Cleaning and maintaining your stainless steel barbecue grill is important for keeping it in good working order and making it last. Proper care will help prevent corrosion, rust, and build-up that can affect performance. Follow these tips for cleaning a stainless steel bbq and keeping it in pristine condition.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Warm water
Mild dish soap
Soft cloth or sponge
Stainless steel polish or cleaner
Scotch-brite pad or other scrubbing pad
Spray bottle filled with white vinegar
High heat cooking oil (like canola or peanut oil)

Grab all of these cleaning supplies ahead of time so you’ll be fully prepared for the cleaning process.

Removing Grease and Residue

The first step is tackling built-up grease, food particles, and residue on both the interior and exterior surfaces. Follow these steps:

While grates are still warm (not hot), use a grill brush to loosen any bits of food and scrape grease off grates.
Allow grill to fully cool. Use dish soap and warm water to wipe down exterior stainless steel surfaces. This helps loosen grease and particles.
Dip cloth or sponge in soapy water and scrub the interior of your grill. Get into corners and crevices.
For stubborn grease spots, let warm soapy water sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing to loosen. You can also use a Scotch-brite pad for extra scrubbing power.
Rinse away all soap with clean water once finished cleaning.

Regularly removing built-up grease and food debris will make the next steps of your deep clean easier and more effective.

Removing Stubborn Stains and Discoloration

Even with regular cleaning, you may notice some discoloration or minor rust spots on your stainless steel over time. Here’s how to tackle them:

Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to stained or rusted areas and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Dip steel wool or a Scotch-brite pad in white vinegar and scrub affected areas.
For tough stains, you can also use a stainless steel cleaner or polish. Apply a small amount to a cloth and rub into stains.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.

The baking soda paste combined with the acidity of the white vinegar works wonders to dissolve stains and remove rust spots! Just take care not to scrub too vigorously on the stainless steel finish.

Polishing Away Water Spots and Fingerprints

Water spots, smudges, fingerprints, and other marks can make your stainless steel look dull and dirty, even if you’ve cleaned it. Bring back the shine by polishing it up:

Use a microfiber cloth to apply a dime-sized amount of stainless steel polish or cleaner in a circular motion.
Work it into the surface until marks disappear and you’re left with a glossy finish.
For outdoor grills, follow up by rubbing on stainless steel oil while the metal is still warm. This prevents new water spots.
Buff with a clean dry cloth until you achieve the look you want.

Regular polishing maintains the luster and protects against corrosion and rust. Your bbq will look brand new!

Cleaning the Grates

Don’t neglect the cooking grates! Give them a good deep clean by:

Using a wire grill brush to scrub off all residual gunk and build-up after grilling while grates are still warm.
Once cool, remove grates and soak them in warm soapy water to loosen any remaining bits. Use a grill brush or Scotch-brite pad to scrub away any caked-on food.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry before replacing in your bbq.

Maintaining the Burners

It’s also important to periodically give your bbq burners some TLC. Here’s how:

Remove burners and brush debris off with a wire grill brush. Scrape off stubborn residue with a metal scraper if needed.
Clean out any blocked burner ports using a straightened paper clip or needle.
Use a pipe cleaner to dislodge dirt and debris within the venturi tube.
Wipe down exterior surfaces of burners with a cloth and warm soapy water.
Allow burners to fully dry before reinstalling.

This maintenance helps ensure your burners continue working properly for grilling season after grilling season.

Storing Your Grill Between Uses

To keep your stainless steel bbq looking its best:

Wipe down the grill’s interior and exterior stainless steel surfaces before and after each use.
Cover your grill when not in use for prolonged periods. Choose a durable cover specifically fitted for your make and model.
For long-term storage, apply stainless steel oil before covering to prevent corrosion.

Proper storage care helps prevent exterior damage that can lead to costly repairs down the road.

When to Call a Professional

While regular cleaning and polishing is typically enough, there may be times when you need a pro’s help:

If you notice pitting, cracks, or deep scratches
If corrosion and rust persists despite your cleaning efforts
To thoroughly clean the interior after prolonged heavy use
If burner issues can’t be resolved through standard maintenance

Don’t hesitate to call in a professional stainless steel bbq cleaning service if you need assistance restoring your grill to its original glory. Their steam cleaning and restoration services can work wonders!

FAQs About Cleaning a Stainless Steel BBQ

Still have some questions about the best ways to clean your stainless steel grill? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I use harsh abrasives like steel wool to clean my bbq?

It’s best to avoid very harsh abrasives that can actually scratch or scour the stainless steel finish. Fine grades of steel wool are okay for tackling stubborn deposits. But steer clear of coarse steel wool or abrasive pads.

What temperature water should I use?

Warm water is ideal, but not scalding hot. Hot water can potentially damage your bbq. Lukewarm or warm tap water works great.

Can I use any dish soap?

A mild liquid dish soap works well for an all-over cleaning. Avoid more caustic soaps or degreasers unless tackling major grease buildup. Even then, rinse surfaces thoroughly after use.

How often should I deep clean my stainless steel grill?

Aim for a deep clean including polishing at least every 3-4 months. Spot clean as needed between deep cleanings. And do a thorough clean at the start and end of grilling season.

What’s the best way to clean the lid and hood?

Use the same cleaning methods recommended for the main stainless steel surfaces. Pay special attention to areas that collect grease around lid openings using a degreasing cleaner if necessary.

How can I get burned on food residue off grates?

Let grates cool fully after cooking. Then use a grill brush and some elbow grease! For stubborn spots, lay grates in a sink lined with aluminum foil. Apply oven cleaner and let it sit before scrubbing.

Any tips for avoiding corrosion and rust?

Wipe down stainless surfaces after each use once grill cools.
Remove stuck on food particles with soft bristle brush.
Avoid prolonged contact with salt, acids, and halide compounds.
Apply stainless steel oil periodically.
Address any scratches right away.

What supplies work to polish stainless steel?

Specialty stainless steel polish products work great. You can also use a bit of olive oil, lemon oil, baby oil or mineral oil on a soft cloth to polish to a shine.

Conclusion

Cleaning and caring for your stainless steel barbecue grill pays off! Follow this complete guide to remove grease, tackle stains, polish away marks, clean the grates, and more. With the right supplies and some elbow grease, you can keep your bbq looking shiny and new.

Be sure to clean your stainless steel grill before and after each use. Perform a thorough deep clean every few months. And properly store your bbq between uses to prevent costly damage. With regular care and maintenance, your stainless steel grill will last for many seasons of memorable backyard barbecuing!

How to Clean a Stainless Steel BBQ