How to properly clean a grill

National Post

15-07-2025

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Every few months (and at least once a year), you should deep clean your grill. While you do not necessarily need to have it sparkling inside out, it is a good idea to remove grease and carbon build-up that can affect performance and, in some cases, taste.
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Move your grill away from a patio or any surface you do not want to get messy before deep cleaning. Even if you don't hose everything down, you will likely leave some mess behind. Be mindful of where the water drains, as it may leave a trail of soot.
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You might want to perform a burn-off after your last cook before a deep clean. This burns away food residues and makes it easier to scrape the surfaces. For a burn-off, I crank my gas grill to high heat and wait 15 to 20 minutes. For charcoal grills, add coals if needed and open all vents after cooking. If your gas grill is particularly dirty or has not been cleaned recently, skip this step to avoid a grease fire.
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On the day of the deep clean, when everything is cold, put on rubber gloves (the RINNING from IKEA are my go-to, but any dishwashing glove will do). Give a quick scrub with a brush or scraper to the grates and any removable parts inside the cookbox, such as Flavorizer bars, and place them outside the grill. Remove anything in the lower compartment, including the propane tank.
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Every year, people end up in the emergency room because metal bristles from grill brushes detach and end up in food. Safer alternatives include nylon brushes and bristle-free brushes. If you buy a metal wire brush (let's face it, they clean better), ensure it meets CSA standard Z630, which outlines performance, testing and marking requirements for barbecue grill brushes with metal bristles. I use the Weber Grill Brush – 18 inches three-sided. It could be sturdier (you won't be able to put all your strength into it), but it cleans extremely well. Of course, always inspect your grates for loose bristles after use and change your brush regularly.
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A plastic scraper can be used in a cold grill. Some user manuals suggest using a grill brush, but a scraper does a better job. A steel scraper (like a painter's tool) risks scratching your grill. While not an issue on every cookbox, a plastic or resin scraper (like The Skrapr) does an adequate job without that risk. Your grill may have come with one (mine did). Otherwise, any small plastic putty knife will suffice.