Figure out the material your grill grates are made of: cast iron, stainless steel, or porcelain-enameled steel/cast iron.

Clean your grill grates after each use, and deep clean monthly or seasonally.

Make sure to use the right materials for your particular grate type and stay away from harsh, chemical cleaners, wire brushes, or any cleaning material with metal.

Every Southerner knows that there's no better meal to eat than one that's come off the grill. Grilling is a cultural staple in the South that spans beyond the delicious charred meats; it brings a sense of community and gathering, which we all love!

But while we all enjoy the smoky, charred flavor of the grill, there's only one way to keep enjoying these culinary creations: regular cleaning of your grill grates. "Grill grates can get easily gummed up, which then increases the chance of an unwanted fire and an altered flavor of the meat you're cooking," says expert pitmaster, Carey Bringle. "If the grates have char on them that has been there a while, it can get moldy and impart that flavor to your food. You don't want that."

You bet we don't. That's why we spoke to three expert grillers for their professional tips on how to clean your grill grates so you can preserve your favorite outdoor cooking appliance for tasty foods time and time again.

Not all grill grates are made of the same material. There are several different types of grill grates, including: cast iron, stainless steel, or porcelain-enameled steel/cast iron.

Each type requires a different level of maintenance and care, so it's important to know the type of material your grill grates are made from so you can clean them properly and safely.

Don't know or forgot what type of grill grates you have? Here are a few key indicators for each type to help you identify your specific material:

Cast iron: Dark and rugged surface with a coarse texture/look.

Stainless steel: Shiny appearance and lighter in color.

Porcelain-enameled steel/cast iron: Typically a coated surface in light or dark color.

To clean your grill grates quickly after cooking, you don't need many materials. Here's what you will need to do the trick:

Grill brush

Aluminum foil

Onion half (optional)

If you're not in the habit of giving your grill grates a quick clean after every use, our experts say it's time to make this a routine. "I like to clean my grill after each use right after I remove the meat from the grates," says Robbie Shoults, celebrity chef and owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall, Texas. "Just crank up the heat to high, and that'll get rid of most of it for you. Anything that's left can be easily removed with a grill brush—either a wire bristle brush or a soft bristle brush."

Kita Roberts, the grill master behind Girl Carnivore, a food blog for meat lovers, says she follows the exact same process, but she tries to avoid using wire brushes to scrape off what's left behind. "Wire bristles get the job done, but they can also fall off and possibly get stuck in your food, so I avoid using them when I can. You can also use crumpled-up aluminum foil held by long grilling tongs to scrape off bits of stuck-on food."

Have an onion on hand you don't plan on eating? You can use it as a natural cleaner! Seriously. If you're dealing with stubborn, stuck-on food particles, just cut an onion in half and use it to scrape food off. The acid in the onion helps break down and loosen food particles to act as a natural cleaner instead of turning to chemical, store-bought ones.

Our experts say seasoning your grill grates with cooking spray, especially those made with cast iron, before cooking helps prevent food from sticking.

To deep clean your grill grates, you will need the following materials:

Grill brush

Bucket or tub for soaking

Warm water

2 cups of vinegar

1 cup baking soda (optional)

Nylon brush or aluminum foil

Towel

Cooking spray

While cleaning your grill grates quickly after each use is a good practice to get into, our experts recommend a deeper clean monthly or seasonally to really keep your grates in top condition. "I like to give my grates a deep clean about once a month, depending on how often I'm grilling, and a really thorough inspection once every couple of months to make sure things are in tip-top shape," Roberts says.

Giving your grill grates a deeper clean involves more work, but it's still a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove your grill grates.

Use a grill brush to scrape away left-behind food particles.

Soak your grates in a mixture of warm water and vinegar.

Let the grates sit in the solution for at least twenty minutes.

Remove grates from the water and scrub with a nylon brush or aluminum foil.

Dry the grates with a dry towel.

Apply cooking spray to season.

If your grill grates are looking a little rough, you can also try making a paste with baking soda and vinegar to battle tough grime.

As we mentioned earlier, there are several types of grill grates made with materials that require special considerations. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you're caring for grill grate materials.

Like your cast-iron skillet, the last thing you want to happen to your cast-iron grill grates is rust to develop. The best way to prevent this is with seasoning. Always clean your cast-iron grill grate after each use and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to keep the grates seasoned.

Stainless steel grill grates sport a beautiful, shiny appearance that you want to keep scratch-free. To do so, definitely stay away from abrasive cleaners like wool scrubbers and choose gentle cleaners instead.

If you have porcelain-coated grill grates, it's extremely important that you use gentle tools only. Stay away from chemical cleaners and brushes that can chip the coating off and destroy the material.

Using the right materials is key to keeping your beloved grill in its prime. It's highly recommended that you stay away from harsh, chemical cleaners, wire brushes, or any cleaning material with metal. These materials can break down your grates and damage the coating or material.

Once it's time to prep the grill for outdoor cooking season or store it for the winter, there are certain tips to follow so you enjoy your grill for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my grill grates?

Clean your grill grates after each use with a quick scrape to remove food particles. Also, give them a deep clean at least once a month to keep them in great shape.

What’s the safest way to clean grill grates without a wire brush?

To safely clean grates without a wire brush, use aluminum foil. Ball up the foil and scrape off stuck-on food bits from the grates.

Can I put grill grates in the dishwasher?

Never put grill grates in the dishwasher; it can ruin them. Instead, use a soak of warm water, vinegar, and baking soda for cleaning.

How do I remove rust from cast-iron grill grates?

Remove rust from cast-iron grill grates by soaking them in water and vinegar or using a baking soda and vinegar paste.

Is it okay to use vinegar or baking soda on grill grates?

Yes, vinegar and baking soda create an effective cleaning paste perfect for removing grime and protecting the grate surface.

How To Clean A Flat Top Grill