Introduction
A perfectly cooked rack of ribs or juicy steak hot off the grill can make for an amazing meal. But without proper cleaning and maintenance, even the finest BBQ can lose its luster. Over time, grease, grime, and food debris build up on your grill and can impact both performance and taste. To keep your BBQ cooking optimally and tasting great cook after cook, following a regular cleaning routine is essential. With the right techniques and tools, you can have your grill looking and running like new in no time at all. Let us explore the best practices of how to clean your BBQ grill inside and out.
Before Each Use
Clean the Grates
The grates are the frontline of any BBQ and take the brunt of the cooking mess. Before firing up the grill each time, take a few minutes to wipe down and brush the grates while the BBQ is still cool. Use a wire grill brush to remove dried on bits of food and debris. Go both front to back and side to side to fully clean the grates. A quick wipe down with a rag and some cooking oil or nonstick spray after brushing can help prevent food from sticking during cooking.
Remove Ash
For charcoal grills, make sure to remove the ash from the bottom of the grill before starting a cook. Allow the coals to completely extinguish and cool. Then remove the ash grate and dispose of the ash that has accumulated in the tray or kettle below.
Inspect for Problems
Inspect the grill interior and exterior for any issues before cooking. Look for spider webs, insect intrusions, grease build up, cracks, rust spots, or broken components that need to be repaired or replaced. Address any concerns before cooking.
After Each Use
Clean the Grates
After cooking while the grates are still warm but the grill is off, brush down the grates once again with a grill brush to remove any debris from the cookout. Use long, heavy duty barbecue tongs and a scraper or spatula to remove any large stuck pieces of food. It is much easier to remove any residue when the grill is still slightly warm. Let cook top fully cool before continuing cleaning.
Remove Grease and Debris
Use a small metal scraper to remove grease drippings and food debris from any grill plates or bowl collectors while the BBQ is warm. For gas grill interiors, wipe down components with paper towels, warm soapy water, or grill cleaning brush. Don’t use abrasive scouring pads which can damage surfaces. Make sure surfaces are cool before wiping.
Empty Drip Pan
Once grill fully cools, remove drip pans or bowls which collect grease and empty. Clean pan with hot soapy water and allow to fully dry before replacing in grill. Discard soaked foil drip pan liners after each use.
Brush Interior
Use a cleaning brush with scraper to remove any remaining grease and debris from inside the grill. Brush the lid, lid vents, firebox, racks and interior surfaces. Touch up with warm soapy water and paper towels if needed.
Check Components
Inspect burners, flavorizer bars, cooking grates, and other components. Remove any food particles and grease buildup using small metal scrapers, nylon or brass detail brushes, and towels.
Deep Cleaning
Steam Clean – For a super heated deep clean, use a wet paper towel and scraper to remove buildup on a warm grill. Then dip towels in hot soapy water and lay across closed grill for 5-10 minutes. The steam will help loosen residue. Scrub and wipe down with towels.
Baking Soda – Make a paste of baking soda and water and use a soft scrub brush or sponge to work into tough stains and grease. Let sit for 15 minutes then rinse and dry.
Citrus – Halved lemons can help remove grease when scrubbed on grates and surfaces. For gas grills, place lemon wedges on grates over low heat and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing. The acids in the lemon work to cut through grease.
Grill Brush – Invest in a high quality stiff stainless steel grill brush to make quick work of removing stubborn cooked on food. Look for ones with both brass and stainless steel bristles for cleaning all grill surfaces.
Grill Stones – Grilling stones are pumice stones that can be heated and used to scrub porcelain, steel, and cast iron grill grates and plates while warm. After soaking in water for 2 minutes, rub the stone over the grill surface in a circular motion to remove residue without damaging the grill.
Gas Grill Interior
Burners – Remove burners and clean with a grill brush, warm soapy water, and a rinse. Make sure all ports are free of obstructions. Let dry fully before replacing. Use a pipe cleaner to clear any clogs.
Grates – Place grates in a garbage bag and spray liberally with oven cleaner. Tie bag closed and let sit overnight. Use grill brush and rinse to remove residue. For stubborn stains, boil grates in mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
Flavorizer Bars – Remove bars and soak in warm soapy water. Use a grill brush to remove stuck on food. Rinse and dry fully before replacing.
Metal Plates and Covers – Coat with oven cleaner and let sit 15-30 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon brush and rinsing.
Interior – Wipe down firebox, lid interior, and grease pan railings with a grill stone, brush and warm soapy water. Rinse and dry completely.
Metal Exterior – Spray painted metal surfaces with oven cleaner. Let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Rinse and wipe down.
