When the last backyard cookout of the year wraps up, don’t just shove your grill into storage without a second thought.

A pervasive misconception involves how to clean the grill grates, and here's a secret: You don't actually need special cleaners for your grill, especially not pricey chemical-based ones.

Clean the cooking grates with a wire grill brush or curly steel scour pad before adding food to the grill—when the coals are the hottest. Wipe the remaining soot and debris from the grates with ...

Now, this isn't a full-blown replacement for properly cleaning it — you'll still ... debris and grease that might be caught in the grill grates. If your grill has a removable grate, you can ...

Remove the Grill Grates and Clean Them Thoroughly Use a grill brush ... Empty grease trays and properly dispose of grease to prevent buildup and attract pests. And, do this before attempting ...