As with any cooking equipment, your gas barbecue needs to be cleaned. Cleaning a BBQ not only stops you poisoning your guests when they come to the next Saturday afternoon food fest but also enhances meal flavour, promotes a hygienic cooking environment and makes your barbecue last a lot longer.
BBQ Cleaning Basics
BBQ cleaning is part of outdoor cooking, making sure your gas grill or charcoal grill is in top condition and a safe and healthy place to cook. Regular cleaning of your BBQ grill, including the grill grates and exterior surfaces, prevents food residue, grease and bacteria build up.
Our guide will walk you through the importance of BBQ cleaning, safety precautions and step by step instructions on how to clean your BBQ grill, whether it’s a gas BBQ or charcoal grill.
Here’s our quick guide to get it done in no time.
Do It Now!
The first thing barbecue enthusiasts get wrong is they put off the cleaning and then forget about it. By the time you get that next sunny spell and want to get the barbecue out you’ve got a lot of work to do. Try to get into the habit of cleaning the barbecue straight after the food is finished. It should take no more than fifteen minutes if you have the right cleaning tools.
Your BBQ Cleaning Kit
You’ll need several things to give your barbecue a quick clean. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions first to make sure you are not using anything that will damage the equipment or void the warranty. You’ll probably need:
- A wire brush for cleaning the grill.
- Some gloves to protect your hands.
- A cloth to wipe down surfaces.
- Some warm water with a little washing up liquid in it and a general-purpose kitchen sponge.
- Glass cleaner for enamelled surfaces and a stainless-steel cleaner for metal surfaces.
Leave the Barbecue On
Close the lid and leave the barbecue on high heat for about 10 minutes after you’ve finished cooking. This will bake off the grease, especially around the grill and make it easier to remove. Once this is done leave your barbecue to cool. Always disconnect your equipment from the gas supply before you start cleaning.
Remove Baked-On Grease with a Grill Brush
You can use your wire brush to get rid of burnt-on food and carbonised grease on the grill and the lid. This usually involves a bit of elbow grease and if the grill needs further cleaning you can soak it in some warm soapy water and then use a kitchen sponge to get off the excess. If you have extras like a flavouriser these can be washed too.
Lids and Covers for Stainless Steel Surfaces
You can clean areas like the lid or surrounding panels with warm soapy water and then using an appropiate cleaner and a microfibre cloth to buff it up a bit. If there are exposed metal parts using the right cleaner here will help keep it in good condition and prevent rust.
Gas Burners and Gas Supply
The other main area where grease and food can accumulate is around the gas burners and gas burner tubes. You can use a barbecue skewer to clean hard to reach areas like the gas outlets and again use the wire brush to remove food and grease deposits. Wash with warm soapy water and wipe away with a cloth.
Cavities and Drip Trays
If you have any areas where food or grease will settle including grease trays then these all need to be cleaned. Many barbecues now have drip trays which can be removed, emptied and then washed in warm soapy water.
Finally if you want to get your barbecue ready for its next use, coating the grill in vegetable oil before you put it away is a good idea and will prevent rust from developing.
Safety Precautions
When cleaning your BBQ you need to take necessary safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals and hot surfaces. Ensure good ventilation when cleaning your BBQ grill to prevent inhaling fumes from cleaning products or propane tanks. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage your stainless steel surfaces or grill grates. Instead use mild dish soap, warm soapy water and a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. For tough grease and food residue use a wire brush or grill brush specifically designed for your grill type, whether it’s a gas grill or charcoal grill.