How to Clean a Grill

Nothing tastes better than food cooked on an outdoor grill. However, only a well-kept grill will produce the mouthwatering results you want. If you aren't sure how to clean a grill, or it's been a long time since you've given the equipment a good scrub, it's time to get to work.

Before you start cleaning: We recommend checking the warranty and care instructions for any items you own to see the suggested cleaning methods. When working with chemicals, always wear goggles, gloves, a facemask, and boots. And don't forget to block off your work area so curious kids and pets can't wander in by mistake.

Natural Gas or Propane Grill

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Quick Clean

Supplies needed

• Long-handled wire grill brush
• Paper towels
• Canola or vegetable oil
• Heat-resistant gloves

Instructions

Step 1: With the hood closed, turn your grill on high for at least 15 minutes to burn off grime and food particles. 

Step 2: Turn the gas off, put on the gloves, then scour the hot grates with the wire brush.

Step 3: Rub an oil-soaked paper towel over the grates to season them and prevent sticking. 

Step 4: Empty or replace drip pans.

Deep Clean

Supplies needed

• Long-handled wire grill brush
• Heat-resistant gloves
• 1 bucket of soapy water (use mild dish soap)
• 1 bucket of clean water
• 2 clean cloths
• Small wire tube brush
• Paper towels
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the grill for 15 minutes on high heat with the hood closed. 

Step 2: Turn off the gas and disconnect the propane tank or natural gas line.

Step 3: Put on the gloves and scrub the hot grates with the wire brush and soapy water.

Step 4: Let the grill cool, then take out the grates and grease pan and detach the burners or burner tubes.

Step 5: Dip a cloth into the soap solution and wipe any remaining residue from the grates.

Step 6: Remove any blockages in the burner's gas ports with the tube brush. 

Step 7: Clean the burner valve with the cloth and soapy water, then flush out the inside with clean water.  

Step 8: Scrub the drip pan, inner hood, and firebox with the wire brush and soapy mixture, then rinse with clean water. 

Step 9: Dry the burners with a clean cloth, then reinstall all of the parts.

Step 10: Reattach the gas supply and ignite the burners to check that everything is working correctly. (Don't forget to turn them off.)

Step 11: Season the grates with an oil-soaked paper towel.

Charcoal Grill

The methods for cleaning a charcoal grill differ somewhat from those of propane and natural gas models due to the fuel source. Burned charcoal produces ash, which needs to be manually removed after cooking. Otherwise, it can contaminate the food, block airflow, and even corrode the bottom of the grill.

Quick Clean

Supplies needed

• Long-handled wire grill brush
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Paper towels
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: After cooking, pull on the gloves and scrub food bits off still-hot grates with the wire brush.

Step 2: Wipe an oil-soaked paper towel over the grates to season them and prevent sticking. 

Step 3: Clean out or replace drip pans.

Step 4: Dispose of old ashes after they've cooled.

Deep Clean

Supplies needed

• 1 empty bucket or tub
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap
• Undistilled white vinegar
• Dry vacuum cleaner
• 1 bucket of clean water
• 1 bucket of soapy water 
• Scouring pad
• Clean cloth
• Soft sponge
• Paper towels
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Ensure your grill is completely cool, then remove the grates.

Step 2: In the empty tub, mix baking soda, dish soap, and a bit of water to make a paste, then spread it over the grates.

Step 3: Place the grates in the same tub and sprinkle vinegar over them. Let them soak while you continue to clean. 

Step 4: Toss out old ashes (if your grill has an ash catcher, remove it and brush out any ash hidden beneath it).

Step 5: Use a dry vacuum to clear out any residual ash you missed on the first pass.

Step 6: Remove drip pans.

Step 7: Rinse the empty firebox and inner hood with clean water. 

Step 8: Use the soapy water and a scouring pad to clean the inside of your grill, grates, and drip pans. 

Step 9: Wash the outer grill surfaces with soapy water and a sponge.

Step 10: Rinse everything with clean water and dry all parts with a clean cloth.

Step 11: Reassemble your grill.

Step 12: Season the grates with an oil-soaked paper towel.

Pellet Grill

Quick Clean

Supplies needed

• Nylon grill brush
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Paper towel
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: After cooking, close the lid and leave the grill on high for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Turn off the heat, put on the gloves, and scrape the grates with the grill brush.

Step 3: Rub oil over the grates with the paper towel.

