Grilling 101: How to Clean a Gas Grill?

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

A residential kitchen was almost burnt to ashes in La Crosse County. If you experience a Fire Emergency, call SERVPRO!

Cleaning a Gas Grill (Grilling 101)

Outdoor cooking requires routine grill cleaning to ensure fire safety. Follow the steps below to thoroughly clean your gas grill and ensure your safety all season long.

1. Protect Yourself and Protect Your Grill

When getting ready to clean your grill, you should focus on safety. While the grill is warm, turn off the grill and the propane tank. You can also disconnect the tank at this time, reducing the risk of a propane-related fire or injury. You can also wear gloves to protect your hands from the remaining heat and grease on the grates.

2. Remove Washable Elements and Scrub the Interior

For a thorough grill cleaning, you may want to remove any washable elements, like the grates, plates and drip pan. All of these elements can be placed in a bucket of water and dish soap to soak while you scrub the interior of the grill. Focus on the hood and the sides of the grill and be careful not to damage the burners.

3. Wash the Grates, Plates and Drip Pan

While routine grill maintenance may not require the soaking of the grates, plates and drip pan, a seasonal or monthly cleaning can help to ensure the longevity of the grill and its components. Remove the parts from the bucket of soapy water and scrub them with a grill brush before squirting them down with a hose.

4. Complete the Process and Be Aware

Once the grill and its components have been scrubbed down, you can put everything back in its place and reattach the propane tank. However, be aware that routine cleaning is essential to grill maintenance and to avoid the possibility of a grease fire it should be performed monthly or at least seasonally. Especially in La Crosse, WI, where grilling is a year-round endeavor, you should take precautions to prevent the need for fire restoration.

While basic grill cleaning and scrubbing after a meal does help keep a grill clean, it does not always effectively remove grease and other debris which may lead to fires. You should aim to clean your grill thoroughly at least once a season, if not monthly.