Your Gas Grill Is Likely Pretty Filthy — Here’s How to Clean It

Be honest: When was the last time you cleaned your grill? Like, really cleaned it? Yeah, we get it. Most of us just give the grates a quick scrub-down after (and maybe before) each use, but we’re here to talk about a deeper clean — the kind of cleaning that needs to be done once in a while to make sure things run safely and efficiently. Bonus: A good cleaning will also keep food from sticking and burning. Ready to get started?

Keep this page bookmarked in case you need to refer back to it throughout the summer. Here’s how to clean a gas grill, in a handy step-by-step guide.

“A clean grill is a well-functioning, well-performing grill,” says cookbook author and grilling expert Diane Morgan. “Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the grill annually or semiannually — depending on how much you grill.”

You don’t want any unsafe buildup of grease in your grill, and you want to make sure that the gas can flow easily through the ports. You do not want any scary flareups or strange smells coming from their grill!

If you don’t have the original cleaning instructions that came with your grill, just follow our steps here!

• Gloves (optional)
• Grill brush or other coarse cleaning brush
• Cleaning rags or paper towels
• Bristle brush or putty knife
• Soap and water

1. Gather your cleaning supplies: You might want gloves, and you’ll definitely need a grill brush or other cleaning brush, cleaning rags or paper towels, a bristle brush or putty knife, and soap and water.
2. Turn off the gas supply: Make sure the gas supply is turned off, or you can also detach the gas tank from the grill.
3. Remove the grill grates: Pull them out so you can do a thorough clean.
4. Clean the grill grates: Scrub them with a grill brush or other coarse cleaning brush.
5. Clean anything covering the burners: Remove any V-shaped metal heat tents, ceramic briquettes, or lava stones that cover the burners, and brush them clean.
6. Clean the burner tubes: Lightly brush the burner tubes and make sure all the gas ports are clean and open.
7. Clean the bottom of the grill and the lid: Brush or wipe any debris out of the bottom of the grill. If there is peeling black stuff (usually carbon flakes and grease) on the grill lid or bottom, use a bristle brush or putty knife to scrape it off.
8. Clean the grease collection tray: Clean the grease collection tray with soap and water, or replace any disposable pans as needed.
9. Dispose of grease properly: Don’t just wash it down the drain! Pour it into an empty can or non-recyclable bottle, let it harden, and then throw the whole thing away.
10. Wipe down the outside of the grill: Wipe down the outside of the grill and any side tables with soap and water.
11. Put the grill back together: Put all the parts of the grill back together; now you’re ready to grill!

• Check your grease collection tray: Every time you grill, make sure the tray is not full, as that can lead to a dangerous grease fire.
• Brush the grill grates before grilling: After you preheat the grill, brush the grate with a grill brush or wadded piece of foil to remove the burnt bits of food from the last grilling session. It’s easier to loosen the bits when the grates are hot.
• Oil the grate: Oil the hot grates before grilling so food doesn’t stick.
• Brush the grates after grilling: If you have time, brush the grates one more time after grilling.

Now get grilling! A Total Beginner’s Guide to Grilling with Gas