How to Clean Your BBQ Grill – The Right Way

How to Clean Your BBQ Grill – The Right Way

1. Preheat your grill on high and burn off built-up grease and carbon for 20 minutes. Let the debris on the bottom char.

2. Turn off the propane. While the grill is still warm, but cool enough to touch, remove the grates and drip pan and place them in a plastic bin full of hot soapy water and white cleaning vinegar.

3. While the grates are soaking clean the inside of the grill with Dawn dish soap and a grill brush and scraper or a Brillo pad.

4. Clean the burners (for gas grills) using glass cleaner or white vinegar to prevent streaks. If the burner holes are clogged clean them with a soft brush, toothbrush, or toothpicks.

5. Dry the burners with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.

6. Vacuum the Ash (for Charcoal Grills) using a shop vacuum. Ash will absorb moisture and can cause rusting if it is left in the grill.

7. Remove the grates and drip pan from soaking and scrape off any left over grease using a metal brush or a grill cleaning brick. For stubborn grease we recommend using Goo-Gone Grill and Grate cleaner.

8. Rinse the grates and drip pan with water and fully dry them before placing them back into the grill.

9. If you have a stainless steel grill consider using a stainless steel cleaner or olive oil to polish the surface and keep it looking brand new.

10. If you are feeling extra ambitious use heat resistant spray paint and paint the outside of your grill to make it look brand new all over again.

Now that you know how to clean your BBQ Grill here are a few extra tips:

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Grill

1. Windy Days – It’s best to clean your grill on a warm, sunny days with little to no wind. The wind pulls heat away from the grill and wastes propane.
2. Using Bare Hands- It’s best to protect your hands from harsh chemicals by using plastic chemical-resistant gloves or plastic surgical gloves.
3. Keeping Your Grill Turned on While Cleaning – It is dangerous to keep your grill on with harsh chemicals near by. To be safe be sure your grill is shut off after melting the grease and carbon off the grates.

Maintaining Your Clean Grill

Now that you have a squeaky clean grill you want to keep it that way! Not only does a clean grill look better but it makes your food taste better and cook faster. Keeping your grill clean will also extend the life of your grill. Here are a few easy things you can do to prevent future build-up and keep your grill up to snuff for your next barbecue:

1. Oil the grates before cooking to help prevent food from sticking, making cleanup easier next time. We recommend this grill cleaning oil.
2. Clean after every use using a brush
3. Keep a cover on your grill while not in use. This helps prevent rust and protects against elements and debris.

Learning how to clean your BBQ grill safely is a great skill. However, your job does not stop here. Keeping your grill clean is crucial for the best-tasting food, faster cooking, and a longer-lasting grill. At first glance the process may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be quick, easy, and dare we say, fun? Now, stop over-thinking it, throw on some old clothes, (or a bathing suit), play some tunes, and head outside to give your grill some TLC. If you would like to learn more about how to clean your grill safely visit the CDC Food and Safety guide for barbecue.

Happy grilling, and may your next BBQ be a smoke-filled, delicious success! To reward yourself for all your hard work head over to G-Mom’s BBQ and grab yourself a jar of the best BBQ Sauce you’ll ever taste!