Cleaning a BBQ – How to Clean a BBQ

Cleaning Your BBQ: A Guide for Different Types of Grills

Cleaning different types of BBQs requires slightly different techniques, depending on the material and design of the grill.

Here are some general tips for cleaning different types of BBQs:

How to Clean a Gas BBQ

Before you start cleaning, check to ensure that the gas supply is turned off and the hose is in good condition. If you find any leaks or cracks, replace the hose before proceeding. Otherwise, safely disconnect the gas bottle (or natural gas connection if you’re fancy) and set it aside.

1. Start by using a grill brush, scraper or metal spatula to remove any loose debris from the grill or hotplates. If you’re having trouble the try turning the BBQ on for 10-15 minutes first to loosen the oil and other debris.
2. Next, remove the grates and any other removable parts. Then wash them with warm soapy water (this is where a plastic tub or large sink will come in handy – you can let them soak first if needed).
3. Rinse the parts with water and let them air dry.
4. Use a grill brush to scrub the inside of the BBQ and remove any built-up grease and food residue. 
5. Depending on how long it’s been since your last clean, you may need to then remove chunks of grease and residue by hand (this is where the gloves will be particularly useful)
6. Spray the exterior of the BBQ with an appropriate de-greaser. Then wipe down the exterior of the barbeque with a damp cloth (BBQ wipes can be used to keep the BBQ looking good between deep cleans).
7. Apply a light coat of cooking oil to your grills grates, bbq plates, etc, to prevent rusting.
8. Reassemble the BBQ and reconnect the gas bottle.
9. Reconnect the gas and turn on the BBQ to make sure everything is working properly and burn off any leftover residue.

How to Clean a Charcoal BBQ

Regular cleaning of your charcoal BBQ is important to maintain its performance and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and carbon deposits. This can affect the flavour of your food and even pose health risks. It’s recommended to deep clean your charcoal BBQ at least once a year. 

1. As with a gas BBQ, start by using a grill brush, scraper or metal spatula to remove any loose debris from the grill. If you’re having trouble then try firing up the BBQ for 10-15 minutes first to loosen the debris.
2. While the charcoal BBQ is still warm (but not hot enough to burn you or your brush), scrub the grates with warm soapy water and a grill brush. For stubborn grease, soak the grates overnight in a solution of baking soda and white vinegar. 
3. Rinse the parts with water and let them air dry.
4. Use a grill brush and warm soapy water to scrub the inside of the charcoal BBQ bowl and remove any built-up grease and food residue. (if it’s been a while since your last clean, then use a putty knife to scrape away all the residual carbon flakes, food particles, and grease before washing the bowl).
5. Empty and then clean the ash catcher with soap and warm water).
6. Wipe down the exterior of the charcoal BBQ with warm soapy water and a sponge or scouring pad. 
7. Rinse the charcoal BBQ bowl with clean water.
8. Let all parts air dry and reassemble.
9. Apply a light coat of high-heat cooking oil to the grill grates.
10. Add fresh charcoal and fire up the BBQ with a closed hood to burn off any cleaning residue.

How to Clean a Ceramic BBQ

Cleaning a ceramic BBQ can be different from cleaning a traditional metal BBQ. However, with the right supplies and steps, you can have your ceramic BBQ looking and cooking like new in no time. 

1. As with the above methods, the best time to clean any BBQ is when it is still hot. Specifically, not so hot that you risk burning yourself, but hot enough that the dirt and oil is loose.
2. Remove any debris or food remnants from the surface of the grill using a grill brush. We recommend using a nylon brush instead of a metal brush.
3. Remove the grates and wash them with warm soapy water. Then rinse them with fresh water and let them air dry. NOTE: If your BBQ has ceramic grill grates and you need a deeper clean, purchase a specially formulated ceramic grill cleaner to use. Apply it and follow the instructions printed on the package.
4. Remove the ash catcher and dispose of the ashes, then wash it with warm soapy water, give it a rinse and let it air dry.
5. Mix warm water with dish soap or a degreaser and use a soft cloth or sponge to wash down the surface of the ceramic bowl, paying special attention to any stubborn food or grease stains.
6. Rinse the bowl thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
7. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry the surface of the grill, making sure to remove any excess water to prevent rust or damage.
8. For extra protection, consider applying a ceramic-specific grill protectant spray to the surface of the grill.

