How to Clean your Grill

Knowing how to clean your grill is important if you’d like to use it for a long time. Here are some tips that will help you keep your grill in tip-top condition and always ready for the next barbecue.

Cleaning a Charcoal Grill

The grate is very easy to clean and it should be done after every use. While there are products that can be bought for cleaning the grate, all you really need is a steel or wire brush.

Do not throw water on the ashes to put out the embers. This will create an unnecessary mess that will add difficulty to an otherwise easy task.

After grilling, while the grill is still slightly warm, remove the grill and brush it thoroughly to remove the leftover food particles. It is easier to remove the food before it hardens.

Wash the grate and let it dry. Keep the lid open if you will return it to the grill, so it dries thoroughly.

Remove the cold ashes. It has a tendency to retain moisture which can cause the grate or the body to rust prematurely.

Clean the body of the grill using hot water and soap. This will remove the fatty residues and oil. Make sure to use a cloth that won’t scratch the paint or porcelain finish.

Dry the grill thoroughly.

Every few months, do a thorough cleaning by scraping the bottom of the grill and removing the grime and other stuff that built up over time.

Cleaning a Gas Grill

A gas grill is easier to clean since there are no ashes or soot to bother with. It should be cleaned after every use to prevent residue build up.

Use the “clean” setting on your grill to burn off the leftover food particles on the grate.

If you don’t have the “clean” setting, turn on a low heat to loosen the hardened particles and use a steel or wire brush to gently scrape off any residues while the grate is still warm (not hot!)

Lift the cooking grate and clean the barrier above the burners.

Wipe the body with hot water and soap to remove any grime.

For a thorough cleaning:

Disconnect the gas.
Remove the grill parts one by one.
Check the burners for blockage. If it is clogged, it will be inefficient.
Clean the barrier above the burners. This is the area where you can find lava rocks, ceramic or metal plates or briquettes. Pick and scrape off the leftover food.
Wipe everything with warm water and soap.
Let it dry.