Now that grilling season is fast approaching, your barbecue will likely need some serious cleaning TLC. We break down exactly what you need to do – and how long it will take to clean BBQ grill grates, the inside of a gas grill, the grill top and how to clean a BBQ after a grease fire.
Published on June 30, 2018, Updated May 17, 2024.
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Step 1: Dial In
Safety is always a top priority. If you have a propane barbecue, confirm all the dials are firmly off and disconnect the tank before doing anything else. If the tank is empty, fill it up on your next hardware store run, so when the BBQ is clean, you’re ready to grill.
Time count: 1 minute
Step 2: Grate Minds
Pop on a pair of work gloves to protect against metal splinters and gobs of old grease. Remove the grill, grates, grease pan and other removable metal pieces. Fill up a large garden bucket with a squirt of regular dish soap and hot water and let the parts sit in the suds for 10 minutes.
Time count: 1 minute
Step 3: Brush Strokes
Place a piece of aluminum foil over the BBQ’s heating elements to protect them from falling debris. Grab a nearby metal-bristled grill brush and go to town scrubbing under the hood, sides and any other area that’s been in the draft path of that greasy cooking smoke. If you come across areas that look like peeling paint, carbon build-up will likely brush off with a bit of elbow grease.
Time count: 5 minutes
Step 4: Wipe Down
For the most satisfying part of the cleaning process, take a couple of damp towels and wipe down the walls and hood, picking up and whisking away any carbon build-up, ash and rust that’s fallen down while scrubbing.
Time count: 2 minutes
Step 5: More Brush Strokes
Remove the grates and grill from the hot soapy water and find a clean, sturdy wall to lean them up against. Use the grill brush to scrape away any now-loosened debris and hardened grease. The filth should be easy to get off at this point since the soaking step is designed to loosen and lighten the greasy barbecue build-up.
Time count: 3 minutes
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Step 6: Hose Control
Next, pull out a garden hose. Spray down the metal pieces and rinse away all the soap. Use a towel to soak up any remaining water to prevent future rusting.
Time count: 3 minutes
Step 7: Clean Sweep
If your barbecue has a stand or casing, get a hard-bristled broom to sweep out any debris, dirt or leaves that have been hiding. Give the exterior a good wipe down as well. You don’t want particles floating up and landing on your steak mid-flip. Plus, it’ll look better when it’s free from mud and old mustard spills.
Time count: 3 minutes
Step 8: Reuse, Recycle
Remove the protective aluminum foil and shake the debris in the garbage – if it’s not too damaged, be sure you place the foil in the recycling bin. Replace the now-sparkling metal plates, grills, grates and drip pan, and reconnect the propane tank.
And voila! You’re ready to get grilling.
Time count: 2 minutes
