Whether you decide to cook over gas or charcoal, you will be learning how to clean the inside of a BBQ grill—not just how to do it, but how to do it perfectly well.
It’s time to take your barbecue dishes to the next level. Enhancing your grilled steak technique and increasing your burger temperature are essential.
However, the most vital steps of the grilling process happen after you use the grill.
To achieve the fresh yet smoky flavors of your favorite grilled recipes, you will need to learn the best way to clean a BBQ grill.
In addition, when the surface is clean, everything you cook on the grill will be easier to turn over and remove from the grates.
Cleaning your grill is actually a quick task that will help keep you and your family healthy and, at the same time, make your brats and burgers taste great.
Cleaning the Interior of Your BBQ Grill
Turn Off the Grill
First, find the gas valves and turn off the one that runs to your grill.
You will often find the gas valves near your grill in your backyard, or you might find them in your front yard.
Remove the Grill Grates
Remove your grill grates, given that they are not attached to your grill, and then set them aside.
However, put on some latex gloves if you want to keep them clean. Do this before removing your grill grates.
Remove the Metal Pieces Covering the Burners
You will find a few more metal pieces below the grill grates. These plates cover your gas burners.
Set them aside for now too, because you don’t want to skip cleaning them, as they often catch grease and grime that falls through the top grate.
Vacuum the Dirt and Charcoal inside your Grill
You can use your handheld vacuum cleaner for this or an extension cord if necessary.
However, you can wipe up the loose dirt and charred food with a couple of rags if you don’t have a handheld vacuum cleaner.
But don’t use new towels that you want to keep in excellent condition because the grill can be pretty grimy.
Soak the Grill Grates and Metal Pieces In Hot Water and Dish Soap. Soak Them in Your Sink or a Large Plastic Bin
Simply fill your sink with hot water and dish soap and allow the grates to soak; however, there are some grill grates that will be too large to fit in your sink.
If that is so, just set your grill grates in a shallow plastic container with hot soapy water.
Allow Them Sit for 30 Minutes or More
You should soak the grates and metal pieces for at least half an hour, particularly if you have abandoned the cleaning of your grill for months.
And it shouldn’t be surprising if you need to add new water and soap to resoak the grill grates a few times.
Wipe Off the Grill Grates and Metal Pieces with a Damp Rag
Now, wipe the soap and grime off using a damp rag after you have soaked the grill grates.
Make sure that you find a couple of old towels for this, as they might get amazingly dirty.
For Difficult Stains, Scrub Them with Your Grill Brush
Keep in mind that you always have the option of soaking the grates again if you still have difficulty removing the stains.
Even so, you can still try to scrub them with your wire grill brush.
It is very likely that at least 30 minutes of soaking will soften the grease enough that you can remove it with the brush easily.
The Best Way to Clean Grill Accessories
Grill accessories, including tongs, spatulas, brushes, and other cooking utensils, are required to be cleaned after each cookout.
In my opinion, the best way to clean grill utensils is by washing them with your hands, and the same goes for even technically dishwasher-safe utensils.
You can cause clogged plumbing and an even bigger mess by throwing greasy grilling tools into your dishwasher.
Instead, just soak your grilling utensils in hot water and a few drops of dish soap made to cut through grease.
And, to loosen cooked-on food and grime, make use of a scrubbing sponge or bristle brush, and then rinse the utensils and dry them well with a clean cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should A BBQ Be Cleaned?
You should clean the BBQ after each use and deep clean it at least once every two months.
And you should clean it at least once every two grilling seasons if you are using a charcoal grill.
A guaranteed way to make your BBQ last longer is through regular and thorough cleaning.
What Is The Best Thing To Use To Clean A Gas Grill?
Typically, dish soap is enough to clean a gas grill. However, I strongly suggest that you consider using tougher cleansers such as vinegar and baking soda if grease and debris have built up on your BBQ grill due to frequent use.
Can I Cook On A Rusty BBQ?
You will definitely increase your chance of developing an intestinal tract problem the more you eat food that has rust on your grill stuck to it.
You can always clean the rust using vinegar, baking soda, or salt paste.
Can You Hose Down A BBQ?
You also have the option of hosing down the ash if you are using a charcoal grill.
After that, scrub away the grease and the remaining debris.
However, avoid using a hose if you are using a pellet grill; just remove and scrub the parts to avoid getting the wood pellets wet, which will in turn damage your grill.
How Do You Maintain A Grill?
Cleaning is your best bet when it comes to keeping your grill in good grilling shape.
Ensure that you clean the inside and outside, and also remember the rust.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning the Inside of a BBQ Grill
The truth is that they all have similar components and follow the same general principles, even though some might be slightly different from one another.
And the cleaning and maintenance are also more or less the same.
Some manufacturers have their own advice for their particular grills, which is either available manually or online.
So, ensure that you check out their guidelines for model-specific advice.
Now you know how to clean the inside of a BBQ grill, which brings us to the end of this guide.
