Cleaning an outdoor grill can be an intimidating task. As you lift the lid and look at all the dirty parts, you’re probably wondering where to even start. Don’t worry! It’s a lot easier than you think. Get your grilling season off to a good start with these 5 easy steps for how to clean an outdoor grill.
Note: Cleaning your high-end grill is important to grill maintenance. Doing so helps prevent bacteria and grease buildup. This means your food will stay clean and you’ll avoid dangerous fire hazards.
How to Clean an Outdoor Grill in 5 Easy Steps
If you have a high-end outdoor grill like a Viking, Wolf, DSC, Alfresco, or Napolean, a regular cleaning routine is important for maintaining your investment. Follow these five easy steps to get your grill summer ready:
#1. Grill Interior
The first step is to clean the inside of a gas grill. Too much carbon build up affects how well your grill works, so cleaning it isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. Cleaning the interior of your outdoor grill may seem like a big job, but it’s easier than you’d think:
- Turn all burners on HI for about 15 minutes with the hood closed.
- Turn all burners OFF and let the grill cool.
- Remove the grill grates and briquette trays.
- Clean the interior using a no-scratch scrubber and your favorite oven cleaner.
Note: If the briquette trays don’t look clean after heating the grill, simply scrub with a soft brush.
#2. Grill Grates
Knowing how to clean BBQ grill grates properly will save your food from nasty residues like ash and tar. Slacking on this step even leads to rust. But don’t worry – here’s how to clean a barbecue grill that is rusty and dirty:
- Make sure the grill is hot (but not on).
- Scrub grates with a wet grill brush.
- Shake baking soda onto the grates and turn the grill on until the baking soda bubbles.
- Turn off the grill, allow to cool, and scrub with the grill brush again.
Note: To always have clean outdoor grill grates, clean after every use.
#3. Grill Burners
It’s easy to neglect cleaning grill burners, but it’s important to include them on your cleaning list. Bugs and spiders sometimes nest inside the burners if you haven’t used your grill in a while. Ensuring these are clean helps avoid fire hazards. Clean each grill burner using these steps:
- Allow the grill to cool completely and remove the grill grates and ceramic briquettes.
- Remove the burner and scrub with a wire brush.
- Use a paper clip to push out debris clogging the ports.
- Replace the burner, briquettes, and grill grates.
Note: Make sure to replace each burner properly. Not doing so may cause damage to your outdoor grill!
#4. Drip Tray
If you ask any professional how to clean an outdoor grill, they will always say to clean the drip tray. Cleaning your outdoor grill’s drip tray is vital to grill safety. Leaving grease to build up leads to dangerous grease fires. Follow these steps after every use:
- Wait for the grill to cool.
- Remove the tray.
- Clean with warm, soapy water or your favorite oven cleaner.
- Replace the drip tray.
Note: Don’t line the drip tray with aluminum foil. It’s designed to be easily cleaned, so no foil is needed!
#5. Grill Exterior
Clean your gas grill exterior for the final touches. Following these steps not only makes your grill sparkle but protects it from the weather, stains, and corrosion:
- Wipe down using a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner.
- Apply polish.
- Remove burn stains using Penny Brite paste and a sponge.
- Wipe down with a wet cloth to remove remaining residue.
Note: Always clean with the direction of the stainless steel grain, never against it.
Now that you know how to clean an outdoor grill, make sure to keep up with regular maintenance by calling Solar Appliance to get it serviced. Happy grilling!
