My Nana Taught Me This Hack to Get Rid of Grill Gunk in 4 Minutes With Zero Work

The magic tool? Aluminum foil.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Preheat your grill to around 500°F.

  2. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil across the grates.

  3. Close the lid and let the grill run for 4 minutes.

  4. Turn off the grill, remove the foil carefully (use a heat-resistant glove if needed).

  5. Throw away the foil—and admire your clean grates.

That’s it. The gunk burns into ash and sticks to the foil, leaving your grill ready for the next session.

4. Why It Works

  • Heat power: High heat breaks down grease and charred food into ash.

  • Foil’s role: Aluminum conducts and distributes heat evenly while trapping debris.

  • Bonus benefit: The heat sterilizes the grill, eliminating bacteria.

5. What You’ll Need

  • Aluminum foil

  • A grill with a lid

  • (Optional) Heat-resistant gloves

That’s all—no fancy cleaners or tools.

6. Benefits of the Hack