How to Clean a Grill

The tool of choice for cleaning the grate is a long-handled, stiff wire brush. Use it twice and brush vigorously: first, when the grate is preheated but before the food goes on (heating the grill sterilizes the grate and loosens any burnt-on debris). Brush the grate a second time after you are done cooking—again, while the grill is still hot. Many wire brushes come with scrapers on the end; use these to dislodge any particularly stubborn debris.

I don’t generally bother with cleaning the firebox, unless it gets really disgusting. Should this happen, a scrub brush and a grill cleaner or soapy water will do the trick.