The 8 Best Grill Cleaners for Cookout Season

Nothing beats firing up the grill on a summer evening. But the morning after? That’s a different story. Facing a grill grate caked with last night’s barbecue sauce and char is my least favorite part of the cookout season.

Over the years, I’ve tried just about everything to make bbq grill cleaning less of a chore. I’ve used sprays, foams, soaks, and even some home remedies that didn’t work so well. Some products are just way better than others.

So, I put together a list of the grill cleaning products that actually work for me, whether I’m doing a deep clean to start the season or just a quick wipe-down after dinner.

 

 

Heavy-Duty Grill Cleaners

Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner

This stuff costs about $9.59. It’s my go-to for a serious, end-of-season deep clean without all the mess.

You just put your grates inside the included zip-top bag, pour in the solution, and let it sit overnight. The next morning, you just rinse it off. Almost all the baked-on gunk just slides right off with minimal scrubbing. It’s amazing for getting grates back to looking almost new.

The Downside: It’s not really made for heavy rust. If your grates are really corroded, this will clean the gunk off, but you’ll still have the rust to deal with.

 

 

Easy-Off Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner

At around $6.99, this is the powerhouse cleaner for when you’ve really let things go. This is what I grab when I find a grill that’s been neglected for a while.

It’s a no-joke formula that cuts through the worst, most stubborn, burnt-on grease you can imagine. You spray it on, wait a few minutes, and wipe away stains that you thought were permanent. It’s incredibly effective on steel surfaces.

The Downside: The fumes are really strong. You absolutely need to use this in a well-ventilated area, and I’d recommend wearing gloves.

 

 

Rock Doctor Master Grill Grate Cleaner

This one is usually about $12.99. What’s great about the Rock Doctor cleaner is that you can use it on cold grates. I don’t always remember to clean the grill while it’s still warm, so this is a huge plus for me.

It promises to cut through grime in just five minutes, and it really does work on moderate buildup. It’s safe for pretty much any grill type, and I’ve found it helps prevent flare-ups later since it gets rid of so much grease.

The Downside: For really, really tough baked-on messes, you’ll need to let it sit for closer to 20 or 30 minutes, not just five.

 

 

Quick Sprays and Wipes

Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner

For about $9.99, this is a fantastic option for a quick post-grilling cleanup. The foam really clings to the grates, which I love.

You spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and it breaks down all the fresh gunk. It uses citrus oils, so it doesn’t have that harsh chemical smell, which is nice when you’re cleaning up on the patio. It makes quick work of charred food and grease.

The Downside: The label is serious when it says not to use it on aluminum or faux stainless steel. Make sure you know what your grill is made of before you spray.

 

 

Parker & Bailey BBQ Grill Cleaner & Degreaser

This is a bargain at $7.99. I use this one less for the grates and more for everything else. It makes the stainless steel exterior of my grill look brand new.

It cuts through splattered sauce and grease on the outside of the grill lid and side tables in just a couple of minutes. It leaves a nice, streak-free shine and doesn’t have any strong fumes. It’s also great for cleaning drip pans and tools.

The Downside: It’s a thin liquid, not a foam, so it doesn’t cling very well to the grates or other vertical surfaces inside the grill.

 

 

CitruSafe BBQ Grill Cleaner

Priced around $8.99, this is the one I recommend to friends who are worried about using harsh chemicals. It’s biodegradable and uses citrus-based degreasers.

It works really well on moderate grease and gives everything a nice shine without that chemical smell. It feels a lot safer to use on the same surface I cook my food on. I’ve also used it on my smoker with great results.

The Downside: If you’re dealing with really thick, baked-on residue, you’re going to have to put some serious scrubbing effort in. It’s not a spray-and-rinse solution for tough jobs.

 

 

Proud Grill Company Q-Swiper Grill Cleaner Kit

The kit is about $16.99. After hearing horror stories about wire bristles getting stuck in food, I’ve become a huge fan of bristle-free cleaning. This kit is perfect for that.

It comes with a scraper tool and moist, tough wipes that you attach to it. You scrape the big stuff off, then use the wipe to get the grease. The wipes do a surprisingly good job of lifting grease off the grates for a quick, safe clean.

The Downside: For a really messy grill, like after cooking saucy ribs, you might have to use two or three wipes to get the job done, so you can go through them quickly.

 

 

My Go-To for Everyday Messes

Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray

A refill costs about $5.99, and honestly, I use this stuff for everything. It’s fantastic for my indoor grill pan and for quick spot-cleans on the outdoor grill.

The spray-on, wipe-off action is just so easy. It dissolves grease on contact. If I have a small greasy flare-up on a side burner or a drip on a side table, a quick spray of this and a wipe with a paper towel takes care of it instantly.

The Downside: I’ve had a couple of the spray triggers get a little finicky or clogged over time, but it’s usually an easy fix.

 

 

What I Look for in a Grill Cleaner

For me, choosing a cleaner depends on the job. Am I doing a quick wipe after grilling burgers, or am I tackling a full season’s worth of grime? For the quick jobs, a simple spray like Goo Gone or CitruSafe is perfect. They work fast and don’t smell like a chemical plant.

But for the big, tough jobs, you need something stronger. That’s when I’ll grab the Easy-Off for a really bad interior or the Carbona bag for a no-scrub deep clean on the grates themselves. Having both types on hand means I’m ready for any bbq grill cleaning task.

And safety is a big deal, too. I’m always careful with fumes, and the move toward bristle-free brushes like the Q-Swiper just makes sense. A clean grill is great, but a safe one is even better.