If you're having a BBQ and haven't fired your grill up for a while, or if it's just time to give your grill a good clean, then this guide is for you.
Dirty grills can not only affect the taste of your food, but they can also be a health hazard depending on what's been left behind and for how long. If those two reasons aren't enough to entice you to clean your grill, then consider that a clean grill increases the overall longevity of your unit.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to clean your gas grill the right way, and in only 4 steps!
Step 1: Disassemble the Easy to Remove Parts
The first step is to remove parts that you wish to clean, such as the grates, burner covers/flavorizer bars, and burners so that you can access all of the parts that need to be cleaned. Please ensure the parts are cool to the touch so you don't burn yourself.
Grates and burner covers can usually be removed by simply lifting them up and out of the grill. If they're stuck, you can use a putty knife or a wire brush to loosen them up. It's the same with burners, but with some if they aren't coming out easily just check there aren't any clips holding the parts in.
Step 2: Cleaning Your Grill Parts
Once all of the removable parts are off, it's time to start cleaning. Start with the grates and burner covers. The best way to do this is to soak them in a solution of warm water and dish soap for about 30 minutes to help loosen any caked-on food or grease. After they've soaked, use a grill brush, a wire brush (if your parts really need a workover), or a putty knife to remove any stubborn residue, and don't forget to clean both sides.
Once the grates and burner covers are clean, rinse them off with water and dry them with a towel or paper towels.
Burners don't typically get too dirty, but if they do need cleaning then remove any debris from around the burner ports with a stiff brush. Then, use a pipe cleaner or toothpick to clear any clogs from the ports themselves. Finally, wipe down the exterior of the burners with a damp cloth. If your burners are particularly dirty, you may need to soak them in soapy water before scrubbing them clean and drying them.
Step 3: Clean the Inside of the Grill
Now that the grates, burner covers and burners are clean, it's time to clean the inside of the grill (the cook box). The best way to do this is to use a putty knife (or BBQ spatula, or in some extreme cases a wire brush) to scrape off any residue that's on the walls or floor of the grill. Be careful not to scratch the surface!
Once you've scraped off as much as you can, wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth or paper towels.
Step 4: Reassemble Your Grill
Once everything is clean, it's time to reassemble your grill. Start by putting the grates and burners back in place and give it a quick once-over to make sure you didn't miss anything. Then turn on all of the burners for about 10 minutes so that any residual water evaporates.
I then recommend using a paper towel and wiping the grill grates with a high smoke point oil to help maintain them for longer life.
And that's it! Your grill is now clean and ready for action.
To Sum Up
Cleaning your gas grill may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually pretty simple if you know what you're doing. Just follow these four easy steps and you'll have your grill looking and functioning like new in no time at all!
