How To Clean Your Grill With An Onion
Grilling is one of those simple summer joys, a staple of the season, the center of backyard gatherings and delicious dinners. But, as with all things relating to cooking, the cleanup can be a pain. Cleaning a grill is a decent-sized task that takes a lot of elbow grease to get done. However, there’s one grill-scrubbing hack that’s been making the rounds again: using an onion. Yes, a basic onion from your kitchen. Here’s how it works.
Getting Started
First, turn on your grill and let it heat up for 10 to 15 minutes. While the grill heats, cut a large onion in half through the root so it holds together. Stick it on a grilling fork, a metal skewer, or even long tongs. So long as it holds the onion steady and keeps your hands at a distance, it’ll work. Put the onion cut-side down as that’s what you’ll be using to scrub. Once the grill’s heated, you’re ready to clean.
Scrubbing with the Onion
Make sure your onion is secure, then start scrubbing the grates back and forth with the cut side of the onion. You’ll likely see steam rising and bits of grime loosening as you go. Move slowly and keep contact between the onion and the metal. If it starts to dry out or blacken too much, cut off a slice to expose a fresh layer. The moisture is what’s doing a lot of work here, so not letting your onion get too dry is important.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once you’ve scrubbed the grates with the onion, let the grill cool. If you’re aiming for a deeper clean, use a cloth to wipe away any loosened particles or do a quick rinse of the grates if they’re removable. Finish by oiling the grates lightly with a paper towel and cooking oil to prevent rust and keep future messes from sticking as much. It really is that simple!
Why it Works
Onions contain natural antibacterial properties and a high water content, which creates steam when rubbed onto a hot grill. That steam, plus the onions’ natural acidity, loosens grease and burnt-on food. The texture of the onion also acts as a gentle abrasive. You’re using the heat and moisture together to soften the residue so it can be wiped away easily.
For a little extra scrubbing power, spray either the onion or the grates themselves, as the added acidity will help loosen stuck-on bits even easier. If you don’t have an onion on hand, you can also use a lemon for a similar effect!
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The most common grill-cleaning methods either involve harsh chemical cleaners that need to be burned off or wire brushes that risk breaking and dropping sharp spires into your food. Using an onion is a smart, gentle alternative that’s easy to remember and easy to repeat. It’s the kind of method that sticks with you, not because it’s trendy, but because it actually helps. And sometimes, that’s all you need to make grilling feel simple again. Ready to give it a try?
Daniel Mitchell
