I have a nasty habit of neglecting my grill. It’s one of those things that I keep meaning to get to, but by the time I remember to do it we’re already weeks into the season, I’m 90% sure it’s housing a menagerie that would put the Toronto Zoo to shame, and frankly I don’t grill that much to be troubled by it.

But, it is summer, and I do like a good grill…so before I start grilling those burgers and hotdogs, it’s essential to give my barbecue a deep clean. A dirty grill can affect the taste of your food and even pose a health risk. This guide will walk you; and hopefully me as well, through the process of deep cleaning your BBQ, ensuring it’s ready for the grilling season.

Credit to BBQ and Bottles on YouTube for the inspiration, as well as breaking it down into bite-sized steps that even I can manage!

Equipment Needed:

  • Grill brush
  • Grill floss or scraper (recommended: https://amzn.to/3AaCATe)
  • Scraper (like a paint scraper)
  • Stainless steel wool or steel scrubbing pads
  • Scouring pads
  • Dish detergent (Dawn recommended)
  • Steel buffer or cleaner (optional)
  • Oil (for reseasoning) (recommended: https://amzn.to/3A2wXGQ)
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Large buckets
  • Paper towels (lots of them!)

Steps to Deep Clean Your BBQ:

  1. Clean the Grill Grates:

    • Use grill floss to remove stubborn grime.
    • Remove grates and soak in hot water with dish soap.

  2. Clean the Grill Interior:

    • Remove flavorizer bars and smoke box.
    • Scrape excess fat and debris from flavorizer bars and smoke box.
    • Soak flavorizer bars and smoke box in hot water with dish soap.
    • Scrape the interior of the BBQ to remove loose debris.
    • Brush down the inside of the BBQ, including the burner elements.
    • Remove and clean the grease tray.
    • Clean the sides, lid, and doors of the BBQ using a scouring pad and dish soap.

  3. Clean BBQ Components:

    • Scrub soaked BBQ components with a scouring pad and dish soap.
    • Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
    • Reassemble BBQ components in reverse order of removal.

  4. Final Steps:

    • Turn on all burners to high for 5 minutes to dry components.
    • Clean the exterior of the BBQ with stainless steel cleaner.
    • Apply a thin coat of oil to the grill grates for seasoning.
    • Turn on burners to medium for 2-3 minutes to set the seasoning.

Tips for a Clean BBQ:

  • Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Be careful when handling hot components.
  • Use a natural oil for reseasoning.
  • Cover the BBQ when not in use to maintain cleanliness.

For a visual guide and more in-depth instructions, check out this excellent video by BBQ and Bottles:

By following these steps and taking the time to deep clean your BBQ, you’ll ensure that your grilled food tastes its best and that your barbecue lasts for years to come. Happy grilling!

Steve

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