Deep Clean

Supplies needed

• Nylon grill brush
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Paper towel
• Canola or vegetable oil
• Dry vacuum cleaner
• 1 bucket of soapy water
• 1 bucket of clean water
• Sponge
• Silicone scraper
• Clean cloth
• Grilling pellets

Instructions

Step 1: Turn your grill on, close the lid, and let it heat up for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Put on the gloves and scrape the grates with the grill brush, then turn off the heat.

Step 3: Once cool, empty the pellet hopper, disconnect the fuel source, and remove the internal components. 

Step 4: Remove ash from the firebox using the dry vacuum to suck up residual from hard-to-reach spots.

Step 5: Scrub the debris from the components and firebox with the soapy water and sponge, and use the scraper on stubborn spots. 

Step 6: Rinse everything with clean water and dry immediately with paper towels.

Step 7: Wipe the outside of the pellet grill with a damp cloth. 

Step 8: Reassemble the grill and wipe the grates with oil to season them.

Step 9: Reconnect the fuel source and refill the hopper with fresh pellets.

Flat Top Grill

Quick Clean

Supplies needed

• Heat-resistant gloves
• Bench scraper
• Spray bottle filled with hot water
• Paper towel
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: While the griddle is still hot after cooking, put on the gloves and use the bench scraper to push any residue off the surface and into the grease troughs. 

Step 2: Loosen tough debris by spraying it with hot water, then scrape it into the troughs. 

Step 3: Rub a thin layer of oil over the cooking surface with the paper towel.

Deep Clean

Supplies needed

• Heat-resistant gloves
• Spray bottle filled with hot, soapy water
• Spray bottle filled with clean hot water
• Griddle scrubber
• Bench scraper
• Paper towel
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Turn your flat top on, let it heat up for about 10 minutes, then turn it off.

Step 2: Spray the cooking surface and side walls with soapy water, then put on your gloves and scour with the griddle scrubber to loosen up grease and food bits.

Step 3: Spritz the area with clean hot water to rinse off the soap. 

Step 4: Run the bench scraper over the entire cooking surface, dragging all scraps into the grease troughs. 

Step 5: Empty the troughs and thoroughly dry all surfaces right away with paper towels.

Step 6: Turn the burners back on and let the grill heat up for another 10 minutes. 

Step 7: Put your gloves back on and use paper towels to evenly rub a bit of oil over the flat top to season it. Leave the burners on for about half an hour to burn off the oil (it's going to smoke, and that's okay), then turn them off and allow the grill to cool.

Step 8: Repeat step 7 at least two more times, then do a final wipe-down with cooking oil. 

Kamado Grill

Quick Clean

Supplies needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush set
• Nylon or brass grill brush

Instructions

Step 1: After cooking, leave the lid closed and let the grill cool completely. 

Step 2: Scrape the grates off with the brush, then remove all the components.

Step 3: Discard charcoal and clean the interior with the vacuum or brush and dustpan. 

Step 4: Reassemble the grill.

Deep Clean

Supplies needed

• Heat-resistant gloves
• Dry vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush set
• Nylon or brass grill brush

Instructions

Step 1: Add charcoal to the firebox, light the grill, close the lid, and open the vents. 

Step 2: Let the grill heat up to about 600°F. White smoke will start puffing out of the vents. Keep your grill at this high temperature until the smoke stops (roughly 30 minutes). Do NOT open the lid during this time.

Step 3: Close the bottom vent to start lowering the temperature. Wait 20 minutes, then close the top vent.

Step 4: Once the temperature reaches 250°F, put on your gloves and open the lid. Remove all the internal components and let everything cool completely.

Step 5: Vacuum up loose ash or brush it to the bottom of the firebox and scoop it out with the dustpan.

Step 6: Scrub the components with the brush to remove residue, then reassemble the grill.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Use any of these resourceful ideas if you don’t have a wire grill brush or want to try a more natural approach. 

Scrub Grill Grates With Aluminum Foil

Supplies needed

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant gloves
• 1 bucket of clean water
• Clean cloth

Instructions

Step 1: Turn your grill on and wait 15 minutes so the heat burns off any food buildup.

Step 2: Shut the grill off.

Step 3: Scrunch up a piece of aluminum foil into an apple-sized ball.

Step 4: Don the gloves and rub the foil ball over the grates to scrape off grime.

Step 5: Let the grill cool down, then wipe off any foil specks from the grates with a wet cloth.

Clean Grill Grates With a Lemon or Onion

Supplies needed

• 1 lemon or onion
• (If using a lemon) kosher salt
• Heat-resistant gloves
• 1 bucket of clean water

Instructions

Step 1: Heat your grill and let it sit for 15 minutes to burn off leftover food scraps. 

Step 2: Slice an onion or lemon in half. If you're using a lemon, dip the cut ends in kosher salt.

