Not to hijack this thread, but here's what I do to clean grill grates:
1. Get two large plastic garbage bags.
2. Place one or more grills in the first bag. I've done up to 4 at a time.
3. Place first bag with grills inside second bag.
4. Pour 1 cup of household ammonia into 1st bag.
5. Seal both bags.
6. Place in the sun, OUTSIDE!
7. Wait 3 days.
8. Open bags in well ventilated place.
9. Wash grills with soap and hot water. Most of the crud will just fall off. Light scrubbing gets the rest. Your grill will shine again.
Skouson
Meh!
I just "fire clean" them.
(Oh, your wife thinks I'm crazy, too!)
steve (S2)