Even if you no longer use a wire brush to clean your grill, you may still want to keep one (or a few) on hand for other household and DIY jobs and projects. I’ve found that these sturdy, stiff-bristled brushes can come in handy for removing peeling paint, scraping off rust, and other similar tasks that require a little elbow grease.
The best way to clean your grill without a barbecue brush
Most grill brushes have bristles made of stainless steel, brass, or nylon. Stainless steel is the hardest and most abrasive of the three, followed by brass, and finally nylon. Each of these brushes is best suited for certain applications and tasks. I usually keep one with nylon bristles and another with stainless steel or brass bristles on hand for different projects.
Like any type of utility brush, grill brushes don’t last forever: over time, the bristles can fall out or break, so keep an eye on how yours are holding up. Also keep in mind that grill brush bristles, especially stainless steel ones, can easily scratch surfaces, so avoid using them on softer materials.
Always take proper safety precautions when working with a wire grill brush, as you will produce dirt, rust, or paint residue. If you are concerned about scratches, it is best to start with a test spot in a less noticeable area. In general, brass or nylon grill brushes are the most versatile because they are not as harsh on surfaces.