Step 3: Turn the grill off, put the gloves on, and vigorously rub and squeeze the lemon or onion halves all over the grates to remove debris. 

Step 4: When your grill has cooled, rinse the grates well to prevent unintended flavoring of future meals.

Clean With Baking Soda 

Supplies needed

• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled wire grill brush
• Baking soda
• Medium bowl
• Scouring sponge
• 1 bucket of clean water
• Clean cloth

Instructions

Step 1: Turn your grill on high and let it sit for 15 minutes to burn away old food bits.

Step 2: Turn off the grill.

Step 3: Put on the gloves and scrape the grates with the wire brush.

Step 4: Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water in the bowl to make a paste.

Step 5: When the grill has cooled down, remove the grates.

Step 6: Apply the paste to the grates and the inside of the firebox with the sponge.

Step 7: Rinse everything with clean water.

Step 8: Cloth-dry the grates before putting them back on the grill.

Source: Arm & Hammer

How To Clean Grill Tools

While we're on the subject of grill cleaning, we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about utensil upkeep. Keep reading to learn how to keep your tongs, spatulas, grill brush, and other tools in tip-top shape. 

Supplies needed

• 1 bucket of hot soapy water
• Soft-bristle brush
• 1 bucket of clean water
• Clean cloth
• Paper towels
• Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Place all your tools in the bucket of soapy water and let them soak for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Scrub each piece with the bristle brush to remove grease and grime.

Step 3: Rinse the utensils in the clean water. Give grill brushes a good shake to remove excess water between the bristles and finish drying with a cloth.

Step 4: Rub oil on the metal parts of your tools with paper towels to prevent sticking and rust.

Brush Up on Grill Grate Materials

Knowing what your cooking surfaces are made of gives you a better idea of how to care for them. Here’s a list of the most common grate materials and the recommended brushes to use for cleaning.

• Cast iron: Extremely durable but porous, cast iron can handle a good scrub. Use a stainless steel grill brush to remove old food stuck in the small holes.

• Porcelain: Porcelain grill grates are actually steel or cast iron with a porcelain coating. Brushes with metal wire bristles can cause chips and scratches, so use nylon or soft-bristle options instead.

• Steel: Stainless and carbon steel are the most common materials used. Steel is the most affordable option, but it’s also the least durable. These grates are thin and scratch easily, so grill brushes with nylon or brass bristles are the best tools to use.

Grill Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your barbecue grill at peak performance. Use these care tips to prolong the life of your cooking equipment.

• Grill models vary, so check its warranty and manufacturer instructions for suggested care methods.
• If your cooking grates are bare cast iron, dry them thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.
• Always season grates and tools with oil after you’ve cleaned them—especially if they’re cast iron. 
• Use vegetable or canola oil to season the grates because they have high smoke points. You can also use peanut, sunflower, or avocado oil.
• Inspect porcelain grates for chips and repair any with porcelain touch-up paint to avoid rusting.
• Cover your grill when you aren't using it—and always wait until it’s cooled off before covering.
• Store grilling utensils in a dry place away from the elements.
• Make your grill brush last longer by using lighter pressure when scrubbing grates.
• Replace your grill brush once every season or when you notice loose or bent bristles.
• Regularly remove old ash from your charcoal grill so the airflow vents won't get blocked. 

Grill Cleaning Safety Tips

Protect yourself and your grill with these simple safety tips.

• Do not lean over a hot gas grill while you're cleaning it. 
• Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean grills, as they can contaminate your food.
• Protect your hands while cleaning hot grills with heat-resistant silicone gloves.
• Block off your work area so kids and pets don’t wander in accidentally.
• Never pour water on hot charcoal. This can cause a quick temperature change that can crack the grill’s frame.
• Prevent fire risks by waiting until charcoal ashes are completely cool before throwing them away.

FAQs

Why is it important to clean your grill?

A good cleaning after every time you grill is important because it extends the life of your equipment and allows it to run efficiently. A little elbow grease now means more grilling sessions and fewer repairs—or even a complete replacement—in your future. 

Should you clean the inside of your grill?

Regularly cleaning the inside of your grill protects your food and keeps bacteria, viruses, carcinogens, and old flavors off the menu. Every time you cook, leftover food bits and smoke residue naturally build up on the grates and the grill’s interior—routine cleaning removes that buildup so it won’t affect future meals.

What is the easiest way to clean grill grates?

The easiest way to clean grill grates is by spraying them with a solution that’s equal parts water and undistilled white vinegar. Let the grates soak for 10 minutes, scrub them with a grill brush, then rinse with clean water.