Note: When cleaning any type of BBQ, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper care and longevity.

How to Clean BBQ Parts

Maintaining your BBQ and keeping it in tip-top shape is essential for a delicious grilling experience. However, rust is a common occurrence in humid areas. 

But, with a little TLC, you can easily remove rust and keep your BBQ cooking surface in great condition. Similar to cleaning your oven, you want to avoid using harsh chemicals to do it! Stick to using natural products to keep your BBQ safe and ready for all your grilling adventures.

In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to clean all the different parts of your BBQ, from the grates to the drip tray, and everything in between.

How to Clean BBQ Burners

Before cleaning the burners, refer to the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on safely removing them and reassembling them correctly after cleaning.

1. Ensure the gas supply is off and disconnected. 
2. Easily remove dirt and food particles from your burner tube using a stainless steel brush or scrubber. For stubborn blockages, try using a cleaning rod, drill bit, or toothpick.
3. Avoid using water when cleaning burners as the water can get trapped in the tubes and ports, leading to rust, corrosion, and other issues.

Cleaning a BBQ Drip Pan

Drip pans collect grease, food debris, and bacteria which can lead to contamination and food poisoning. They can also attract pests and rodents when neglected. Plus, grease buildup in the drip pan can ignite, causing a fire.

1. Remove the drip pan from the BBQ and wash it with warm soapy water to remove any food residue or grease.
2. For any stubborn grease or food build-up, use a scouring pad or steel wool to scrub the pan.
3. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any soap residue.
4. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent rusting.

To make future cleanings easier, line the drip pan with foil and cover it with fat absorber. The fat absorber will reduce flare ups, and only needs to be replaced every 10 uses.

How to Clean A BBQ Plate

It is best to clean the BBQ plate while it is hot as it makes the job easier. 

1. Scrape off any large pieces of food residue with a metal spatula.
2. Once the BBQ plate has cooled, pour some high-heat cooking oil on the plate and wipe it around with a brush or paper towel.
3. Once the oil has dried, pour some more high-heat cooking oil on the plate and heat it for 15 to 20 minutes. 

What about cleaning a rusty BBQ plate?

1. Turn the BBQ on high heat for 20 minutes to loosen the rust and debris from the plate. 
2. When the plate has cooled, use a metal scraper or spatula and scrub to remove the corrosion from the plate. 
3. If a significant amount of rust remains, apply a rust remover that is safe for food contact to the affected areas. 
4. Wipe the BBQ plate down with paper towels.

To avoid rust on your BBQ plate, season the plate by lightly coating it with cooking oil to protect it from rusting again.

Why Regular Cleaning is Essential for Your BBQ

If you’ve ever cooked on a dirty grill, you may have noticed that the taste of food is affected. This is because residue from previous meals can mix with the current food and affect its flavour. 

We often forget to properly clean our grills after each use. This leads to food residue and crumbs becoming stuck on the surface. This in turn attracts flies, insects, and other animals that can introduce harmful bacteria and germs to the grill. Contamination can put our health at risk if we consume food cooked on a contaminated surface.

In the same way that we regularly clean kitchen appliances, regular maintenance between deep cleans helps to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of food contamination. They also extend the lifespan of your BBQ by preventing rust and other forms of corrosion.

Keeping your BBQ clean is not only important for the taste of your food but also for the health and well-being of those eating it. 

By following proper cleaning techniques and regularly maintaining the different parts of your BBQ, you can ensure that you enjoy delicious, safe meals every time you fire it up. 

At Simply Spotless, we understand the struggle of balancing work, family, and leisure time. Thus making it difficult to dedicate time to deep cleaning your BBQ. Let us take the load off your shoulders and handle some of your cleaning tasks for you. 

With our extensive experience and expert staff, we guarantee that our services will leave your BBQ shining and ready for your next outdoor cookout. Book a cleaning appointment with us today and sit back, relax, and let us do the work for you!