It is barbecue season, and it is time to break out the old grill from storage, dust the cobwebs, and give it a good cleaning. Where charcoal and pellet grill users have to deal with ash, your gas grill eliminates this hassle, although it does tend to get greasier than its counterparts. This grease build-up can lead to further problems, including catching accidental fires. You should know how to clean a gas grill like a pro to avoid this.
There is the basic version, and then there comes the deep clean. You should know how to do both. If you keep up with the basic cleaning steps, you can maintain the shine and structural integrity of the grill. The deep clean, however, allows you to give the grill some much-needed tender loving care after a grueling season or a period of non-use. You can deep clean the grill at the beginning of the grilling season and the end of it, before putting the grill away.
Here’s a quick recap of the basics: scrape the grates clean after preheating and change the drip tray when full. Now comes the deep clean, a grueling task that requires your willingness to get messy with a lot of time on hand. Deep cleaning your gas grill is essential to ensure proper ignition and functionality, with no safety hazards.
Materials Needed:
- Soft cloth
- Stainless-steel grill brush
- Warm, soapy water
- Buckets
- Handheld vacuum
- Hose with sprayer
- Towel
Also Read: 10 Best Outdoor Gas Grill to Enjoy Lip-Smacking Barbecues
How to Clean a Gas Grill
Remove Residue From Grill
Start by removing the residue from the grill; it could be drippings or stuck-on meats. Turn the grill to high temperatures for 10 to 15 minutes, with the lid closed. This will burn off any extra bits of food, grease, and spills, making them come loose for the removal. Next, loosen the residue from the grill rack with a stainless steel grill brush. Be sure to wear heat-resistant gloves.
Scrub Inside and Out
It is equally important to clean the grill inside and out. Once the grill is cooled down after the first step, wipe the interior and exterior. Use a soft cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to clean the freshly loosened residue.
Clean the Caked-On Grime
Now, even the first two steps are good enough to get rid of the stubborn residue on your gas grill, but sometimes, you are still left with some caked-on grime. To clean that, you will need to remove the grates, soak them in buckets of soapy water for 15 minutes or more. Remove and rinse them with clean water, and then wipe them dry.
Tip: To clean the inside of a gas grill, use a handheld vacuum. A grill brush can help dislodge the soot, which can be sucked up by a vacuum.
For the last step, spray clean the grill with a hose and wipe it dry with a towel.
Knowing how to clean your gas grill can save you money on its performance issues, structural integrity, and potential fire hazard. Therefore, be sure to deep clean your gas grill at least twice a year, before and after the barbecue season, to keep it in its prime.
