Summer is starting to wind down, which probably means your backyard BBQ has seen many a cookouts by this point in time. Have you given your favorite summertime cooking tool a good clean yet this year? It’s never too late to start, so here are eight simple steps to cleaning your backyard BBQ or grill.
STEP #1: Fire It Up
First, fire up the grill by turning it on high for 15 minutes. This will heat up any residue that may be stuck on grill grates. Take the grill brush and scrape any residue away, then allow the grill to cool down.
Step #2: Disconnect the Propane Tank
Once the grill is cooled, make sure all of the dials are turned off and the propane tank is disconnected. If the grill is connected to the main gas line, turn off the main gas line. Make sure the grill is completely cooled down then proceed to remove all of the grill grates. For an additional step of precaution, you can wear protective gloves. Place the grill grates and the grill’s drip pan in a bucket of hot water and dish soap to soak for 10-15 minutes.
STEP #3: Clean Under Grill Hood
Grab some tin foil and loosely cover the grill heating elements to protect them from your cleaning efforts. Grab the grill brush or some stainless steel scrubbers and gently scrub the underside of the hood. You may see some residue that resembles peeling paint, but don’t be alarmed. This is actually a harmless buildup of carbon from all of that grill grease and smoke.
STEP #4: Scrub Grill Walls
Use the grill brush or that stainless steel scrubber and begin scrubbing the inside walls above the grill’s heating elements. Be aware that grill ash and debris will fall off, which is normal. Wipe down the grill walls with a damp cloth.
STEP #5: Clean Grill Grates
Now that the grill grates and drip pan have been soaking, remove them from the soapy bucket of water and give them a good scrub down. Grab the garden hose and rinse away any leftover debris and soap.
STEP #6: Replace Inside Parts
Remove the tin foil that was covering the heating elements and replace the grill grates and drip pan. Then you will need to reconnect the propane tank.
STEP #7: Clean the Cabinet
If your grill has a storage cabinet, wipe down the shelves and remove any additional dust or debris.
STEP #8: Clean the Exterior
Lastly, clean the exterior of the grill with a heavy duty sponge or microfiber cloth so it sparkles and shines. For a stainless steel grill, use a cleaner made specifically for stainless steel and be sure to buff with the grain, not against the grain, using a microfiber cloth.
Bonus Tip: If you don’t have a grill cover or if you never use the one you have, consider changing your grilling technique. Using a grill cover could reduce how often you need to deep clean your grill. Vented covers are the best, as they allow moisture to escape.
Your grill gives you and your family so many delicious summertime meals, so give it some love this season and give it a good clean.
Looking for a delicious summertime side dish for your next backyard BBQ? Try this recipe for a refreshing seasonal salad.