How to Clean a Grill or Oven Grates Without Scrubbing: The Bag Trick
Cleaning grill or oven grates can be a daunting task, especially when baked-on grease and grime refuse to budge. Fortunately, there’s a simple, low-effort method using a plastic bag that eliminates the need for tedious scrubbing. Here’s how to do it:
What You’ll Need:
A large plastic bag (e.g., a garbage bag or resealable zipper bag)
1/2 cup ammonia or white vinegar
Gloves (for safety)
Paper towels or a soft cloth
Optional: Dish soap and warm water for a final rinse
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Remove the Grates
Take the grill or oven grates out of the appliance and allow them to cool if they are still warm.
2. Place in a Bag
Put the grates into a large plastic bag. If you’re cleaning oven grates, you may need a garbage bag for size. Ensure the bag can be sealed tightly.
3. Add Ammonia or Vinegar
Pour 1/2 cup of ammonia or 1 cup of white vinegar into the bag. Ammonia is particularly effective for breaking down grease and carbon buildup, while vinegar works well for moderate cleaning and deodorizing.