For a safer grill cleaning method:
Remove the grates - and any other removable elements - from the grill and use a lightly dampened sponge to remove grease, rust and baked-on food. For tougher spots, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water and work that in with a ball of crumpled heavy-duty foil until they've worn away. Rinse away any residue with water and a soft, non-wire brush and dry all parts thoroughly.
Next time you use the grill, strike while it's still warm and give the grates a quick scrub with crumpled foil before they return to room temperature. That way, you'll save on prep time before the next cookout - and make sure that your Boston butt doesn't taste like last week's trout.
Via: KOMO
Use a steel-wool/scotchbrite style pad, dipped in water, on hot grates. The steam from the water will loosen the debris on the grates, and allow it to be knocked off. You can also use an old, WET towel to do the same thing. I learned that from the chefs at our local hibachi. One of them said he cleans his grill the same way.
Just be careful you don't burn yourself. Learn from my fail!
Or maybe people could just learn how to properly use a grill brush and clean their grills regularly.
1. Heat your grill on maximum heat (all the way up for gas, or when the charcoal ashes over i.e. turns white)
2. Cover your grill and leave covered for 5-10 minutes to burn all the junk on the grill grates
3. Knock off the junk with the wire brush. There shouldn't be any gunk left for stray bristles to get stuck onto.
4. Moisten a paper or cotton towel with vegetable oil and, using tongs, wipe the grill grates.
5. Cook your food.
I guarantee that ever person who ever accidentally ate a grill brush bristle did so with food cooked on a dirty grill.