A dirty grill can emit an unforgettable, unpleasant smell. Fortunately, cleaning your grill and prepping it for the season is simple with this step-by-step guide. Get your grill sparkling clean and ready for summer cookouts with your friends, family, and neighbors!
Step-by-Step Grill Cleaning Guide
Preparing your grill for summer starts out with getting together your cleaning supplies and making a plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to prep your grill for cooking, only to rush the process. Give yourself at least a day to get the grill ready. There are specific steps for gas grills and charcoal grills, but both types also have some cross-overs.
We will point out some steps for each type of grill that are important in this guide, including a checklist that you can use so you don’t miss anything.
Step 1: Inspect for Damage
- Location: Place the grill in a suitable cleaning area, avoiding high-traffic paths and lawns. Use a drip tray to catch debris and grease to avoid staining.
- Inspection: Open the lid, check for smooth opening and closing, that the wheels roll well, and inspect for any broken, bent, or rusty parts. Address these issues first as they affect the functionality of the grill.
Step 2: Disassemble and Clean
- Grill Grates: Remove grill grates and clean completely. Stainless steel grill should be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Use a baking soda and water paste for tough stains. Replace rusty grates. Rust is a sign that the stainless steel is failing.
- Ash Catcher (Charcoal Grills): Replace if rusty to prevent fire hazards. With the grates and burners removed, you can get leftover debris and grease out of the grill. Give everything a good scrubbing and let it dry completely before putting everything back together. Address any rust spots that you find. Holes can be patched using scrap metal and fireproof epoxy.
- Burner Tubes (Gas Grills): Check for wear, which will cause uneven burning and can prevent food from cooking correctly. Replace if necessary. Inspect gas lines for leaks using soapy water.
- Interior Cleaning: Scrub the inside of the lid, grease pan, and grill interior with a wire brush or putty knife to remove build up. Use dish soap for a thorough clean. Never paint the inside of a grill - instead, apply high-temperature oil to prevent rust.
Regularly cleaning your grill will lead to the need for little maintenance. With this schedule, you’ll only need to do a deep cleaning once a year. We recommend using paper towels and soapy water or grill wipes to wipe down the grill between cooking sessions. Giving things a quick clean is the safest cleaning solution to prevent premature wear and keep the grill working properly.
Step 3: Ensure Sufficient Fuel
- Propane (Gas Grills): Keep two tanks to avoid running out mid-cook.
- Charcoal/Pellets: Always have more than needed to prevent interruptions.
Step 4: Clean Your Workstation
- Prep Area: Clean your workspace with soapy water and a microfiber cloth to keep tools and food sanitary.
Step 5: Upgrade Tools and Accessories
- Tools: Check and replace worn-out tongs, brushes, spatulas, and spray bottles. Ensure you have a reliable instant-read meat thermometer.
Grill Prep Checklist
- Clean cooking grates with stainless steel cleaner or a gentle cleaner
- Clean ash catcher and burners
- Clean the lid, sides, and other surfaces
- Ensure ample propane or charcoal supply
- Clean your work area before and after cooking
- Replace tools and accessories as needed
- Clean the grill after cooking and before storing
FAQs
Q: How do I prepare my grill for summer?
- Clean thoroughly, inspect for damage, ensure tools and accessories are ready, and have enough fuel on hand.
Q: How do you prepare a grill after winter?
- Inspect for damage, address rust issues, and replace any broken parts.
Q: How do I clean my grill in the summer?
- Regularly wipe down everything after cooking to keep the grill ready.
Q: How do you clean a BBQ before summer?
- Remove ash, replace rusty parts, and clean greasy areas thoroughly before cooking.
Now that your grill is clean and your tools are ready, you're all set for grilling season. Maintain regular cleaning throughout the season to simplify end-of-season storage and ensure a quick start next year.
