Heat the barbecue to high for several minutes to burn off excess residue. Brush grates while they're hot.
Cut a lemon in half and scrub the grates with the cut side, using the natural acidity to break down grime.
Scrub the grates with a balled-up piece of aluminum foil to remove stubborn debris.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, soak grates in the mixture, then scrub away buildup.
Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to grates, let sit, and scrub off grime.
Cut an onion in half, dip it in oil, and rub it on heated grates to help prevent sticking.
Heat the barbecue, place a tray of water on the grates, and close the lid to create steam. Then scrub grates.
Empty and clean the drip tray regularly to prevent flare-ups and buildup.