With just a fresh halved onion, you can break down char and stuck-on gunk in seconds, saving you time on scrubbing and brushing. All you need is a white onion and a grilling fork. Follow these step-by-step directions on how to clean your grill with an onion, and other general tips to care for your grill all summer long.

Clean Your Grill With An Onion

When it comes to using an onion to clean your grill, the steps to success are simple. Dan Cooper, Head Grill Master at weber explains that you should use stick half a raw onion (cut side down) on the end of your BBQ fork or tong – then scrub the grates back and forth until clean. It is best to complete this when the grill is still warm – to maximize success.  The heat paired with the natural antibacterial properties of the onion will break down any stubborn char or sticky sauce. Remember: The grates should be hot, so use a fork or a pair of tongs to hold the onion . And if food is really stuck, try using a natural acid, like lemon juice or white wine vinegar, to expedite the process.

What Kind  Should You Use to Clean a Grill?

Any onion you have on hand will work for this. The type (or color) doesn’t matter. But for speed and efficiency, a larger one will obviously cover more grill territory than a smaller one.

Why Use an Onion to Clean Your Grill?

Grease and bits of food adhere to grill grates like glue on a school art project. It’s nearly impossible to separate them, but don’t give up on those grimy grill grates just yet. An onion’s natural acidity and fluids can loosen dirt, stuck-on food, and grease, and have your grill looking nearly new in minutes. Plus, using an onion to clean a grill can be a safer alternative to chemical cleaners. Once you use a chemical grill cleaner, you have to let it burn off before you can safely cook on the grates again.