If you love grilling in the summer, make sure your grill is clean for better and faster cooking; our experts will show you how.
How Often to Clean Your Grill
Clean your grill once or twice a month, and more often if you use it frequently. It’s recommended to clean it every five to seven uses. Always clean the grates right after cooking, while the grill is still hot.
Wear gloves to protect your hands while cleaning your grill. Smoke, grease, and barbecue stains can be tough to remove from your hands and clothes, so using rubber gloves will simplify the cleaning process.
Materials Needed
Here’s a simplified list of what you’ll need to clean your grill:
- Aluminum foil
- Bucket
- Dish soap
- Water
- Scrub brush
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Small shovel
- Metal spatula or scraper
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves
If you can’t soak your grill grates, just heat up the grill and scrub the grates with a ball of aluminum foil held with tongs to avoid burning your hands. This removes any built-up debris.
How to Clean a Gas Grill
One advantage of cleaning a gas grill is that you don’t have to vacuum ash, but they do get greasier. Regularly changing the aluminum drip tray helps catch grease and reduce odors.
- Disconnect the gas tank.
- Mix water and a few drops of dish soap in a bucket.
- Take out the grill grates and flavorizer bars, and soak them in the soapy water.
- Use a scrub brush dipped in the soapy water to clean the inside of the grill.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with fresh water and dry with a microfiber towel.
- Scrub the grates and bars again, rinse, dry, and put them back on the grill.
When cleaning the outside of your grill, follow the instructions in your manual because different materials require different care. Generally, soapy water and a soft cloth work well, but for stainless steel, you might need a cleaner specifically designed for it.
How to Clean a Charcoal Grill
After each use, clean out the ashes from your charcoal grill. The ashes can soak up grease and drippings during cooking, and you don’t want them to accumulate at the bottom of your grill. If there’s too much ash buildup, it can stir up and stick to your food when you add new coals.
- When the grill is cool, use a small shovel and bucket to remove the ashes.
- Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of a degreaser like dish soap.
- Take the grill grates off the grill and soak them in the soapy water.
- Use a scrub brush dipped in the soapy water to thoroughly clean the inside of the grill.
- Rinse everything well with fresh water and dry with a clean, microfiber towel.
- Scrub the grill grates with the brush.
- Rinse the grates with clean water, dry them, and place them back on the grill.
How to Clean a Flat-Top Grill
Flat-top grills should be cleaned and lightly oiled after every use.
- Wait for the grill to cool down completely.
- Use a metal spatula or scraper to scrape off debris from the surface.
- Wipe away grease and debris using a cloth.
- Pour a small amount of soapy water over the grill and gently scrub with a pad or copper cloth.
- Finally, wipe and dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Tips for Keeping Your Grill Clean
To keep your grill clean and well-maintained, follow these tips:
- Clean the grill grates after each use.
- For charcoal grills, remove ashes and old charcoal before each use to avoid buildup.
- Regularly empty the catch pan or tray of a gas grill to prevent fires and overflow.
- Cover your grill to protect it from weather conditions.
- Clean your grill tools and bristle brushes after every use.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you clean a grill, hot or cold?
You’ll need to clean your grill both when it’s hot and when it’s cold. Heat the grill to clean the grates while they’re still hot, but wait for it to cool completely before cleaning any other parts.
Is it okay to use vinegar to clean a grill?
Yes, it’s safe to clean your grill with white vinegar, and it’s a good option if you don’t have other cleaners. A simple cleaning solution is to mix 2 parts vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
Should you apply oil to a grill after cleaning it?
Oiling your grill grates can make them non-stick, which helps when cooking. It’s not required, but if you choose to do it, just soak a paper towel in oil, hold it with tongs, and evenly rub it across the grates.