How to Clean Your Grill
Published September 30, 2024
 "Justin Robinson")
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Justin of Chef JRob brings a Cajun kick to the Atlanta culinary scene through vibrant dishes and energetic cooking performances. As a BBQ enthusiast and owner of Rockstar Kitchen, he offers innovative dining experiences for events and aims to combat adolescent obesity with garden-to-table cooking classes on his 28.7-acre Experience Estate. Known for his appearances on Food Network’s Chopped, Iron Chef Showdown, Fox’s MasterChef and Ciao House, Chef JRob recently became a Culinary Instructor at Auburn University, where he hosts public master classes and teaches culinary students.
A Note From The Home Depot
Learn how to clean your grill and ensure it stays in great condition for years to come. Follow along as Justin of Chef JRob shows a step-by-step on how to clean your grill!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Pre-cleaning Preparation
Step 2: Removing the Grates and Drip Tray
Step 3: Cleaning the Interior
Step 4: Cleaning the Grill Grates and Drip Tray
Step 5: Wiping Down the Exterior
Step 6: Cleaning the Grease Management System
Keeping your grill in prime condition not only ensures delicious meals but also prolongs the life of your grill. Regular cleaning is essential and with the right tools and tips, it can be a straightforward process. The Home Depot stands out as an invaluable resource for grill maintenance, offering more than just cleaning products. Their selection includes high-quality brushes, scrapers and degreasers designed specifically for grills, ensuring that you can easily tackle even the toughest grime and residue. Additionally, they provide detailed online guides and how-to videos that walk you through the process of cleaning and maintaining your grill, regardless of if you own charcoal, gas or pellet. These resources offer step-by-step instructions and practical tips, empowering you to keep your grill in top condition with confidence and ease.
Beyond providing products and guides, The Home Depot supports your grill maintenance with knowledgeable in-store associates who can offer personalized advice tailored to your specific grill model and needs. They also offer a variety of replacement parts, such as grates and burners, to ensure your grill continues to perform at its best. By protecting your grill with covers and utilizing accessories like drip pans, The Home Depot helps minimize maintenance efforts while maximizing the lifespan and performance of your grill. With these comprehensive resources and support, you can enjoy a consistently clean and efficient grilling experience.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean your grill, featuring the essential products and a handy hack for tough buildup.
Step 1: Pre-cleaning Preparation
Before you start cleaning, make sure your grill is cool. Turn off and unplug the grill, ensuring there’s no residual heat to avoid burns, TRUST ME ON THIS, my wrist looks like a checkerboard from trying to clean the grill hot.
Step 2: Removing the Grates and Drip Tray
Begin by removing the grill grates and the drip tray. These parts are often the dirtiest and need thorough cleaning. Set them aside for separate cleaning.
Step 3: Cleaning the Interior
Scraping the interior: Use the BBQ brush and scraper tool to scrape off any food residue and grease from the interior surfaces. Focus on the bottom of the grill where grease and ash accumulate.
Vacuuming: Use a shop vac to remove loose ash and debris from the fire pot and the bottom of the grill. This helps in maintaining airflow and efficient burning.
Step 4: Cleaning the Grill Grates and Drip Tray
Soaking: Soak the grill grates and drip tray in a mixture of warm water and grill cleaner. Let them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes to loosen up any tough residue.
Scrubbing: Use the CitruSafe scrubber to scrub off the loosened grime. For stubborn spots, a bit of extra grill cleaner and elbow grease will do the trick. If you are tight on time, I would highly suggest investing in a power washer to blast away.
Rinsing: Rinse the grates and drip tray thoroughly with water and dry them completely before placing them back in the grill.
Step 5: Wiping Down the Exterior
Spray the exterior of the grill with grill cleaner. Use a soft cloth to wipe it down, removing any grease or dirt. This not only keeps your grill looking good but also protects it from rust and corrosion. Feel free to spray cooking spray on the exterior for a nice polish finish.
Step 6: Cleaning the Grease Management System
Empty the grease bucket: Remove and empty the grease bucket. Clean it with grill cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
Inspect the grease drain: Check the grease drain tube for any blockages. Clear any obstructions to ensure proper drainage during cooking.
Step 7: Deep Cleaning With a Power Washer (Optional Hack)
For particularly tough buildup, especially on the grates and drip tray, you can use a power washer. This method can save time and effort.
Step 8: Reassembling the Grill
Once all components are clean and dry, reassemble your grill. Ensure everything is securely in place, and check that the firepot and grease management system are properly positioned.
Final Tips
Regular maintenance: Clean your grill after every few uses to prevent excessive buildup and ensure the best cooking performance. Trust me, I know how it is when you’re just rocking and rolling and time gets away from you, but regular grill cleaning helps a lot down the road and longevity of your grills!
Check for damage: During cleaning, inspect for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn parts to maintain optimal performance. More often this will be a quick tightening of a loose screw or replacing a washer.
Cover your grill: Use a grill cover when not in use to protect it from the elements and reduce the frequency of deep cleaning sessions.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your grill in top shape ensuring delicious, hassle-free grilling for years to come. Happy grilling!
This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and associated images or video, potentially in the form of products and/or services. All expressed opinions and experiences are the author’s own words.
