How to Clean a Gas Grill
Follow these quick and easy steps to keep your gas grill in tip-top shape.
Grilling flavorful meats and vegetables outdoors is one of summertime's greatest delights. Once summer comes to a close and you're ready to store your grill away, give it a good cleaning so it will be in its best shape for summers to come. Follow our guide on how to clean a gas grill to learn how to extend its life and reduce the chance of fires.
How to Clean a Gas Grill
What You’ll Need
Dish soap and water
Coarse bristle grill brush
Sponge or scouring pad
Toothpick or wire
Scraper
Gloves
Bucket
Rag
Step 1: Disconnect the fuel.
Turn off the gas supply and, if applicable, remove the gas tank from the grill.
Step 2: Remove the grill grates and scrub them clean.
Using a coarse bristle grill brush and soapy water, scrub back and forth along the grate lines. It can be helpful to start by scraping debris with the dry brush before using soap and water. Be sure to clean both sides of the grates.
Step 3: Remove the burner covers and scrub them clean.
Use a sponge or coarse cleaning pad and soapy water to remove stains. Again, be sure to clean both sides of all the burner covers.
Step 4: Clean the burners.
If your grill's burners can be removed, do so. If not, you can clean them in their place. Gently clean the burner tubes and gas ports using your sponge or scouring pad. Make sure to remove any buildup clogging the burner holes – this can be done with a toothpick or wire.
Step 5: Remove debris and clean the bottom of the grill and lid.
Remove and discard all the larger pieces of food debris beneath the burners, then scrub the bottom of the grill thoroughly with your sponge and soapy water. Be sure to thoroughly clean the grill lid as well.
Step 6: Clean the grease tray.
If possible, slide the tray out of the back of the grill to clean it. Using a scraper, clear out as much grease as you can and discard it in a trash bag, bottle, or can. Do not discard grease down the sink or disposal. Once most of the grease has been removed, scour the tray with a sponge or rough cleaning pad and warm, soapy water.
Step 7: Reassemble your grill and clean its exterior.
Using a clean sponge and warm, soapy water, wipe down all of your grill's external surfaces.
Step 8: Dry, cover, and store your grill.
Using a rag or towel, wipe your grill completely dry and cover it with a grill cover or tarp. Store in a dry spot in the garage or shed.
More Gas Grill Tips to Know
- Make sure to empty the grease tray after cooking. A buildup of grease can lead to a grease fire.
- Brush the grill grates after preheating to remove loosened grease and buildup.
- Brush the grill with a little oil before cooking to prevent food from sticking.
- Brush the grates after cooking to prevent grease and food debris from hardening.
- Cover your grill when you are not using it to protect it from the elements and prevent rusting.
