Even if you grill all year long, springtime gives you the perfect opportunity to do a nice deep clean of your BBQ grill to ensure it’s in good condition for the summer season. Cleaning your BBQ makes it look nice, but it’s also important to the overall safety of the grill as well. So, this isn’t something you’ll want to skip out on before things start heating up. Here are some helpful tips to follow to properly clean your BBQ.
Gather the Necessary Tools
For a good clean, you’ll need to get the proper tools and cleaning accessories on hand. This will include:
- Wire grill brush
- Grill scraper
- Soft cloth/sponge
- Degreaser/soap
- Gloves
Safety First
After you’ve gathered all the proper tools, you need to make sure your grill is completely turned off and has cooled down to prevent any accidental burns. For gas grills, disconnect the propane tank or turn off the gas supply.
You want the grill to be cool before you start cleaning to protect your safety, but also to prevent any of the cleaning agents from evaporating too quickly. Put on the gloves to protect your hands as you clean.
Remove & Scrub Grates
Now you can start scrubbing down the grates. You can use the grill scraper or wire brush to remove any caked-on food residue and grease from the grates. Thoroughly clean both sides of the grates, not just the top. If the grates are quite soiled, you can place them in a tub with warm water and degreaser for a few hours to help loosen up any debris.
Using a damp cloth, wipe down the interior of the lid to remove any grease or debris that has built up. If needed, you can use the scraper and wire brush to get rid of any stuck particles.
Scrub the Burners
If you have a gas grill, a deep clean of your BBQ will also include cleaning the burners and tubes connecting to the gas source.
This step is crucial for the overall performance and efficiency of your grill. So, begin by carefully removing the burners and inspecting them for any corrosion or other issues. You can use the wire brush to scrub down the burner ports to clear any blockages but try to avoid pushing particles into the tubes themselves. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the burner tubes and remove any excess debris.
Empty and Dispose of Ashes
On the other hand, if you have a charcoal grill, you should be removing and emptying the ash catcher on a regular basis. Just like with gas BBQs, let the grill fully cool before you start cleaning.
Use a metal scoop to remove the ashes and place them in a fire-safe container. Depending on where you live, there may be specific regulations that you’ll need to follow to properly dispose of the ashes. Once this is done, you can clean the ash catcher with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Replace Grease Traps
If your grill is equipped with a bottom pan and grease traps below the burners, you’ll want to remove these pieces and replace the grease trap with a new tin. You may need to soak the pan in warm water and degreaser to get a complete clean.
Wipe Down the Exterior
Lastly, don’t forget to clean the exterior of your BBQ. You can use mild soap and a soft cloth to remove any dirt, grease, or stains that may have accumulated on your grill. Try to avoid using any abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can scratch and harm the surface of your grill. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then your grill will be like new!