Have you ever opened your grill for the season and been surprised with a nest of some sort or a nasty buildup of gunk? You’re not alone. Most home cooks don’t know this, but you should give your grill a light cleaning at least every two weeks and a deep cleaning at least once a season, according to Brooks Gammill, founder of Grill Guys in New Canaan.
“[A light cleaning] involves scraping off food particles and any loose debris from the grates and checking that the grease tray is emptied and cleaned out,” says Gammill. “A deep clean means completely disassembling your grill: taking out the grates, burners, grease trays, and any other removable parts.”
The pros from Grill Guys clean each piece thoroughly using biodegradable degreasers, high pressured steam cleaners, and power tools. “This process not only removes stubborn grease and charred debris but also ensures your grill functions efficiently, reduces the risk of flare-ups, and extends its overall lifespan,” he adds.
If you want to tackle a deep clean on your own, follow the instructions below.
What You Need
- Rubber gloves
- Grill brush (we advise using a non-wire brush)
- Scraping tool
- Durable sponge
- Cleaning spray (like Weber Grate Grill Cleaner)
- Dish soap and warm water
- Microfiber cloth for the outside of the grill
How to Clean Your Grill
- Begin by disconnecting the propane tank or gas line.
- Brush the grates to remove any debris.
- Remove all the grates and let them soak in warm, soapy water while you’re cleaning the inside of the grill, then brush until clean.
- While the grates are soaking, take out flavorizer bars and any other removable pieces and add them to the soapy water.
- Spray the inside of the grill box and let sit according to the bottle instructions.
- Then using the sponge, wipe the inside clean. Use the scraping tool to remove any other debris, if necessary.
- Empty out the drip tray and bottom tray and clean them with a sponge using the cleaning spray and/or soapy water.
- Use the spray and the microfiber cloth to clean the outside of the grill.
- Let everything dry thoroughly before you put the grill back together.
- After every use, make sure you use your grill brush to remove excess debris from the grates and always check the grease tray. If it’s full, empty it and clean the tray as needed.
More Pro Tips
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Regular maintenance prevents heavy buildup, which is harder to clean and can damage your grill.
Use the right tools. Stick with high-quality brushes and cleansers designed for grills. Avoid overly abrasive tools that might scratch or wear down surfaces.
Cover your grill when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements and debris.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in your grill’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
If you’d rather leave the deep cleaning to the professionals, expect to pay $175-$350 depending on the size and condition of your grill. Gammill suggests scheduling a deep cleaning at the beginning of the grilling season or whenever you notice a significant build up that regular maintenance can’t tackle.
Visit the Grill Guys website for more information or to schedule service.
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