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Here at Synergy Outdoor Living, we pride ourselves on keeping our outdoor kitchens clean. If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably amassed quite the set of cleaning equipment over the years! Most of us don’t think too much about what brand or type of cleaning tool we’re purchasing because we assume they are all the same… but are they? 
 

Synergy Outdoor Living is here to give you our best choices for cleaning your outdoor grill, and what can happen if you aren’t careful and use the wrong tool! Let’s get started!  
 
  

Opened gas grill in outdoor kitchen with dark granite counter tops

  

Scraping Your Grill Grates Makes Food Taste Better

 

Lingering residue from grilling previous meals can create strange flavors in your food.  Plus charred bits may break off getting into your fresh meats, poultry, fish, veggies, or other favorites. 

  

 

Clean Grates Look Better

 

Visual appeal matters when you are cooking and serving food to others.  You’ll feel more enthusiastic about using a clean grill, and your guests and family will look forward to seeing what you make when you open the lid of your properly maintained grill. 

  

 

Maintained Grill Grates Last Longer Than Dirty Ones

 

Grates are just like any other item in your home.  When you keep them clean and sanitized, they remain in good condition for years.  Leaving grease and other contaminants can encourage deterioration. 

 
Read More > Our Grill Cleaning Guide

  

 

It’s always a good idea to clean your grill more often. Keeping your grill clean is key to preserving its condition and maintain healthy grilling!  

 
 

Our “Grate” Grill Brush Picks
  

  • Nylon scrub brush: Nylon is a synthetic material that won’t break.  Look for a brush with sturdy nylon bristles that are tightly bound together. 
      
  • Plastic bristle brush: Plastic is another synthetic material.  Look for a brush with sturdy bristles that are tightly bound together. 
      
  • Natural fiber brushes: There are also natural fiber brushes available, like those made with coconut husks. These are great eco-friendly options, but they all may not be as effective as the other options on this list. 
  • Grilla Grill Brush: This is a brand-specific grill brush that is inexpensive and very durable.  These include a continuous threaded steel brush head, made with heavy-duty materials.  This brush also includes a scraper as described below, so it is two tools in one.  

  

 

Grill Scrapers 
  

Another option is using a grill scraper, a blunt-ended tool made of metal, plastic, or wood. Grill scrapers are designed to clean grills without harming the surface. They can be used on all types of grill grates, including porcelain, cast iron, and stainless steel. 
  

While using a grill scraper is a safe way to clean your grill, it’s important to note that it may not be as effective as a brush. If you opt for a grill scraper, make sure to use it regularly to prevent build-up on your grill grates.  

 
  

Need to clean in a pinch but have no tool? Just add cooking oil and salt to your grill grates, and scrub with a raw potato for a  natural solution.  

  

  

Avoid Grill Brushes That Can Harm You 
 

Wire grill brushes can be dangerous because the bristles can break off during the cleaning process and stick to the grate of the grill. Although some bristles may be more noticeable, small shards of metal can be nearly impossible to see.

  

These sharp metal wires then get stuck or even cooked into the food you grill. When ingested, these bristles can cause serious injuries.    

 

If you have been using a wire brush in the past, it’s important to take action before you grill next. Check your grill for any bristles that may have come loose.  If you find any, make sure they are all removed, and the grates are cleaned with a better alternative before your next grilling session.
We suggest avoiding these types of grill cleaning tools. 

  

Open summerset grill in outdoor kitchen with light granite countertops a light grey cabinets

 

No Grill to Keep Clean? Synergy Outdoor Living Can Help!  

 

Of course, you’ll first need a grill to clean! If you’re looking into installing an outdoor kitchen, give us a call at Synergy Outdoor Living. We’ll walk you through the design process and build you the outdoor kitchen of your dreams! Get started today!  

Synergy Outdoor Living