Clean Grime Build-Up On Your Grill Utensils With A Common Kitchen Ingredient

When grilling season is (finally) upon us, that means delicious backyard barbecues alongside endless fun. But there's one thing that can put a damper on all that grilling enthusiasm — grimy, greasy, gunky utensils. You know, those tongs and spatulas that seem to have gotten layers of gunk on them that stick no matter how hard you scrub or what kind of store-bought cleaners you try.

If you've found yourself with some grimy grilling equipment and no way to clean it, maybe it is time to step away from the harsh chemicals and say yes to a solution that you might already have sitting right there in your kitchen: lemon juice. Lemon has both antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and it's citric acid cuts through grime, meaning cleaning is one of the best household uses for lemon juice. As a bonus, you won't wind up with a ton of plastic cleaning bottles in your pantry or burn your hands with harsh chemicals.

Lemon juice does not have to be just for flavoring your favorite foods or making some sweet lemonade but rather something that can actually clean your utensils through the power of citric acid. This acidity breaks down grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away. Plus, using lemon juice is a great way to ditch the chemicals and make your home more eco-friendly, so you don't have to feel bad about using it in your kitchen or around food.

To try this hack out yourself, squeeze fresh lemon juice over your grimed-up grill goods, making sure every gunky surface is completely coated. Let the juice sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, which lets the acid work its magic in breaking down that burnt-on food. Then, using a scrubbing brush or a stiff sponge, give your utensils a good scrub. You will be amazed by how easily the grime comes off, and all you have left to do is rinse your utensils and let them dry before their next use.

Lemon juice isn't the only natural cleaner you can use on your grill tools. While we couldn't find scientific research to back up its usage, many swear by using onions as another all-natural option that you might already have lying around for your barbecue. Just cut an onion in half, heat up your grill, and rub the cut side of the onion over the grill grates and utensils. The heat causes the onion to release its natural oils, which break down the grime. Plus, the onion's natural antibacterial properties help disinfect your grill tools.

Another effective kitchen find that works well as a natural cleaner is regular vinegar, which can be a versatile cleaning tool. It, too, has natural acids that will break down the grease and grime caused by caked-on food. Soak your utensils and let sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush, then rinse thoroughly with warm water, and voila! Your grill utensils will look as good as new.

In the end, keeping your grill utensils clean doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or endless scrubbing. With simple kitchen ingredients like lemon juice, onions, and vinegar, you can easily maintain your grill tools and make sure that they're always ready for your next attempt at being a grill master.