Cleaning Tips for Your Outdoor Grill

July 6, 2004

To keep your grill working its best and food tasting as good as it looks, keep your grill in tip-top shape with our simple tips for proper storage and cleaning.

Storing Your Grill
Keep your grill in good shape by properly storing it when not in use. Grill covers are great investments for protecting all types of grills from inclement weather. If you don't have a grill cover, consider moving your grill indoors to a shed or garage.

Cleaning Your Grill
Whether you have a built-in grill or a simple tabletop hibachi, following a simple plan of cleaning and maintenance will help you get the most out of your grill and lengthen its life—which means saving money over time.

Tip: Give your grill a clean start with Dawn® Grill Cleaner. Simply spray the cleaner and let the specially designed formula penetrate burnt-on grease on your grill, then easily wipe it away.

Cleaning a Charcoal Grill

Be sure the grill is completely cool before beginning to clean it.
Remove grates from inside the grill.
Remove all the old ashes. Some charcoal grills have ash catchers underneath the bowl. (Be sure to clean out the ash catcher as well, if you have one.) If you don't have an ash catcher, use a garden trowel to scoop out the ashes, then carefully place them into a plastic bag.
Clean grill grates with a spray-on oven cleaner. Spray all surfaces heavily with the oven cleaner and leave it on long enough to soften accumulated grease. While you're at it, spray the inside of the grill and let it sit.
While the oven cleaner is doing its job, make a warm soap and water solution to wash the outside of the grill. Use a nonabrasive cloth to clean the grill's surface, being sure to remove built-up grease and grime in the crevices.
Rinse all outside surfaces with water.
If grease has loosened on the grill grates and inside of the grill, wipe cleaner off with paper towels.
Follow by washing with a mild detergent and water.
Rinse well and wipe dry.

Cleaning a Gas Grill

After every use, turn your grill on high for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed.
Turn off the grill and let it cool slightly.
Loosen the residue from the grill rack with a metal brush. This not only prevents sticking, but also helps avoid flare-ups.
When the grill is completely cool, wipe the inside and outside surfaces with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water.
Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

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