Suppose you’ve never cleaned your grill before. In that case, you may need clarification about dealing with the ash or charcoal residue from hosting regular cookouts. But whether you’re cleaning a new grill for the first time or reviving an old favorite, it’s simple to bring your favorite outdoor cooking station back to life.
A dirty grill can induce foodborne illnesses or raise the risk of fire when drip trays are packed with flammable fats if you go too long without cleaning them. And if there is a buildup of ash or food within, meats and seafood may not cook all the way through—but even if you don’t have any grilling concerns, it’s always best for the food you cook on the grates to come out uniformly cooked and delicious every time. Preparing your grill for grilling season only takes a few simple measures.
Find out how to clean every type of grill, regardless of the mess: And start thinking about your next cookout.
When Should You Clean Your Grill?
The time you spend cooking on your grill will determine how frequently you clean it, just like your kitchen appliances. At the very least, you should deep-clean your grill at the beginning of each grilling season. If you’re a griller, don’t wait more than two to three months between deep cleanings.
What You’ll Need
- Dishwashing gloves made of rubber
- Grilling brush
- Dish detergent
- a putty knife made of plastic
- Scrub back with a non-abrasive sponge
- Paper towels or microfiber towels
- Canola or avocado oil
- two gallons of water
Cleaning a Propane Grill
Step 1: Check for Gas Leaks to Prevent Fires
Apply a soap and water solution to the gas hose to check for gas leaks (the leading cause of gas grill fires). If there is a leak, you will detect bubbles on the surface. When leaks occur, service your barbecue promptly.
If your grill catches fire, close the lid to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, then turn off the gas. Look for something other than baking soda because most gas grill burner systems have metal covers to protect them, and the lid keeps baking soda from working. If you use a fire extinguisher, ensure it’s designed for grease fires, or you may extinguish the flames.
Step 2: Clean the Outside
To clean your grill’s exterior, combine a gallon of hot water with one tablespoon of dish soap. Dip a sponge in the solution and then scrub the grill’s cover. Using a microfiber or paper towel, rinse and dry the surface. If your grill is stainless steel, use microfiber. Paper towels contain cardboard pieces that can harm the stainless steel surface of the grill.
Preheat your grill in step three.
Preheat your grill on high for 10–30 minutes to burn off any lingering food residue. Any food remnants will convert to ash as your grill heats up.
Scrub the Grates in Step 4
Allow the grill to cool for a few minutes after opening the lid and turning off the gas before washing the grates. Dip the grill brush into the cleaning solution and scrape both sides of the grates. After rinsing and drying, use a clean towel to spread avocado or canola oil on all sides of the grates to protect them against rust.
Remove the flavorizer bars (the inverted V-shaped steel components below the cooking grates and above the burner tubes) and scrub them with your brush in the soapy bucket. Rinse and pat dry.
5th: Clean Your Burners
To keep trash out of the burner holes,
- Scrub the burners with your grill brush in an up-and-down motion rather than lengthwise across the burner bar.
- Remove the thin metal reflector plates from the bottom of your grill and empty the drip tray into the second bucket.
- Rinse and dry each plate after scrubbing it clean with the grill brush.
Discover that any inside sections of your grill need to be cleaned up with a bare scrape. It may be easier to replace them. Many parts can be returned for less than $15, saving you the time of washing a badly corroded, rusted, or carbon-covered item.
Cleaning a Charcoal Grill
Step 1: Clean the Outside
One tablespoon of dish soap is placed in a gallon of hot water. Then, immerse your sponge in the cleaning solution and wipe over the grill’s exterior (using the rough side as needed). Rinse and dry the surface with a microfiber towel instead of paper towels if your grill is stainless steel.
Scrub the Grates in Step 2
Open your grill and scrub both sides of the grates with the grill brush dipped in the soap solution. To keep the grates from rusting, rinse and dry them with a microfiber towel before spreading canola or avocado oil on both sides with a clean washcloth.
Step 3: Clean Up the Ash
Remove the charcoal ash and the holders for the charcoal grate. If your barbecue lacks a catch, lay your second empty bucket beneath the bottom holes. Remove any loose debris from the grill basin’s inner sides, lid, and base with a plastic scraper, pushing any debris through the bottom hole.
Step 4: Clean the Inside of the Lid
Using a grill brush and soapy water, scrub the inside lid and kettle bowl, forcing any debris and water through the opening. Rinse and dry the surface with new water. Replace all clean objects, leaving the lid open until everything has dried completely before closing and covering with a grill cover.
Standing water can cause harm to your grill. A cover keeps out bad weather and rats, but it also keeps out “ash paste,” which forms when rainwater mixes with the charcoal ash at the bottom of the grill. When ash paste sets, it becomes a cement-like substance that is nearly impossible to remove and decreases the effectiveness of your grill.
How to Keep Your Grill Cleaner for a Longer Period
Wiping off the grates after each use can help avoid ash and food buildup on your barbecue. Use a soap solution and grill brush to keep your grilling surface fresh between deep cleans. It’s best to use a damp washcloth or paper towel to remove excess debris.
After a few BBQ sessions, wipe down the flavorizer bars, burners, and drip tray on propane barbecues. To clean the charcoal ash and grate holders, remove debris from the bottom holes or place it in the charcoal ash catch.