How to: Clean Your Grill
Whether you're a master of the grill or a novice, keeping your grill clean is an important part of creating a good meal. Maintaining the cleanliness of your grill between uses not only cuts down the time to make your grill shine but can help ensure that your grill is working properly.
Cleaning a Gas Grill
What you Need:
Grill Brush/Bristle Brush
Dish soap and water
Cleaning Rags/Paper Towel
Sponge
1) Turn off the gas to your grill so you can detach the gas tank from the grill itself.
Locate the gas supply valve on the propane tank.
Turn the knob or lever clockwise to shut the gas supply off.
2) Remove the grates and begin cleaning using a wire brush and soapy water. Grill brushes typically have wire bristles, an acrylic scrubber, and a metal scraper.
Fill a bucket with soapy water. Mix a teaspoon of dish soap for every quart of water.
Dip the wire brush into the water and scrub away at the build-up.
Be sure to clean both sides of the grates.
3) Remove any metal plates or coverings and scrub them clean.
Clean the burner protectors using a sponge dipped in soapy water.
4) Lightly brush the burners tubes to make sure the gas ports are free of debris.
Make sure to check the holes in the burners for clogs. A toothpick can be used to dislodge any objects that can block the flow of gas.
5) Using a soapy sponge, wipe off the bottom of the grill and the inside of the grill lid.
Sometimes, carbon flakes and grease builds up on the grill lid. This can usually be scraped off using a bristle brush or a putty knife.
Make sure to check the sides and underside of the lid for flaking paint or caked-on food.
Be careful not to scratch the metal as it could later lead to corrosion.
6) The grease collection tray should also be cleaned using soapy water and a bristle brush.
If your grill has a removable bottom pan, remove it to clean. If the bottom pan is secured to the grill, you can use a metal spatula or grill scraper to push the burnt scraps through the grease hole.
7) Continue by wiping down the outside of the grill lid and put the grill back together.
Tips:
After preheating your grill, always brush the grill grates before you start grilling to remove the burnt bits of food from the last time you grilled. It’s always easier to clean when the grates are hot.
Using canola oil on the grates of your grill can help prevent food from sticking.
Prevent grease fires by remembering to check your grease collection tray to make sure it’s not full.
Cleaning a Charcoal Grill
What you Need:
Grill Brush/Bristle Brush
Dish soap and water
Cleaning Rags/Paper Towel
Over time, your charcoal grill begins to build up with ash and rust. Cleaning your grill every grilling season can help it to last longer, and make the overall grilling process safer.
1) Brush the Grate
Remove the grate out of the grill and using a wire bristled brush dipped in soapy water, begin to brush the grate to remove buildup. In most cases you should be able to lift the grate out of the grill, however, some grills may have slots keeping the grate in place.
You may also want to wear gloves during this process as the grate may stain your hands with ash and char.
2) Remove Buildup from the grill lid and the bottom.
Remove the ash, spent charcoal, and other debris from the bottom of the grill.
Using a bristled brush, scrape the bottom of the grill to remove stuck-on debris.
3) Reassemble the Grill
Reassemble the grill by sliding the grate back into place.
For the cleanest grilling, line the grates of your grill with aluminum foil and poke a few holes in the foil before lighting.