How to clean a grill and remove stuck-on gunk

Summary List Placement

When the weather is right, nothing's better than grilling up steak, corn, burgers, skewers — just about anything. But when was the last time you cleaned your grill? Really cleaned it? 

A tidy grill is one of the keys to grill-out success. Dustin Green, the Director and Culinary Grill Master of Weber's Grill Academy, explains that regular grill maintenance "prevents low temperatures, uneven heat, and food sticking to the grates, which are all possible side effects of poor grill cleaning and conditioning."

Whether your grill of choice is gas or charcoal-powered, regular maintenance is key for optimal performance.

Cleaning your grill before every use

While you don't need to deep clean the grill every time you use it, giving the grates a quick clean before you start will help prevent food from sticking, help avoid flare-ups and make for an overall better grilling experience. "I recommend this as part of the preheating process," says Green.

• Check the grease tray. If you're cooking with a gas grill, check before preheating — if it's full, empty it before proceeding.
• Check the ash catcher. If you're using a charcoal grill, check before preheating. If full, empty the ashes into a metal container or piece of aluminum foil, wrap them up, and throw in the trash.
• Preheat the grill. Green recommends letting it heat up for 15 minutes; any food debris will turn to ash, making it easy to remove with a grill brush.
• Brush the grates. Use a wire brush to remove anything still clinging to the grates, leaving behind a nice, clean cooking surface. When choosing a brush, Green recommends "a handle long enough to keep your hands, arms, and clothing away from the open flame and heat of the grill."
• Oil the grates. Fold up a paper towel into a tight rectangle, saturate with oil, and use a pair of metal tongs to wipe the oil all over the grates.

How often should I clean my grill?

Whether you have a charcoal or a gas grill, how much cleaning you need to do depends on how often you fire up the grill. Give it a quick clean before every use and a deep clean once or twice during a grill season. Green recommends every three months for serious grillmasters.

Maintain your grill between deep cleans

Green notes "a tight-fitting grill cover will help protect your grill from moisture" and keep it cleaner in between uses. If possible, store the grill in a covered space like a garage or shed when not in use. 

Though you should scrape down and oil your grill grates before each use, it's a good idea to scrape them after each cooking session as well to remove stuck-on food bits before they have a chance to sit. Re-oil your grill grates with a high smoke point oil to re-season them. This will help prevent your food from sticking and rust from developing.

If you don't take proper care of your grill, it can be susceptible to rust. Green explains that "it's important to inspect your grill for rust before each use and replace anything that has a hole or crack in it."

Insider's takeaway

The key to a great grilling experience is a clean, properly working grill. Keep your grill in tip-top shape by giving it a quick clean before every use and a deep clean every few months during grilling season. A grill brush, a plastic scraper, soap and water, and some elbow grease should get the job done.

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