How to Clean Your BBQ
Tis the season for grilling!! If you are disgusted about what you have found after that big summer BBQ, then you are going to require some tips to get it back in working order. Finding out How to Clean Your BBQ is so incredibly important, especially at this time of year.
This outdoor appliance needs care if you are using it all year round. Ignoring it will only cost you more in the end. Keeping the grill grates clean is also hygienic. If you have charcoal grills, gas grills or ones with a propane tank they will all take the same maintenance.
BBQ Cleaning Equipment
There are a variety of different cleaning items that you can choose from in order to get that grill squeaky clean.
The most often suggested gizmo is a long-handled wire grill brush, but we strongly advise against that. The bristles on a wire brush can easily become dislodged, stick to your BBQ and adhere to your food, causing a risk of it being consumed.
We suggest using aluminum foil or a nylon brush instead. Gather up some soap and get ready to use some good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Disconnect Propane and Soak Grates
The first step to effectively cleaning your grill is to ensure that you have turned off all propane to your grill and disconnect the lines.
Remove the grates from the BBQ and place them into a large bucket of hot soapy water.
Use a Vacuum
Use a shop vac to clear out loose debris and food stuff that has collected at the bottom of the grill. This is a great way to ensure that all tiny particles and debris are removed from the inside of your BBQ.
Elbow Grease
Use your brush or foil and scrub the grates of your BBQ down, removing all debris and stuck-on food. If you are having a hard time getting the grill clean, allow it to soak a bit longer and use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to scrub.
A mixture of one cup of vinegar to half a cup of baking soda works great. You can also remove the grates and even soak them in this solution in a large plastic bag.
If you are still having trouble getting that stuck-on gunk off, wait until the rest is cleaned. Then when the grill is reassembled preheat the grill prior to giving it an additional scrub. This will help the debris to come off easier.
Wash and Wipe
Using soapy water and a cloth, wipe down the entire outside of the grill. Avoid using abrasive scrub sponges. This can leave scratches on your BBQ so make sure to be firm but gentle when wiping and scrubbing the outside.
Finishing Touches
Vinegar is a fantastic cleaner for stainless steel. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water and spray it onto knobs and buttons to get them sparkling clean.
Cleaning your grill doesn’t have to be complicated. Just make sure to take some simple steps, use some elbow grease and get your grill BBQ ready.
Also, come and check out our Best BBQ and Grilling Tips to get the most out of your summer grilling season.
Comments & Reviews
Marie Czarnecki says
Like it, and will take the advice..
robin rue says
My husband scrapes our grill, but it needs a GOOD cleaning. I am going to have to make sure he sees this.
krystal says
I always wonder about this. My husband usually takes care of the grill, but have you seen that video going around about grill brushes? And how the metal pieces can get stuck in your food? Not sure how accurate that is but now I won’t be able to forget that!
Tara Noland says
I haven’t seen the video only read on the subject. Makes you now want to use those for sure!!
Rachel says
Ours needs cleaned really badly. It is quite a situation. We actually probably should just start over.
Claudia Krusch says
Love all your tips! Can’t wait to use some of them!
janis says
These are really good tips for getting the grill cleaned faster, so you have more time for entertaining. I’m going to try these over the weekend when I clean our BBQ.
kristin lesney says
We got a new grill that has a surface under the grill. Its nice because it traps the grease and also prevents direct flame on the meat. Still need hubby to give a scrub.
Dawn Lopez says
I always have trouble cleaning my BBQ. I need to try this method of cleaning because I definitely make a mess when I grill!
Krystel | Travel on a Budget says
I was taught to use ice on the grill when it was still hot. Rub it back and forth with a grill brush
Tara Noland says
Never heard of that one, will try it!!