Follow these basic steps below for the best way to clean a grill. Read on to learn how to clean a grill.
Natural gas or propane-powered or gas grills don’t require the level of cleaning required of charcoal grills. However, they should be thoroughly cleaned at the beginning and end of each grilling season. Doing this will help remove grease and smoke buildup.
After Each Guest:
- Cleaning grill grates is easier with a long-handled, stiff-wire brush.
- Use a rag or folded paper towels to apply vegetable oil to the clean grill grates. This will help prevent rust and food build-up.
- Clean the inside of the grilling lid using mild dish soap and a steel brush.
- Remove the heat deflectors located over the burners and wash with dish soap and water.
- Dry thoroughly with a rag.
Annually during the Summer Inspection:
- Pre-heat the grill for 15 minutes on high heat, then turn off the grill.
- Turn the gas off; either on the propane tank or the gas line (If propane tank ensure gas gauge has been installed).
- Check the gas line for cracks and connections with soapy water for any leaks
- Clean the grill using a stiff wire brush dipped in water. Do not lean over the grill while cleaning, as this will create plenty of steam.
- For tough grease spots, add dish soap to the water or a grill cleaner.
- Once the surface has cooled, wipe the grate with a damp cloth to remove residue or brush bristles.
- Remove burners from the gas supply line and remove blockages to the burner’s gas ports using a dry wire brush. Clean the ports by brushing side-to-side instead of up-and-down, as the vertical motion may push debris into the ports.
- Clean the burner valve with soapy water and run water through the inside of the valve.
- Clean the inside of the grill using a wire brush and warm soapy water and rinse with water. Towel dry the burners and reinstall.
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Refer to the instruction manual for specifics on how to clean the outside of a grill (You will have to google the manufacture). Certain materials may be sensitive to harsh cleaning agents. For a stainless-steel grill, use a specially formulated stainless-steel BBQ grill cleaner and microfiber cloth. Ceramic, porcelain and painted steel surfaces can be cleaned using soap and water.
- Turn the gas back on and check for operation and leaks again
Deep Cleaning the grates
If your grill grates are still dirty after a regular scrubbing session, it’s likely time for a deep clean. Soak them in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Together, these ingredients break down any stuck-on food. See below for more specifics on cleaning different types of grill grates:
Make sure you use some gloves to keep any chemicals from your skin
- Stainless steel grill grates are generally the easiest to clean. Cover the top with aluminum foil and then heat up the grill heat up for about 15 minutes. This should burn off the remaining food bits and make it easier to scrub once they’ve cooled down.
- For porcelain grill grates, try to burn off any lingering bits of food. Then let them cool completely. Remove them and use a nylon or soft bristle brush to scrub the surface. Don’t use a brush with wire or metal bristles, as those will damage the surface.
- For cast iron grill grates, burn off any lingering bits of food. Once they’re cool, use a soft bristle brush to scrub any remaining debris, using minimal water to prevent rust. Finish them off with a light coating of vegetable oil.