The Unusual Grill Grate Cleaning Method That's Bound To Raise Eyebrows

Cleaning the dirty grates of an oven or outdoor grill that's coated in crusty food residues requires both effort and patience, which is why it's a job that's often put off for later. Having said that, there's an unusual grill grate cleaning method you might not know about that demands zero elbow grease and doesn't call for any cleaning fluids or scrub brushes. The only problem is that it might raise a few eyebrows among your curious neighbors. All you need to do is place your dirty grates on the grass in your backyard and leave them there overnight or for up to 24 hours.

In the morning, take a soft cloth and run it down the length of the grates to gently remove any grime. You should find that any burnt-on food remnants come off with ease, without the need for chemical based cleaners that contain toxic ingredients. Now, why does this work? If you've ever walked barefoot across your lawn first thing in the morning you'll have felt the morning dew underfoot. This dew is formed when the water vapor in the air condenses onto the cool grass as temperatures drop overnight. This moisture hydrates the stubborn residues on the grill grates and makes them softer, which means all that gunk can be wiped off in one fluid motion.

The benefit to cleaning your grill grates on grass is that you won't need to use synthetic cleaners that can both harm the environment and cause skin sensitivities. It's also a money-saving move because you won't have to spend a penny on cleaning sprays and tools. To make the process even more effective, cover the top of your grates with grass, too, to create an encased humid environment, a tip that's particularly useful in summer when everything is dryer. 

Deterred by the thought of creepy crawlies and bugs running across your grates overnight? Or worried about the risk of your grates getting rusty? In that case, be sure to give them a final clean in some soapy water before drying thoroughly. Alternatively, spritz your grill grates with a natural spray made of vinegar and salt after their night out on the lawn. As the acid in the vinegar has antimicrobial properties it will kill off everyday bacteria and eliminate odors without the need for harsh chemicals. If none of this is making you feel any better about leaving your grill grates in the great outdoors, soak them overnight in a sink filled with dish soap and water instead. This trick will hydrate dried-on foods, making it easier to wipe them off, but you will need a sink that's large enough to submerge your grates. For stubborn residues, use detergent to clean stained oven racks and grills as it's more powerful than dish soap.