How to Clean a Grill

By Tom Genung

The best way to keep your grill clean is to clean it after each use. I know what you're thinking, "No way, I'm not scrubbing this grill each time." Hold on, I'm not talking about cleaning the whole grill after each use, but I am talking about cleaning the grate after each use. It is so much easier to clean if you've been cleaning the grate after each use.

The Grill Cleaning Arsenal

Here are the most important tools needed to keep your grill clean.

* Brass-bristled wire brush
* Scouring pads
* Steel wool
* Aluminum foil
* Dish soap
* Sponge or rags

Clean this after Each Use

Each time you grill whether you're using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, you need to clean the grates. The best time to clean the grate is after your done cooking, when the grill is still warm. When the grill is still warm it will be much easier to brush off the cooked on food.

While the grill is still warm take your brass-bristled brush and brush the grate. Here is a tip, to really get in between the grates you can use a balled up piece of aluminum foil to scrub it. It really works well.

Now if you haven't cleaned your grates in awhile it might take a bit more scrubbing. After the grill is cooled, use a soapy piece of steel wool to really get the grate clean. Make sure not to scrub too hard with the steel wool. Also if your grill grate has a non-stick coating, you will want to use a scouring pad instead, so you don't damage the non-stick coating.

If you happen to have a cast iron grate, after scrubbing it clean, you need to "season" the grate. Either spray the grate with cooking oil or rub a bit on it with a paper towel. This will keep it from rusting.

If you are using a charcoal grill, you will want to remove the ashes from the bottom of the grill after each use. Make sure that it has cooled prior to removal. The removal of the ash will help with air flow and keep the fire burning.

Clean as Needed

You do not need to clean the inside of your grills so much that they look in showroom condition. It is beneficial for your grill to be seasoned. The oils from the food help protect it and keep parts from rusting and also impart some flavor to your food. However, if the grease and oil is really caked on and flaking off, it could use some cleaning.

If you are cleaning a charcoal grill you can clean the inside with your brass-bristled brush, and then wipe it clean with some soapy water. As for the outside of the grill, a scouring pad and some soapy water should clean it right up.

Gas grills take a bit more work to clean. You will want to take the interior parts out and scrub them clean. Follow your user manual for disassembly and reassembly. The inside can then be scrapped with your brass-bristled brush, and then wiped clean with some soapy water. Make sure to clean the burners well, as they can get clogged with grease. A bit of soap and water should be good enough for cleaning the outside of your grill. Remember to use a non-abrasive cleaning pad if your have a stainless steel grill.

Here is a tip if your grill has lava rocks. The tops of the rocks are probably covered with grease; you can flip them over and turn your grill on high to burn all of the grease off.

Cleaning the grill for the first time can be a lot of work. If you keep up on it, it gets easier to clean. Do not over do your cleaning either, remember a seasoned grill is beneficial for your grill and the food that you are grilling. Just make sure to keep those grates clean.

For more Grilling & Barbecuing Tips visit Mastering the Flame.