How to Clean a Grill the Right Way

Regular grill cleaning improves flavor, promotes even cooking, and reduces the risk of grease-fueled flare-ups. These expert-backed cleaning tips are based on years of testing grill cleaners in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab and by expertise from our Kitchen & Cooking Lab’s outdoor grill evaluations.

While it’s important to deep-clean your grill from time to time, it doesn’t need to be done after every use. Between cookouts, give your grill a quick once-over and tackle any buildup as needed to keep it performing at its best all season long.

During grilling season, follow these simple steps to keep your grill looking great:

• While the grates are still warm, use a brush, a scrub pad, or even a ball of aluminum foil to remove food residue before it hardens.
• Clean the grates regularly with a scrub pad, like Q-Swiper’s scraper pad and disposable wipe, or use a spray like Parker & Bailey BBQ Cleaner & Degreaser. In our Cleaning Lab tests, it dissolved stuck-on grease faster than many competitors we evaluated, and can be used on the grill exterior, too.
• Keep grease-cutting cleaning wipes nearby, like Clorox Multi-Purpose Paper Towel Wipes, for quick touch-ups on side shelves and handles.
• Replace grill-cleaning tools when they become excessively worn or damaged.
• Use a grill cover between uses to help protect the exterior from dust, dirt, and the elements.

For best results, deep clean your grill at least twice a year: once midway through grilling season and again before storing it for the winter.

Here are the three main steps:

1. Clean your grill grates
2. Clean the inside of your grill
3. Clean the exterior of your grill

Step 1: Clean your grill grates

The grates come into direct contact with your food, so they should be cleaned regularly. After cooking, allow them to cool, then remove them and use a mesh scrubber, nylon pad, or grill brush to remove any large, loose debris. Because of the potential safety risks associated with wire-bristle brushes, we recommend choosing a grill cleaning tool without wire bristles.

Fill a sink or a large basin with hot water and add a grease-cutting dish soap. Then submerge the grates in the sudsy water and allow them to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Then use a sturdy grill brush or a scrubbing pad to scrub off any remaining residue. If your grill grates are porcelain, you should opt for gentler, non-scratch pads and brushes to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.

If the grates are really dirty, a second soak can help to soften and remove more gunk. Finally, rinse the grates well and let them air dry.

If you’d rather skip all the scrubbing, Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner is a convenient alternative. The kit includes a large resealable bag and cleaning solution designed to soak away baked-on grease and grime. Place the grates in the bag, add the cleaner, and seal the bag. Shake gently to ensure the cleaner coats all surfaces. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight, keeping the bag out of reach of children and pets. After soaking, lightly scrub away any remaining residue and rinse thoroughly. In our Cleaning Lab tests, even heavily soiled grates from a charcoal smoker came out remarkably clean after an overnight soak.

Step 2: Clean the inside of your grill

With the grates removed, start by removing any loose debris from the bottom, sides, and lid of the grill. Use a putty knife or scraper to free any large flakes of grease or carbon buildup, and if you have a charcoal grill, remember to empty the ash catcher. Clean the drip pan and grease cup with warm, soapy water, and consider lining them with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier next time.

Don’t worry about getting the interior spotless; it will get dirty again the next time you cook. The goal is just to remove excess buildup that could catch fire. Gas grill burners generally don’t require frequent cleaning since grease usually burns off during use. However, if the burners are heavily coated in grease or clogged holes are causing uneven flames, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing, cleaning, and reinstalling them.

Step 3: Clean the exterior of your grill

Make a fresh batch of warm water and dish soap, and use a sponge or cloth to clean the exterior, handle, side shelves, and any lower doors. You can also use a grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner, like Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist, which performed well in our Lab tests. If your grill has a stainless steel exterior, a specialized stainless steel cleaner can help restore its shine. After cleaning, rinse away any residue and wipe the exterior dry.

Finally, fire up the grill to check that the burner holes are free of clogs and that all gas lines and connections are secure and in good condition.