Bristle Free Grill Cleaner, the Rubbermaid Roughneck Bucket completes your comprehensive set of tools and supplies for a well-maintained grill area.

Water hose or bucket of water

Flexzilla Garden Hose

Measuring an impressive 600 feet in length and 0.63 inches in width, the Flexzilla Garden Hose boasts extreme flexibility that defies all weather conditions. No matter the temperature or environment, this hose remains pliable and easy to maneuver, ensuring you can reach every corner of your outdoor oasis.

What sets this hose apart is its hybrid polymer construction. It won’t kink under pressure, coils easily, and lays flat with zero memory. This means you can say goodbye to frustrating tangles and knots, making your outdoor tasks a breeze. The Flexzilla Garden Hose is not only extremely flexible but also incredibly durable. Its abrasion-resistant outer cover and crush-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum fittings ensure it stands up to the rigors of outdoor use. It’s lighter than traditional garden hoses, making it easier to carry and maneuver around your yard.

In combination with Bounty Quick Size Paper Towels, AVO White Distilled Vinegar, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, the Hula Home Continuous Fine Mist Spray Bottle, the Weetiee Bristle Free Grill Cleaner, and the Rubbermaid Roughneck Bucket, the Flexzilla Garden Hose completes your comprehensive set of tools and supplies for a well-maintained and efficient grilling area.

Gloves (optional, for extra protection)

Mr. Clean Large Reusable Latex Gloves

This pack of four large-sized gloves is designed for a multitude of uses. Whether you’re deep into grime-fighting cleaning, handling kitchen tasks, tackling bathroom duties, or caring for your furry friends, these gloves have got you covered. Made from natural latex, they provide a reliable barrier, while the cotton flock lining ensures comfort even during extended use.

The embossed PAM grip adds an extra layer of dexterity, making these gloves a great asset in the kitchen and bathroom. They’re perfect for handling dishes, ensuring a firm hold on grilling tools, and tackling any other tasks that require a steady grip. What sets these gloves apart is their reusability, adding an eco-friendly touch to your cleaning routine. With two pairs included in each pack, you’ll have a reliable set of gloves ready to tackle any grime or task that comes your way.

With these essential materials in hand, you’ve now assembled the complete materials required on how to clean bbq grill with vinegar and baking soda. This comprehensive set ensures a thorough and eco-friendly cleaning process, leaving your grill in top-notch condition for many cookouts to come.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Safety First

Before learning how to clean bbq grill with vinegar and baking soda and dive into the cleaning process, prioritize safety. Confirm that the grill has completely cooled down. Attempting to clean a hot grill can lead to burns or other accidents. If you’ve recently had a barbecue, give the grill at least an hour to cool before proceeding with the cleaning steps.

Step 2: Remove Grates and Drip Pans

Carefully detach the grates and drip pans from your grill, ensuring you have a secure surface to place them on. By doing this, you’ll gain better access to the interior of the grill, making the cleaning process more effective.

Step 3: Create the Cleaning Solution

In a bucket, prepare a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. This concoction serves as a potent degreaser. For particularly stubborn spots or areas with heavy buildup, consider adding a few drops of dish soap to bolster the cleaning power.

Step 4: Soak the Grates

Submerge the grates in the vinegar solution and allow them to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. This soaking period works wonders in loosening and dissolving the accumulated grease and grime, significantly facilitating the scrubbing process later on.

Step 5: Create a Baking Soda Paste

While the grates are soaking, create a paste using baking soda and water. This paste is exceptionally effective in dislodging tough, stuck-on residue. Aim for a thick, spreadable consistency that will adhere well to the grill’s surfaces.

Step 6: Apply the Baking Soda Paste

Using an old brush or a spatula, generously apply the baking soda paste to the interior surfaces of the grill. Pay special attention to areas with heavy buildup. Allow the paste to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes, letting its cleaning power take effect.

Step 7: Scrub the Interior

With a dedicated grill brush or scrubber, initiate the scrubbing process on the interior of the grill. The combination of baking soda and water will prove invaluable in breaking down the stubborn residue. Concentrate your efforts on areas with substantial buildup, and don’t hesitate to apply a bit of extra elbow grease where needed.

Step 8: Rinse Thoroughly

Using a water hose or a bucket of water, thoroughly rinse the interior of the grill. Ensure that all traces of the baking soda paste and loosened grime are effectively removed. This step is crucial to achieve a thoroughly clean and residue-free finish.

Step 9: Clean the Grates

Retrieve the grates from the vinegar solution and give them a thorough scrubbing with a grill brush or scrubber. The softened grime should come off more easily now. Rinse them meticulously with water to ensure they’re completely free of any residue.

Step 10: Reassemble the Grill

With everything now clean and dry, attentively reassemble the grill by placing the grates and drip pans back in their respective positions. Take a moment to ensure everything fits securely and snugly.

Step 11: Final Touches

To complete the process on how to clean bbq grill with vinegar and baking soda, give the exterior of the grill a once-over with a damp cloth or paper towel. This will remove any surface dirt or residue that may have accumulated. If your grill features stainless steel surfaces, consider using a dedicated stainless steel cleaner for an added shine and finishing touch. Your grill is now ready for your next culinary adventure!

Conclusion

Cleaning your BBQ grill with vinegar and baking soda is a simple, effective, and eco-friendly method that ensures your grill remains in top-notch condition for many cookouts to come. By following these steps for how to clean BBQ grill with vinegar and baking soda, you’ll not only enjoy a cleaner grill but also improve its longevity and overall performance. So, gear up, get your grill shining, and let the next barbecue adventure begin!

FAQs

Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda on my grill?

Absolutely! Vinegar and baking soda are natural and non-toxic cleaning agents that are safe for use on grills. They are effective at breaking down grease and grime without leaving behind harmful residues.

Do I need to wear gloves when using this cleaning method?

While wearing gloves is optional, it can provide an extra layer of protection for your hands, especially if you have sensitive skin. It also helps prevent direct contact with the cleaning solutions.

Can I use this method on a gas grill?

Yes, you can use this cleaning method on both charcoal and gas grills. However, for gas grills, make sure to disconnect the propane tank and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for grill maintenance.

How often should I clean my grill using this method?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your grill. For regular grillers, a thorough cleaning using vinegar and baking soda once a month is recommended. However, it’s a good idea to give your grill a quick wipe down after each use to prevent heavy buildup.

Are there any alternatives to vinegar and baking soda for grill cleaning?

Yes, there are alternative natural cleaning solutions you can use, such as a mixture of lemon juice and salt or a paste made from water and cream of tartar. However, vinegar and baking soda are readily available, cost-effective, and highly effective for grill cleaning. They also have numerous household uses beyond grill maintenance.