How to Clean a Grill

Nothing compares to the robust flavors of grilled meats, veggies and more. While the high temperature from your grill seals in flavors and natural juices, it also bakes on grease, sauces and food remnants. Often, these charred remnants build up as you continue to use your grill. This mess needs to be cleaned regularly. What’s the easiest way to clean a grill?

Importance of Cleaning Your Grill

Some people believe that their grill’s heat would naturally burn most of the charred debris off, but this isn’t actually the case. The debris builds up, creating a flammable hazard.

In addition to this safety concern, the food remnants and grease create a smelly smoke that is infused in your food. This detracts from the flavor and can actually ruin it in some cases.

What is the Proper Way to Clean a Grill?

While some aspects of cleaning a charcoal grill versus a gas grill are comparable, there are a few important differences. Before getting started, gather your supplies. You’ll need a degreasing cleaner, liquid dish soap, water, a bucket, vegetable oil, a clean rag, a scraper and a firm brush.

Gas Grill

First, turn your gas grill on high heat for a few minutes. This helps burn off any old food stuck on it. Then, turn the grill off and unplug the gas tank. Wait for the grill to cool down a bit so it’s warm but safe to touch.

Take off the grates and, if you can, soak them in warm soapy water. Let them sit while you clean the rest of the grill. Use a scraper to clean out the grease trap (that’s where all the drips go). Then, use a scrubber and some grill cleaner to scrub the inside of the grill.

After that, scrub the grates too. Rinse everything with water when you’re done. The burner tubes only need to be cleaned once a year—just scrub across them, not up and down. Once the grill is cool, put a little vegetable oil on a rag and wipe the grates to keep them from getting rusty. Finally, plug the gas tank back in, and you’re all set!

Charcoal Grill

First, take out all the ashes from your charcoal grill. If you can, place the grates in warm soapy water and let them soak. While the grates are soaking, use a scrubber and some grill cleaner to clean the inside of the grill. After that, take the grates out of the soapy water, put some cleaner on them, and scrub them really well.

When you’re done scrubbing, rinse both the grill and the grates with clean water. Once everything is dry, use a clean rag to wipe a little vegetable oil on the grates to help stop them from getting rusty. Now your grill is ready for the next barbecue!

Cleaning Special Grill Features

Cedar Wood Planks, Rotisserie, or Smoker Box

All of the features that you use with your grill also need to be cleaned. Cedar wood planks can be reused, but they also need to be cleaned with soapy water after each use. If your grill has a rotisserie feature, clean it with soapy water. An alternative is to make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste. Then, spritz it with vinegar before scrubbing it clean.

Cleaning a smoker box is similar to cleaning a charcoal grill. You’ll need to remove the grates and soak them in soapy water. Shovel out any ashes and scrape off burnt-on grease. Then, use soapy water and a degreasing cleaner to clean the interior of the smoker box and the grates. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Cast Iron Grates

To clean cast iron grates, turn the heat on the highest level to burn off food remnants. After letting the grill cool down, scrub the grates with a scrubber brush. If grime persists, make a paste with baking soda and water. Use a clean rag to rub the paste on the grates. Then, spray the paste with white vinegar. Scrub the grates again, and rinse them clean.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Grill

There are several steps that you can take each time you use your grill to keep it cleaner for longer. These include:

• Line the bottom of the grill with aluminum foil. Change the foil after each use.
• After letting the grill cool down, clean out the ashes.
• Clean the grates after every grill session. This is easiest to do when the grates are still warm.
• Keep your cleaning and grilling utensils and tools clean.
• Wipe down the grill’s exterior regularly.
• Use a grill cover to prevent rust
• Replace worn grill grates.
• Remember to clean the lid’s interior.

Cleaning a grill is a messy process. While the rewards are great, doing this and many other chores are understandably not the way you want to spend your free time. With professional cleaners from Cleanzen working for you, you can free up valuable hours each week and enjoy all of the benefits of a thoroughly cleaned home. To learn about our housekeeping service in Boston, contact the Cleanzen team today.