Grill Cleaning Guide: How to Prep Yours This Spring Season

Spring is the perfect time to deep clean your grill before diving into those perfect summertime evening meals, especially if you haven't winterized and cleaned it before storing it away. Whether deep cleaning your grill seems to be overwhelming or is simply easily overlooked, this guide will help you know the tools you need and the steps you need to take to keep your grill in peak performance.

Keep in mind that the tools needed for stainless steel and porcelain-coated parts are different than those used for cast iron material. In order to clean your grill, you will need a stiff-bristled brush, mild soap and water, and a microfiber cloth. If you have stainless steel, it will be beneficial to use a specialized degreaser or grill cleaner instead of a wire brush.

Gas Grills:

Make sure to turn off the gas supply before removing and cleaning your parts. Then, take out your grates, heat shields, and drip pan and clean with soapy water. Remove the burners and clean them, making sure to clear any clogged openings. Wipe clean the inside of the firebox and use a grill cleaner or damp cloth for the exterior. When rinsed and dry, apply vegetable oil on areas prone to rusting.

Charcoal Grills:

Charcoal grill cleaning require a little more effort and elbow grease. You will need a stiff-wire brush or aluminum foil for scraping, a rag, soapy water, and vegetable oil. Charcoal grills should be cleaned after every use but deep cleaned once a year. First, fire up the coals and burn off any residue from previous use. Once cooled, scrub the grates with a stiff-wired brush or a ball of aluminum foil, coating it with vegetable oil to finish. Remove the grates and clean out the leftover ash, most likely by the removable tray at the bottom. Wipe down the inside with a wet rag. Clean the exterior with soapy water or grill cleaner, depending on the material.

Pellet Grills:

For pellet grills, you will need a scrub brush, soapy water, a rag, and possibly a dry vac. It’s a good idea to heat your grill and burn off leftover food before cleaning. Once cooled, remove the grates and scrub with soapy water. If you have ceramic grates, use water and a microfiber towel. Coat with oil for protection. Next, clean the ash box either by removing the tray or using a dry vac to clear it from the interior. Don’t forget to scrub the drip tray and the chimney as well. Wipe down the exterior with a damp rag to finish.

Griddles:

You should be seasoning after every use but if it hasn’t been used for several months, here’s what to do. Check the burners to make sure there is nothing blocking the fuel flow. For steel flat tops, scrape off larger bits of food with a spatula. Then, heat your griddle and pour a little water to create steam to loosen the stubborn particles. Wipe clean with paper towels and repeat until fully clean. Finally, add a light amount of oil and spread it on your griddle to prep it for the next use.

There you have it! Now you can enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor cooking and confidently serve your favorite dishes for all to enjoy.