Cleaning your BBQ grill is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring food safety. Using a combination of simple methods and household items is the best ways for how to clean a BBQ.
For example, scrubbing the grill grates with a wire brush and some hot, soapy water can effectively remove stuck-on food. Don’t forget to clean the exterior of the barbecue with a wet cloth to remove any residual grease. If you have a gas grill, make sure to check the burner tubes for any blockages.
It’s important to clean a dirty grill as it helps to ensure your barbecue will last longer, which saves you money in the long run. Sure, it will require some elbow grease and a few hours of time, but this is a worthy investment to make sure your BBQ is fully functional and ready for grilling. Following these steps will keep your BBQ grill sparkling clean and ready for the grilling season.
Preparing Your Barbecue Grill for Cleaning
Before diving into the cleaning process, take some time to gather your materials and ensure you’re following necessary safety steps. This will make the job easier and safer.
1. Gathering Necessary Materials
You will need a few items to effectively clean your BBQ:
- Rubber gloves: These will protect your hands from any harsh chemicals or hot surfaces.
- Wire brush: Essential for scrubbing off burnt-on food and grease from the grill grates.
- Sponge or scouring pad: Useful for wiping down surfaces and getting into tight spots.
- Washing up liquid and hot water: These will help break down grease and grime on the BBQ.
- Kitchen roll or a dry cloth: For wiping down the BBQ after cleaning.
- Aluminium foil: Useful for wrapping parts that need a bit more soaking time or to scrub grill grates.
- Spray bottle with vinegar and water solution: A natural cleaner that helps break down stubborn residues.
2. Safety Precautions
Safety should always be a priority when cleaning barbecue grills. Here are some key precautions to take:
- Disconnect the gas: If you have a gas BBQ, make sure the propane tank is turned off and disconnected. For charcoal grills, ensure there are no hot coals remaining.
- Wear protective gloves: Rubber gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges and chemicals.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick to natural cleaners like vinegar and washing up liquid. These are effective and less harmful.
- Ventilate the area: If you’re cleaning indoors or in a confined space, ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions: Always follow any specific cleaning recommendations from your BBQ’s manufacturer. Different materials may require different care.
- Cool the BBQ: Make sure the BBQ is completely cool before you start cleaning to prevent burns.
Internal Cleaning Process
Make sure your BBQ is cool before starting to clean the inside. You’ll need a grill brush, some soapy water and other basic tools to get the job done.
3. Cleaning the Grates
Remove the cooking grates and place them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. Leave them to soak for at least 20 minutes.
This loosens any stuck-on food or grease. Scrub each grate with a grill brush to remove food particles and grime. For tough spots, a paste made from baking soda and water can help. Rinse grates with clean water and dry them with a cloth before putting them back.
4. Addressing Burners and Burner Tubes
Start by removing the flavouriser bars above the burners. Use a wire brush to clean the burners and burner tubes. Check for any blockages that could affect performance.
If you spot any clogged holes, use a paper clip to clear them. This stops the grill from cooking unevenly. After cleaning, replace the flavouriser bars and ensure everything is secure.
5. Managing the Interior Walls and Hood
With grates and burners removed, focus on the interior walls and hood. Using a grill brush or scouring pad, scrub away any residue or carbon deposits.
Pay attention to the underside of the hood where grime often builds up. A mix of water and washing up liquid works well here. Rinse away soap with a damp cloth. Dry the interior with a kitchen roll before reassembling the grill.
External BBQ Care
Keeping the outside of your BBQ in good shape not only looks nice but also helps it last longer. Focus on cleaning the exterior and maintaining the knobs and handles to ensure your BBQ performs well.
6. Cleansing the Exterior Surface
Start by wiping down the outside of your barbecue with a damp cloth. This will remove any dust or light dirt.
For more stubborn spots, a solution of soapy water is very effective. Gently scrub with a microfibre cloth to avoid scratching stainless steel or painted surfaces.
