Hey everyone, Mark from Top Homeowner here. Today, we’re going to tackle the task of cleaning your gas barbecue grill. I have to admit, I’ve neglected mine over the past few years, and even though it still performs just fine, I want to make sure it’s performing at its best. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to clean both the inside and outside of your grill, how to clean cast iron and steel grates, and even how to install new grill flavorizer bars. I’ll also provide some product recommendations, but let me assure you, this is NOT a sponsored video. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get your grill looking spick and span again!
Step 1: Preparing the Grill
Before you start cleaning your gas BBQ grill, it’s important to prepare the grill properly. Follow these steps to ensure a clean and safe grilling experience:
Turning the grill to high heat
Start by turning your grill to high heat and allowing it to preheat for at least 30 minutes. This will help to burn off any leftover food particles, grease, and other debris that may be stuck on the grill grates.
Letting it heat for 30 minutes
Once the grill is preheated, let it heat on high for about 30 minutes. This will help to further loosen any stubborn residue and make it easier to clean.
Turning off the grill and letting it cool down
After the 30-minute heating period, turn off the grill and let it cool down completely. This step is crucial for your safety, as it will prevent any potential burns or accidents while cleaning the grill.
Step 2: Removing and Cleaning the Grates
Now that your grill is prepped and cooled down, it’s time to remove and clean the grates. Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:
Removing the grates
Carefully remove the grill grates and set them aside. Be cautious as they may be hot or greasy.
Soaking wire grates
If your grates are made of wire, soak them in a bucket filled with warm, soapy water. This will help to break down any grease and grime for easier cleaning later on.
Scraping cast iron grates
If you have cast iron grates, avoid soaking them in water. Instead, use a grill brush or scraper to remove any food particles or residue. Make sure to scrape in all directions to thoroughly clean the grates.
Coating cast iron grates with oil
After scraping, coat your cast iron grates with a thin layer of oil. This will help to prevent rust and keep them seasoned for future use.
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Step 3: Scraping the Inside of the Grill
Now it’s time to tackle the inside of your grill. The following steps will help you effectively remove loose particles and carbon buildup:
Choosing a scraper
Select a scraper tool that is suitable for your grill’s interior surface. Plastic scrapers are ideal for painted surfaces, while metal scrapers can be used on uncoated metal surfaces.
Scraping off loose particles
Using the scraper tool, remove any loose particles, ash, or debris from the inside of your grill. Be sure to cover the entire surface area, including the walls, lid, and bottom.
Using a wire brush to scrape carbon buildup
To tackle stubborn carbon buildup, use a wire brush to scrape off the residue. This will help to restore the interior of your grill and ensure even heat distribution during future grilling sessions.
Cleaning the burners
Don’t forget to clean the burners too! Use a wire brush to gently clean the burner ports, removing any blockages or buildup that may affect the performance of your grill.
Step 4: Cleaning the Bottom of the Grill
The bottom of the grill can accumulate a lot of gunk and debris. Follow these steps to clean it effectively:
Scraping gunk into the center pan
Using your scraper tool, scrape all the gunk and debris into the center pan of your grill. This will help to contain the mess and make it easier to dispose of later.
Cleaning the center pan
Once all the gunk is scraped into the center pan, remove the pan and dispose of the debris properly. Clean the pan thoroughly with warm, soapy water and rinse it before placing it back in the grill.
Regular cleaning schedule
To maintain a clean grill, it’s important to establish a regular cleaning schedule. Cleaning out the center pan and scraping off loose debris should be done after every grilling session.
Rinsing the grill
To finish cleaning the bottom of the grill, rinse it with a gentle stream of water. This will remove any remaining residue and leave your grill looking clean and ready for the next use.
Step 5: Using Citrus Degreaser
For a deep clean, you can use a citrus degreaser to tackle built-up grease and grime. Follow these steps to effectively use citrus degreaser:
Applying citrus degreaser
Spray the citrus degreaser generously on the interior walls and grates of your grill. Make sure to cover all areas with built-up grease and grime.
Letting it soak in
Allow the citrus degreaser to soak in for a few minutes. This will help to break down the grease and make it easier to scrub off.
Cleaning out carbon buildup and grease
Using a grill brush or scrubber, scrub away the loosened carbon buildup and grease. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy buildup, scraping and scrubbing until the surface is clean and shiny.
Step 6: Using Barbecue Cleaner
To give your grill a thorough cleaning, you can also use a foaming barbecue cleaner. Follow these steps for best results:
Using foaming barbecue cleaner
Spray the foaming barbecue cleaner on the interior surfaces of your grill, including grates, walls, and lid. Ensure that the cleaner covers all areas with grease and residue.
Spraying the cleaner on the grill
Allow the foaming cleaner to sit for a few minutes, allowing it to penetrate the buildup and make it easier to remove.
Cleaning stainless steel surfaces
Using a cloth or sponge, scrub the stainless steel surfaces of your grill with the foaming cleaner. This will help to remove any remaining grease and leave your grill looking shiny and clean.
Step 7: Cleaning the Exterior of the Grill
The exterior of your grill also needs attention. Follow these steps to give it a thorough cleaning:
Using an exterior grill cleaner
Select an exterior grill cleaner suitable for your grill’s material. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner for best results.
Applying the cleaner to the outside
Spray the exterior grill cleaner on the outside surfaces of your grill, including the sides, front, and back. Ensure that all areas are covered with the cleaner.
Cleaning the exterior surfaces
Using a clean cloth or sponge, scrub the exterior surfaces of your grill with the cleaner. Pay extra attention to areas with stains or grease buildup, and continue scrubbing until the surfaces are clean and shiny.
Step 8: Installing New Grill Tents
If your grill tents or flavorizer bars are damaged or worn out, it’s a good idea to replace them. Follow these steps to install new grill tents:
Replacing old grill tents with new ones
Carefully remove the old grill tents from your grill and dispose of them properly. Install the new grill tents according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a secure and proper fit.
Conclusion
Cleaning your gas BBQ grill is an essential task to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively remove grease, grime, and carbon buildup from both the interior and exterior of your grill. Remember to establish a regular cleaning schedule and use appropriate cleaning products for the best results. Happy grilling!