How to Clean a Grill the Right Way, According to the Pros

If grilling is your go-to method for cooking during summer, it's important to ensure your appliance is ready to be put to work. While the high heat of the grill kills lurking foodborne pathogens, keeping your grill clean will improve its performance. The more debris on the grill, the harder it is for hot air to move around inside, which keeps the grill from heating up quickly. Simply put: A clean grill cooks food better and faster. Ahead, our grilling experts share exactly how to clean your grill and keep it primed to work its best.

How Often to Clean Your Grill

Aim to clean your grill once or twice per month, keeping in mind that you may need to clean it more depending on how often you use it. "The good rule of thumb is for every five to seven cooks, clean your grill," says Kevin Kolman, head grill mater for Weber. You should clean the grates of your grill immediately after every use, while the grill is still hot.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your grill.

• Aluminum foil
• Bucket
• Dish soap
• Water
• Scrub brush
• Stainless steel cleaner
• Small shovel
• Metal spatula or scraper
• Microfiber cloths
• Gloves

How to Clean a Gas Grill

One cleaning benefit of a gas grill is that there’s no ash to vacuum, but the grills tend to get much greasier. "Constantly changing the aluminum drip will help catch grease and eliminate some of the smell from the grease," says Amy Mills, owner of 17th Street Barbecue and co-author of the cookbook Peace, Love, and Barbecue.

1. Disconnect the gas tank from grill.
2. Fill a bucket with water and a few drops of a degreaser, like dish soap.
3. Remove the grill grates and flavorizer bars from the grill and place them in the soapy water.
   
4. Dip a scrub brush in soapy water and thoroughly clean the interior of the grill.
5. Rinse well with fresh water and dry thoroughly with a clean, microfiber towel. 
6. Scrub the grill grates and flavorizer bars with a scrub brush.
7. Rinse the grates and bars with clean water, dry them, and return them to the grill.

How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

Remove the ashes from your charcoal grill after every cook. "The ashes will absorb grease and drippings while you cook, so you don’t want that to build up in the bottom of the grill," says Mills. "When you pour burning coals from a charcoal chimney into the grill, if there is too much ash buildup in the bottom of the grill, the ashes will puff up and stick to your food."

1. While the grill is cool, use a small shovel and bucket to remove the ashes.
2. Fill a bucket with water and a few drops of a degreaser, like dish soap.
3. Remove the grill grates from the grill and place them in the soapy water.
   
4. Dip a scrub brush in soapy water and thoroughly clean the interior of the grill.
5. Rinse well with fresh water and dry thoroughly with a clean, microfiber towel. 
6. Scrub the grill grates with a scrub brush.
7. Rinse the grates and bars with clean water, dry them, and return them to the grill.

How to Clean a Flat-Top Grill

Flat-top grills should be cleaned and lightly oiled after every use, says Mills.

1. Let the grill cool down completely.
2. Scrape the surface of the grill with a metal spatula or scraper.
3. Use a cloth to wipe up grease and debris.
4. Pour a little soapy water on the grill and use a pad or copper cloth to gently clean the grease and any debris.
5. Wipe and dry the surface with a clean cloth.

Tips for Keeping Your Grill Clean

Keep your grill clean for longer by following these maintenance tips.

• Clean the grill grates every time you grill.
• Remove ashes and old charcoal from a charcoal grill before each use to prevent buildup.
• Empty the catch pan or tray of a gas grill and any debris to prevent fires or overflow.
• Use a grill cover to keep your appliance protected from the elements.
• Clean your grill cleaning tools and bristle brushes after each use.