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A grilled t-bone steak is being cooked on a grill.
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How to Clean a Grill

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to clean your grill, from cleaning the grates to reassembling the components and covering it for protection. Learn essential tips and techniques to maintain your grill's performance and ensure delicious meals every time.
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Cost $2

Equipment

  • grill

Ingredients

  • rolled wire grill brush
  • heavy duty cleaning gloves
  • cleaning rags
  • degreaser
  • Soap
  • Water

Instructions

Clean the grill grates after every use

  • Let the coals burn or heat run for a few minutes after each cook.
  • Use a brush to scrape off food particles.
  • Check for residual bristles if using a wire brush.
  • Spritz with water to loosen stubborn food.
  • Reseason the grill grates by spritzing with vegetable oil.

CLEAN THE INSIDE

  • Charcoal grill: Remove ashes once coals burn out and are cool.
  • Open vents and push ash onto a pan.
  • Use ash-collecting pans or remove and dump ash.
  • Use a shovel or Shop Vac for challenging grills.
  • Pellet grill: Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Empty firepot of ash or use vacuum attachments.
  • Vacuum inside to prevent build-up.
  • Scrape off residue from deflector plate.
  • Gas grill: Clean burner bars and vent holes.
  • Scrape residue toward grease collector.

CLEAN THE GREASE COLLECTORS

  • Check and empty grease collectors to prevent overflow.
  • Wash the grease pan with soap and water.
  • Line pan with foil or use disposable pans for easier clean up.

REASSEMBLE THE COMPONENTS

  • Place grease collector back.
  • Charcoal grills: reinsert grates.
  • Gas grills: add bars and grates.
  • Pellet grills: reinsert deflector plate.
  • Consider lining deflector plate with foil.
  • Add grates back onto the grill.

CLEAN THE EXTERIOR

  • Wipe down with warm soapy water for light debris.
  • Use a spray-on degreaser for built-up grease.
  • Polish stainless steel grills with stainless steel cleaner.

TEST TEMPERATURES ACCURACY

  • Set temperature and insert ambient grill thermometer.
  • Compare readout to grill's thermometer.
  • Adjust as needed or rely on external thermometer.

COVER YOUR GRILL and store it

  • Protect grill from elements with a cover.
  • Store the grill is a safe secure place until ready to use again.