Grate (and skin) cleaning question

[Trathor]

Hey all. Had my 32” for several years now, and kinda struggle with an efficient way to clean the grill grates. I have used PBW, but struggled with trying to find a container that is big, flat and strong. (Water heater tray was too small, but an XL cement mixing pan is almost big enough.) 

i’m debating a wire rotary brush on a power tool if some sort, but thought I would check in here. 
 

also on the outside skin it’s pretty greasy/ black. Tried a few different products, but not in love with any of them. 
 

thanks for your thoughts!!  

[Poochie]

I get the worst gunk off with a 3/8" open end wrench. When I want them to shine, I use a Scotch Brite pad.

[tony b]

21 hours ago, Trathor said:

also on the outside skin it’s pretty greasy/ black. Tried a few different products, but not in love with any of them. 

A few of us here are sold on ZEP 505 Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser.

I'm a homebrewer, so I always have PBW around. I use it mostly on cleaning the rotisserie gear (baskets, rods, forks) in a 5 gallon bucket. I use a Grill Floss to scrap the grates. I'm not fanatical about having shiny grates, just scrape the cooked-on bits off. Poochie's 5/8 wrench works, too. 

[Mcdddy]

PBW is the way to go. I use a washing machine pan which is the perfect size for 32 inch grates and shallow enough depth for soaking without having to use a ridiculous amount of PBW for soaking. They even have a drain hole.