Summer isn't complete without a barbeque, but cleaning out those grill grates can be a hassle, especially with all the soot and stuck on food that makes your grill look grimey. Charcoal grills leave black soot, which becomes difficult to remove when mixed with oils and grease from cooking. Gas grills get similar grime from burnt food.
In this article, we'll present the step-by-step process in cleaning your gas grill before and after you use it so you can keep the grilling season going all summer long! All you'll need are some home pantry and cleaning supplies, and you'll soon bite into the smokey goodness of your summer barbecue. Here's what you'll need:
What You'll Need
- Dish soap OR
- Grill cleaner - available at your local hardware store or cleaning supplies store.
- Baking soda - to remove odor and grime
- Vinegar - to remove grease
- Nylon grill brush or a Stiff wire brush OR
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic bag
- Old sponge - one that you can throw out afterwards!
- Vacuum cleaner
- Kitchen towel
How to Clean a Gas Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning Gas Grill before Grilling
No matter how well you've kept your gas grill during the winter months, those grill grates most likely accumulated some dust and bacteria over time. If you didn't clean or dry your grill properly before storing it the last time you've used it, you may encounter grime and mold as well. Here's how to clean a gas grill before using it:
Step 1: Wash the Grill Grates and Burner Covers with Soapy Water
Create a soapy water solution by mixing 2 tablespoons of dish soap in a bucket of water with 1/4 cup of baking soda. Take your grill outside where you can freely wash it without getting water in your home. Prepare your cleaning area, and have your tools on-hand.
Separate the grill grates and the burner tubes from the rest of the grill, and wash these with some warm soapy water and a sponge. Use a grill brush to remove any remaining debris from when you last used the grill, and scrub out all the dirt spots before rinsing the grates. Cleaning your grates and burners beforehand will reduce the risks of grease fires from leftover oils.
Step 2: Vacuum the Inside of the Gas Grill
Take your vacuum cleaner, and remove excess debris from the inside of your gas grill. This will clean a gas grill from remaining food bits and pieces of smoke wood from your grills. Use the nozzle attachment or brush attachment to get into the small, hard-to-reach areas.
Step 3: Sponge the Inside of the Gas Grill
Take your sponge, and dip it in some soapy water. Sponge the inside of your grill, making sure to go over each corner, nook, and cranny. Let the soapy water sit for at least 15 minutes up to 30 minutes to break down the oils and grease from your previous barbeque session. Do the same to the lid of your grill, as well as the exterior.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Grill before Using
Hose down the gas grill to rinse off any remaining soap residue, and let the grill dry completely before using it. Your grill should be ready to use once all the excess moisture has evaporated! You're ready to tackle the grilling season.
Cleaning Gas Grill after Grilling
Step 1: Let the Grill Cool Down
After grilling, let the grill cool down before giving it a good cleaning. Remove the propane tank to prevent any untoward incidents, and separate the grill grates and burner tubes from the rest of the grill. Prepare your cleaning materials.
Step 2: Brush the Grill Grates
Brush the grill grates while still warm. A wire brush is safe to use on cast iron grill grates, but for porcelain grill grates and stainless steel grates, we recommend using a nylon grill brush or balled up aluminum foil instead to prevent scratching the grates. Brush out all the stuck on food bits, and burnt particles from the grates.
Create a paste with vinegar and baking soda OR dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste all over your grill grates and burners, and place everything in a plastic bag to sit. Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes, then use your grill brush to remove the loosened grime. Rinse, and dry the grates and burners.
Step 3: Remove Charcoal or Wood Chips, if Using
Remove any charcoal or wood chips from the inside of the grill, if using. Some people may use these to add a smoky flavor to their food. Remove these and toss them aside so you can clean your gas grill without hindrances.
Step 4: Scrub the Inside of the Grill
Add baking soda to your dish soap, and start scrubbing the inside of your gas grill. Because the grill has been freshly used, it is important to increase the concentration of dish soap in your soapy solution. Add 4-6 tablespoons of dish soap for every bucket of water, along with 1/4 cup of baking soda.
This solution should dissolve and break down grease. Let the cleaning solution sit for 30 minutes, then rinse by hosing down your gas grill. You may need to use a bit of elbow grease to remove tough stains.
Step 5: Wash the Drip Pan
The same cleaning solution can be used to wash the drip pan, as this component of your grill catches all the oily drippings from food. Wash the drip pan as you normally would, and set it aside to dry completely.
Step 6: Dry the Grill before Storing
Allow the grill to air dry before storing, or use an old kitchen towel to dry the grill manually. Once the grill is completely dry, you can store it safely. A polishing of vegetable oil, however, will keep stainless steel surfaces of your gas grill shiny and rust free throughout storage.
Make Cleaning Easy
Luce provides cleaning services for your indoor and outdoor appliances. Schedule a cleaning session before the grill season, and don't worry about having to clean your gas grill before summer starts! Make your home cleaning easy, and avail our services for convenient, efficient, and affordable home maintenance!
Contact us today, and let's get your home ready for the summer!
