How to Clean a Gas Grill Easily

Last Updated on April 26, 2021

If your summer months are filled with alfresco dining, BBQ-infused flavors, and basking in the sunshine, chances are your gas grill will become a bit of a workhorse. With all this outdoor cooking, your grill needs cleaning more often than usual. With this in mind, it’s crucial to learn a few tips and techniques to help keep your gas grill clean all year round. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your grill will be extremely clean and safe to use. These proper cleaning methods eradicate any bacteria or virus and remove soot and creosote buildup to give your food the best BBQ taste possible.

What Gas Grill Cleaning Equipment Will You Need?

When cleaning your gas grill, avoid using toxic chemicals. Not only will they create an unpleasant addition to foods, but they can also be extremely dangerous if consumed. Either opt for all-natural cleaners such as baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar or buy a specially-formulated commercial cleaner with non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients. So, what else will you need to clean your gas grill easily?

• A long-handled wire brush
• A wire bottle brush
• A five-gallon bucket
• Warm water
• Some grease-cutting dishwashing soap
• A paste made from white vinegar and baking soda
• Rubber gloves
• Disposable scouring sponges
• Cotton rags

If your gas grill’s exterior is made from stainless steel, you can also purchase a stainless steel cleaner. This oil or silicone-based product adds some extra shine to your grill. It’s best to clean these grills on overcast days, as the blazing sun can make it harder for you to remove stains and streaks from stainless steel surfaces. 

If you want to go the extra mile and ensure your grill is as clean as it can be, you can also use cleaning vinegar. Formulated to 45% acidity, this vinegar has extra grease-cutting abilities compared to regular distilled white vinegar, which has around 5% acidity.

How to Clean a Gas Grill: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Burn the Grill

• To effectively clean a gas grill, the first step in the process is to fire up the grill. Close to the hood and allow it to burn until it reaches its maximum temperature. 
• It will take around 30 minutes for the grill to reach its optimum temperature. This heat will singe off any food particles or grease that is stuck to the grill grates. 
• The next step is to submerge your wire brush into the bucket filled with warm, soapy water, scrubbing the remaining carbon from the gas grill grates.
• Next, turn off the gas and remove and disconnect the propane tank before letting the grill cool down altogether.

Step 2: Soak the Grill

• Once your grill has cooled down completely, the next step is to remove the flavorizer bars and grates.
• Soak them in some warm, soapy water and leave for at least 30 minutes. 
• Remove the other parts of the grill that can be taken off easily, including grease trays, warming racks, and burner-control knobs.
• On the majority of gas grills, the burner tubes can be taken off, too. You can remove them by unscrewing the cotter pin or screws on either end of the tubes.
• By removing the majority of components, your gas grill will be much easier to clean.

Step 3: Vacuum Your Grill and Components

• Once you’ve removed all the components, including the flavorizer bars and grates, you’ll notice the firebox will be exposed. This will make it easier for you to access when cleaning. 
• The first step is to put an empty bucket beneath the firebox. Ensure it is directly underneath the opening of the grease tray. This makes it easier to catch the soapy water and other bits of debris.
• Next, scrape off any internal dirt, grease, and gunk from the firebox.
• Once you’ve done this, the next step is to vacuum any leftover debris. 
• After you’ve cleaned the firebox, all that’s left to do is rinse with a hose and leave it to dry. 

Step 4: Scrub the Entirety of Your Grill

• Once you’ve submerged the grates, panels, and other components, remove them from the water and scrub them with the wire brush.
• You can create a paste made from white vinegar and baking soda for an even more effective outcome. Apply this on extra tough stains or grates caked with food.
• After you’ve applied the paste, leave for 20-30 minutes, then scrub off using a scourer. Be sure to rinse everything clean to minimize any residue. To avoid grates and other components from rusting, you should dry everything properly by laying all the pieces on towels or a tarp in the sun.
• Now’s the perfect chance to check your burners for corrosion or any blockages from the flame holes with everything removed. 
• When gas grills are unused during the winter months, the burner tubes can become breeding grounds for spiders and other insects.
• With your wire brush, clean the tubes inside and out to prevent any insects from nesting.

Step 5: Wash and Wipe Everything Thoroughly

• For the last steps on cleaning a gas grill easily, refill your bucket with fresh water and dishwashing liquid. 
• Scrub the outer part of your gas grill using one of the disposable scouring sponges.
• Once you’ve finished this step, wipe down all the surfaces and dry them thoroughly.

Step 6: Reassemble Your Gas Grill

• Now you’ve cleaned all the components of your grill and everything is as shiny and good as new, it’s time to reassemble everything you removed. 
• When putting the burner tubes back into place, ensure they go back into their proper position with all the screws and cotter pins.
• For some final touches, rub your grill grates with a light coat of vegetable oil to prevent rusting.
• Now you can reconnect the propane tank. After reattaching the hose, perform a quick soap safety test. Close the valve, apply soapy water to the entire hose, regulator, and the valve, then reopen the valve without switching on the grill to increase the hose pressure. Check for soap bubbles or a rotten-egg smell, both of which can indicate leaks. If the hose is clear, wipe it down, and you are ready to season the grill.
• To season the grill, close the hood and fire it up. You only need to heat it for around 15 minutes this time before turning it off.
• This final fire will help eradicate any leftover cleaning products and residue and let you know that everything is working and back in its proper place.

Fire Up the Grill and Enjoy Some Summer Fun

Safely and effectively cleaning your gas grill not only ensures that your grill operates optimally, but your food also tastes better. These easy steps enable you to cook on your grill all summer long, providing the best barbecue for all the family.

So, once you’ve cleaned your gas grill, all that’s left to do is fire it up, cook up a tasty BBQ and enjoy the summer heat with your loved ones.