Top Grill Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Gas grills are the most popular type of grills for backyard barbecues. Charcoal grills remain the go-to option for portable grilling at campouts and tailgating parties. Regardless of what type of grill you have, you want it to last for many years. Here are the most important grill cleaning and maintenance tips you should perform to keep your grill in good condition.

Grill Cleaning: How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

• Clean the grill grates: Cook off grease and debris from your last grilling session by lighting a fire and letting the grill grates heat up. After about 15 minutes, scrape the hot grates with a long-handled grill brush to loosen stubborn spots.
• Grease the grill grates: To prevent sticking and make future cleaning easier, grease the grates with a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable or olive oil. Hold the paper towel with tongs to keep from burning yourself. Grease the grates after cooking as well to help prevent rusting.
• Remove the ashes: After you’re done grilling, allow the ashes to cool completely. Then, dispose of them in a sealed metal container.
• Wash out the inside: At the end of every grilling season, scrub the interior walls with steel wool dipped in warm soapy water.

Grill Cleaning: How to Clean a Gas Grill

• Spot clean after each use: Following every grilling session, turn the grill up to high for 15 minutes to burn excess gunk off the grill grates. Once it cools, brush the grates and wipe down the exterior.
• Deep clean at the end of each season: To ensure you have a nice clean grill to start off next season, deep clean it after your last grilling session in the fall. Let the grill cool completely, and then follow these tips:
  • Give the grates an extra good scrub.
  • Remove the burner protectors and soak them in a bucket of warm soapy water.
  • Wipe grime from the burners with an old sponge.
  • Wash the interior walls with steel wool dipped in your bucket of warm soapy water.
  • Remove the plates from the bottom of the grill and scrape off the biggest chunks with your grill brush. Then, place them in the bucket with the burner protectors.
  • Scrape any debris left on the bottom of the grill into the tray. Slide the tray out and dump loose debris into the trash. Then, place the tray in the bucket with the burner protectors and plates.
  • Scrub and rinse all the parts you’ve removed, and leave them out to dry.
  • Reassemble the grill and cover it for the winter season.

Grill Cleaning: How to Clean the Outside of a Stainless Steel Grill

• Prep the grill: Rinse the outside with water and wipe with a rag to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Clean light stains: Stainless steel cleaning spray, window cleaner, and stainless steel wipes are all effective against light stains. Remember to clean with the grain for the best results.
• Remove smoke stains: Soak a paper towel with Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover, and let it sit on the stained area for at least five minutes. Wipe the smoke stain with a fresh paper towel and rinse with water. Repeat as needed to remove the stain completely.
• Buff out scratches: Apply stainless steel polish with the grain to remove scratches and discoloration.

Keep Your Grill Repaired & Maintained

If you need help maintaining your grill, or you notice something’s wrong while cleaning it, let Mr. Appliance® take a look. We provide quality maintenance and repairs for outdoor kitchen appliances to help your investment last for many seasons. To schedule services, please contact us today!