What can I soak my barbecue grill in to clean it?

We recommend soaking your barbecue grill only when they are very dirty. If this is the case, then you can remove your stainless-steel or porcelain grates and soak them overnight in hot water mixed with dish soap, or in 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Both of these solutions will loosen the grease so you can scrub it off in the morning.

Are baking soda and vinegar safe for cleaning barbecues?

Yes, the combination of baking soda and vinegar is safe for cleaning barbecues. Using this mixture produces a fizzing reaction, which lifts off any stuck-on grease from the grill, making it easier for you to clean. By using this solution, you are avoiding the use of any harmful chemicals. Remember to rinse the grates thoroughly after using the solution and then give them time to fully dry.

What is the best homemade BBQ cleaner?

The best homemade barbecue cleaning solution is to mix baking soda with either liquid dish soap or vinegar. After coating the grates with this paste, you can scrub with a crumpled piece of aluminum foil. For more stubborn buildup, use our eco-friendly and all-natural Oven & Stovetop Cleaner Kit.

6 BBQ Cleaning Tips Before Guests Arrive

May 22, 2026

Like many of us, a lot of our favorite summer memories involve being around a barbecue; possibly due to the good food or the even better company. Before you host your next cookout, a little bit of cleaning is in order to ensure your food is cooked safely, and you can impress your friends with a look-like-new sparkly grill.

Like all of our products, the following tips are sure to be gentle on your home and appliances by implementing environmentally friendly practices and taking advantage of natural products.

1. MAKE CLEANING A PART OF YOUR ROUTINE

A spotless barbecue doesn’t just happen after a one-time scrub down, but rather it is a result of a consistent routine after every grill. By taking steps to keep your grill clean at all times, your food is sure to taste better without lingering notes of burnt-on flavors from previous meals. As such, regular barbecue cleaning shouldn’t be viewed as a chore but more as a habit that has many upsides.
A good practice should be to scrape the grates while they are still warm. This could be done with either a good barbecue brush or with a crumpled piece of aluminum foil. After the grill has cooled down, make sure to wipe down the exterior so no grease builds up later on. Incorporating a quick barbecue reset is one of the biggest actions you can take to prevent bigger messes in the future.

2. START WITH A BURN-OFF & A GOOD SCRUB

One good trick to help remove any burnt-on carbon is to cover the grates with a sheet of heavy-duty foil and let the grill do the rest of the work. Turn up the heat on the grill and watch it burn away any leftover residue. After letting it run for a little while, let the grill cool for a few minutes. Use a sturdy grill brush to help scrape off any remaining debris.
Keep in mind that if you are to use a cheaper wire brush with weaker bristles, they may break off and end up in your food…

3. MIX A SIMPLE NATURAL CLEANER

If any tougher burnt patches refuse to give way, avoid using harsh chemicals and instead use ingredients found in almost any kitchen. Mix together baking soda and white vinegar to make a paste that can help soften the grease, making it easier for you to wipe it away. Another alternative is to combine the baking soda with dish soap. Apply it to the grill and use a ball of aluminum foil to help reach those harder-to-reach spots.
Both of these natural barbecue cleaner solutions are food-safe, inexpensive, and easy to keep on hand as you touch up your barbecue throughout the summer season.

4. DEGREASE USING ASPENCLEAN’S NATURAL KIT

Stubborn grease left on grill lids or side shelves calls for products that can easily cut through grime without putting your health at risk. Our Oven & Stovetop Cleaner Kit is perfectly suited for these jobs as it is completely powered by plants and minerals. To use it on the exterior of your barbecue, mix the powder with the kitchen cleaner. This will turn into a paste that can be applied to a wet surface. Slowly scrub with a microfiber cloth, and the grime should come away easily.
For more advice on how to clean your outdoor kitchen and appliances and get your outdoor spaces ready for the warm weather, have a read through our blog on 5 Essential Summer Cottage Cleaning Tips.

5. CLEAN THE DRIP TRAY

The drip tray catches any grease that slips through the grill. If this grease is not cleaned out, it may ignite or attract unwanted guests… Once the barbecue has cooled, slide the tray out from under the grill and wash it in some hot soapy water. Let it fully dry before putting it back!

6. TAKE APART FOR A DEEP CLEAN

A few times throughout the summer, or whenever you can see that your barbecue needs that extra little bit of love, take it apart and give it a good, deep clean. As mentioned before, let the grill heat up for 10-15 minutes, then give it some time to cool slightly before you remove the grates, burner covers, and the drip tray.

Wash all the removable parts in some warm, soapy water. Once they have been cleaned, give them the opportunity to completely dry before you put them back together. You can also go a step further and scrape the interior of the grill to help clear and old grease that has built up over time. By doing so, you are actively improving the overall performance of the appliance and reducing any potential flare-ups.

FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE

A clean grilling space is just the beginning of creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. Whether you clean up after every grill or decide to hand it over to the professionals, taking a few proactive steps in this regard guarantees that any future barbecuing will be safe for you and equally friendly to our great outdoors.

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