Charcoal Grill Interior
Grates – Scrub grates vigorously with grill brush while still warm after cooking. For built up residue, clean as directed for gas grills above using oven cleaner or boiling method.
Heat Diffuser – Remove and clean diffuser plate with grill brush and warm soapy water. Rinse and dry completely.
Fire Grate – Lift grate and remove ash completely. Scrub with a wire brush and rinse to remove grease buildup.
Bowls and Lids – Spray interior bowl and lid with oven cleaner. Let sit 10 minutes then scrub with a brush. Rinse and wipe down thoroughly.
Exterior – Spray painted metal surfaces with oven cleaner. Let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Rinse and wipe down.
Polish and Protect Surfaces
Stainless Steel – Rub a thin coat of stainless steel polish product over exterior stainless steel surfaces using even strokes. Buff with a clean cloth.
Porcelain Enamel – Gently rub surfaces with a mildly abrasive cleansing powder and a damp sponge or cloth using circular motions. Rinse and dry.
Cast Iron Grates – Wipe grates with a lightly oiled rag after drying completely to prevent rusting.
Painted Metal – Wax painted exterior surfaces with car wax and buff with a soft cloth for added protection from elements.
Chrome – Polish chrome accents and surfaces with chrome polish product and buff with a soft cloth until shiny.
Plastic – Avoid abrasive cleaners. Wash with warm soapy water and rinse.
Tips for Cleaning BBQ Grill
- Always allow grill to fully cool after use before starting deep cleaning.
- Use grill brushes gently and carefully on porcelain surfaces to avoid scratching.
- Avoid using abrasive scouring pads.
- Clean after each use prevents buildup needing heavy cleaners.
- For gas grills, keep ports, tubes and vents clear of obstructions.
- Replace foil drip pans after each use.
- Always completely dry components before replacing or storing.
- Wear protective gloves when cleaning.
- Work in a well ventilated area.
- Check grill owner’s manual for any special cleaning instructions.
- Dispose of grease and cleaning chemicals properly.
- Inspect grill for damage or need for repairs during cleaning.
- Store grill covered when not in use to protect from elements.
FAQs About How to Clean BBQ Grill
How do you clean BBQ grates?
Use a stiff wire grill brush before and after each cook to remove debris. For deeper cleaning, spray grates with oven cleaner, soak in hot soapy water, or boil in equal parts water and vinegar solution.
What is the best way to clean a BBQ grill?
- Brush grates before and after each cook
- Remove ash and grease after each use
- Deep clean with hot soapy water, citrus, baking soda, grill brush
- Use oven cleaner and let sit on tough stains
- Rinse and dry completely after cleaning
How do you get old grease off a BBQ?
- Softened with hot soapy water while grill is warm
- Spray with oven cleaner and let sit 15+ minutes
- Scrub with grill brush, grill stone, and nylon brush
- Rinse well after scrubbing
- Dry completely
How do you clean BBQ grills with baking soda?
Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub paste on grates and interior BBQ surfaces with a scrub brush or sponge. Let sit for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Wipe down. Repeat if needed for heavy buildup.
What should you not clean your grill with?
Avoid using any abrasive scouring pads or powders which can scratch surfaces. Don’t use flammable or harsh chemical cleaners. Avoid getting water or cleaning solutions into any electrical components.
Does Coke clean BBQ grills?
Yes, Coca Cola can help clean BBQ grills. Pour cola over cold grates and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The carbonic and phosphoric acid in Coke help loosen grease and residue.
How often should you deep clean your grill?
For gas grills, do a thorough deep cleaning of all interior components at least every 2-3 months during grilling season. Charcoal grills should be deep cleaned at least monthly. Clean grates before and after every use.
What is the fastest way to clean a grill?
The fastest way is to brush warm grates before and after each cook with a quality grill brush. Remove ash and wipe grease drippings right after cooking. For a quick interior clean, spray components with oven cleaner, let sit 5 minutes, and scrub with brush.
Does vinegar damage grill grates?
White vinegar is fine for cleaning grill grates and internals and will not damage surfaces. After soaking grates in vinegar solution, always rinse well with water and dry completely before replacing to prevent corrosion damage over time. Avoid using apple cider vinegar.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and care for your BBQ grill is essential to keep it operating at maximum performance. Follow this comprehensive guide to clean every component from grates and drip pans to burners and fire boxes. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your grill looking and cooking like new. Maintaining a clean BBQ will help prevent dangerous grease fires, off-putting food odors, and potential health hazards. Get on a consistent cleaning routine and enjoy delicious, mess-free cookouts all season long.