If you notice grease spots or fingerprints, use a stainless-steel cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto a soft cloth and polish the surface. This not only cleans but also adds a layer of protection against future stains. Remember to always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Finally, to prevent rust and weather damage, consider investing in a BBQ cover. Make sure it’s the right size and fits your BBQ snugly.
7. Maintaining Knobs and Handles
Knobs and handles are often overlooked but are crucial for safe operation. Remove any knobs if your BBQ allows this.
Wash each one in warm, soapy water and use a small brush to clean the crevices. Rinse and dry them thoroughly before placing them back.
Handles can also get greasy and dirty over time. Wipe them down with a vinegar solution. This cuts through grease and has natural antibacterial properties.
If the handles are stainless steel, follow up with a microfibre cloth and a bit of stainless-steel cleaner. This maintains their shine and durability.
Final Steps in BBQ Maintenance
After a deep clean, it’s important to deal with stubborn food and grease stuck on your grill. Seasoning the grill then ensures it’s ready for future use.
8. Dealing with Caked-On Food and Grease
Caked-on food and grease can be tough to remove. Start by putting the grill on very high heat for 15 minutes.
This will burn off some residue, making it easier to clean. Make sure the grill is warm but not too hot to handle. Then, use a grill brush to scrub off any debris.
For more stubborn bits, make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the affected areas with a wire brush. Alternatively, half an onion works wonders in removing lodged-on food debris.
Commercial BBQ cleaners can also be effective. Scrub well and rinse with warm water. Remember to clean the drip tray and any other removable parts. To finish, wipe everything down with a damp cloth.
9. Seasoning the Grill
Seasoning your grill is a key step to create a non-stick surface and prevent rust. After cleaning, let the grill grates dry completely.
Then, coat them lightly with vegetable oil or cooking oil. Use a microfibre cloth to apply the oil evenly across the grates.
Heat the grill on medium for about 15 minutes. This will help the oil bond with the surface. Seasoning also helps distribute heat evenly during cooking, ensuring better results.
It’s a good idea to repeat this process a few times a year, especially after deep cleaning sessions. Doing so can extend the life of your grill and improve your grilling experience.
Special Tips for Different Types of BBQs
Different types of BBQs need unique care to keep them performing well and ensure delicious meals. Learn how to clean and maintain charcoal grills, gas grills and cast iron components with these handy tips.
Caring for Charcoal Grills
Start by emptying the ash catcher and disposing of the ashes in a metal container. Preheat the grill to burn off any stuck-on food.
Once hot bars are cool, scrub the grates with a wire brush. You can also use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean the grates.
To steam clean, place a water-soaked newspaper on the grill while it’s warm and close the lid for half an hour. Finish by wiping the grill clean with a damp cloth. Ensuring no food debris is left helps keep your charcoal grill in good shape.
Maintaining Gas Grills
Disconnect the propane tank before cleaning. Remove the grates and clean them with a grill brush and soapy water. For the inside of the grill, use a metal spatula to scrape away any burnt-on food.
Clean the burner tubes with a wire brush to remove grease and food debris. Wipe down the exterior with warm water and dry with a microfibre cloth. Make sure to check for damage or wear, especially on the burner tubes and gas lines, to keep your gas grill safe.
Preservation of Cast Iron Components
For cast iron grill grates, preheat them and brush them clean. After cleaning, coat them with a light layer of cooking oil to prevent rust. Use only a small amount of oil to avoid build-up, which can affect the grill’s performance.
Avoid soaking these parts in water. Instead, clean them with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. If rust appears, scrub it gently with baking soda and a scouring pad. To keep your cast iron components in top shape, always dry them thoroughly and apply oil after each use.
Visit Bell to Find BBQ Accessories Today
Cleaning your BBQ is an important part of maintaining it over time, even if it can be a bit of a chore. That said, if you clean it regularly and well, you can ensure its longevity.
At Bell, we sell a variety of BBQ accessories, including gloves, cooking utensils, shelves and thermometers. Contact us today at 01604 777511 or sales@abell.co.uk, whether you have questions about BBQ cleaning or setting up a modular BBQ.
