What happens when you don’t clean your gas grill after a grilling session? It can lead to burnt-on food, grease buildup, and even dangerous flare-ups! No one wants any of that. That’s why we’re here to show you how to clean gas grill after use.
After grilling, burn off residue for 5 to 10 mins, scrape warm grates, and wipe down with soapy water. Next, clean the drip pan, oil the grates to prevent rust, and store with a protection cover. Remember, a clean grill lasts longer and keeps food tasting great.
Moving on, we’ll go into details of post-cleanup after grilling and steps to clean a grease fire. By the end, you’ll learn how to clean the interior and exterior of your gas grill.
How to Clean a Gas Grill After Use
Once you’re finished grilling, a few easy steps can help maintain your grill and keep it in great shape. With that thought, here’s a simple cleaning plan for you.
Step 1: Burn Off Residue
Leave the burners on high for 5 to 10 minutes. It helps burn off leftover food and grease, reducing it to ash. Consider this a short self-cleaning period that handles the tough part.
Step 2: Scrape the Grates
While the grill is still warm, grab a scraper or a grill brush and remove any bits of charred food stuck to the grates. If you want to go natural, try using a half onion. It works like a charm and adds a nice aroma too!
Plus, steer clear of wire brushes if possible, as loose bristles can end up in your food. If you still have trouble, go through how to clean cast iron gas grill grates for a thorough cleaning.
Step 3: Cool and Wipe Down
Once your grill has cooled down a bit, use a damp cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to clean the grates, lid, and sides. Don’t forget to get into those little nooks and crannies where grease tends to hide.
That said, skip harsh cleaners. Instead, use mild dish soap to get the job done.
Step 4: Clean the Drip Pan
The drip pan collects grease, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Now, remove the pan, empty any grease or debris, and wash it with soapy water. Dry it thoroughly before putting it back in place to avoid grease fires during your next use.
Step 5: Apply a Light Coat of Oil
If your grates are cast iron or steel, it’s a good idea to coat them with a light layer of cooking oil once they’re clean and dry. You can use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly. This simple step prevents rust and keeps your grill grates seasoned.
Step 6: Store It Clean
When everything is clean, dry, and reassembled, close the lid to keep your grill protected from dust. If you’re not planning to use it for a while, cover it with a grill cover to protect it from the elements.
How to Clean Your Gas Grill After a Grease Fire
For gas grills that have had a grease fire, we’ve got some basic supplies that you can use to clean the mess up totally. Let’s do this step by step.
1. Assess the Damage
First, give your grill a careful inspection. Look at the grates, burners, and the outside surfaces. Is there burnt grease stuck on the grates? Are the sides discoloured?
Knowing what needs the most attention will save you time and effort later.
2. Start with the Grates and Interior
After the inspection, you should —
- Remove the grates and drop them into a sink or bucket filled with warm, soapy water. Dish soaps like Blue Dawn so far worked best to remove grease.
- Now, let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- After soaking, use a stiff brush or a non-scratch scrubber to clean off the burnt bits.
- Always avoid steel wool to prevent damaging the surface and leave scratches.
3. Tackle the Stainless Steel Body
It’s time to handle the main body. In the case of —
- Use a stainless-safe oven or grill cleaner.
- Spray it on the burned spots and leave it to sit for about 20 minutes.
- Then, use a soft cloth or fine steel wool and scrub toward the metal grain.
- For tough spots, we’ve tried Bar Keepers Friend. Always test in a small area first to make sure it won’t harm the finish.
4. Steam Clean Tough Spots
Some areas, such as the grates, inside walls, and deflectors, are hard to clean. That’s why you should heat your grill to about 500°F.
- Then, soak several layers of paper towels in water.
- Next, use a grill brush to move the wet towels over the hot grates or interior surfaces. The steam will help break down stubborn grease.
5. Polish the Exterior
For the exterior, you can use a non-abrasive auto polish to restore the stainless steel’s shine. As usual, always test in an inconspicuous area first.
6. Handle Grease Traps and Burners
Remove and clean the grease trap with warm soapy water. In this case, a toothbrush works great for corners and tight spots. In addition, look for clogs in the burners caused by grease buildup. Use a small pin or wire to clear them out.
It’d be best if you check out how to clean gas grill burners for extensive cleanup.
7. Rinse and Wipe Down
Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water to remove leftover cleaner. Dry the surfaces with a soft cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.
8. Prevent Future Fires
The best way to avoid another grease fire is by keeping your grill clean. After each use, scrape off grease and food bits. Do a deep clean every few months to prevent buildup.
How to Clean a Gas Grill Inside and Out
For safe cooking and tasty food, a clean gas grill is vital. Here’s how you can clean your grill completely, covering both the interior and exterior.
Cleaning Inside of a Gas Grill
Following is how to clean a gas grill inside —
- Turn on your grill and set the burners to high for 15 minutes to burn off leftover food.
- Once cooled, brush the grates with a stainless steel brush to remove ash and debris.
- Take out the bottom tray and grease pan.
- Scrape off residue with a putty knife, then wash with warm, soapy water.
- Clean the burner tubes by brushing the portholes up and down to clear blockages.
- Finally, scrub or wipe the heat distribution system (like flavorizer bars) to keep everything in working order.
Cleaning Outside of a Gas Grill
Now let’s tackle the outside.
- Use a glass cleaner and a soft towel for porcelain-coated lids.
- Use a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner on stainless steel. Always wipe with the grain to keep from scratching the surface.
- Clean plastic side tables with warm water and mild dish soap, while stainless steel tables can be cleaned like the lid.
- Let cleaners sit for a few minutes before wiping for easier cleaning.
Final Words
Cleaning your gas grill is vital for both safe cooking and tasty meals. As we’ve shown, regular cleaning after each use like burning off food bits, scraping the cooking grates, and cleaning the drip tray is vital.
For difficult cleaning, such as after grease fires, soaking the cooking grates and using the correct cleaners for each part works best. Plus, we’ve shown cleaning both the inside and outside, from the burners to the outside surfaces.
So, follow the steps of how to clean gas grill after use. It’ll help your gas grill last longer and ensure safe grilling for years to come. A grill kept in good condition is a great grill!
FAQs
Can you hose down a grill?
Yes, you can hose down a grill to wash off food bits, dirt, or debris. However, make sure that the grill is cool first to avoid hot steam, and use a brush for stuck-on grime. Besides, a steam cleaner with a metal brush attachment can also help you clean quickly and efficiently.
What happens if you don’t clean your grill?
If you don’t clean your grill, leftover food can attract pests, grow bacteria, and ruin the flavor of your meals. Also, grease buildup can pose a fire risk, and charred residue may stop food from cooking evenly.
Do you clean grill cold or hot?
Clean your grill both hot and cold. Routine scrubbing often works best while it’s still warm, especially for flat-top grills. For deep cleaning gas or charcoal grills, let them cool completely before tackling grease and residue.