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To keep your grill performing and functioning at its best, it is vital that you keep it clean. You don’t want a bunch of grease built-up before having guests over for a pool party. The method that you use to clean and maintain your grill depends on what type you have. Are you planning springtime poolside barbecues? The last thing you want is a dirty grill! Here are some tips to follow for cleaning gas, pellet, and charcoal grills. Share on X
The functionality of your grill is dependant on being properly cleaned and maintained. How you do this depends on if you have a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill. Here are the top ways to keep each style of grill clean so you can make every season grilling season.
How to Clean a Gas Grill
To clean a gas grill, you’ll want to start by gathering a grill brush (or other course cleaning brush), cleaning rags, soapy water.
- First things first–always turn off the gas to your grill before cleaning! You can also detach the tank from your grill.
- Remove grill grates so you can thoroughly clean then by scrubbing them with your grill brush.
- Clean anything on the burners, such as lava stones, ceramic briquettes, or metal heat tents. Clean burner tubes, as well as gas ports.
- Clean the outside of your grill with hot soapy water and a cleaning rag.
- Empty and clean the grease collection tray. Make sure to properly dispose of grease–never pour it down any drain. Your grease tray needs to be checked every time you grill to help prevent fires.
- Wipe everything dry and put your grill back together and oil your grates prior to cooking.
How to Clean a Charcoal Grill
Just like with the gas grill, you’ll need a grill brush, cleaning rags, and some hot, soapy water to clean your charcoal grill.
- Remove the grill grate if possible. Scrub with your grill brush. You can also use a wadded up piece of aluminum foil to help remove any remaining gunk or debris that remains on the grate.
- Empty the ash catcher and then clean the bottom and lid of your grill using hot soapy water and a cleaning rag.
- Put your grill back together and oil the grates before grilling your next delicious meal.
ProTip: A warm grill makes grill grates easier to clean!
How to Clean a Pellet Grill
Because pellet grills are equipped with electronic components, it is imperative that you keep your grill dry to keep it functioning properly. This is especially important for the inside of your grill.
- Warm up your grill to about 200 degrees. Close the lid and let it sit about ten minutes, loosening grease and leftover foods.
- Using a grill brush, clean the grates thoroughly.
- Remove and empty the ash container. Clean it before or after each time you use it.
- Remove the drip tray and dispose of oil as recommended. Again, never discard oil down drains.
- After you remove the drip tray, remove the heat deflector tray, as well, so you can clean the fire pot. There is a lot of ash that accumulates here, so use a shop-vac or vacuum cleaner to such out the ash from the interior of your pellet grill.
- Replace the heat deflector tray, drip tray, and grill grates.
- Using soap and water on a damp cloth, clean the outside of your grill. Remember not to use too much water, as not to ruin the electric parts of your smoker.
- Remove your chimney cap and clean it with a damp cloth.
Keeping Your Grill Working at Peak Performance
By keeping your grill clean you can be sure that your grill will be safe to use and runs effectively. A grill should be cleaned frequently, especially if you use it often.
Do you want to learn more about how to clean your grill? Join the conversation to speak with our outdoor living professionals.
