A gas grill is a grill master’s most prized possession and an escape from the problems of this world. Maintenance and loving care is the only thing that can make the grill safe and long-lasting.
Many people wonder how often they should clean their gas grill and do a thorough sanitization to kill all the bacteria and mold to give it a long, safe lifespan.
The inside of the grill should be cleaned with heat and a wire brush after each grilling session. A thorough cleaning from top to bottom, inside and out, should be done once or twice a year, depending on how often you fire up the grill.
It is wise and best to give the grates a thorough scrub down every 2 to 3 months with hot soapy water or a solution of one part water and one part distilled white vinegar, making sure that they are well rinsed, dried, and oiled once you are done.
The key to keeping a gas grill in mint condition is to oil the grates with cooking oil to keep them from rusting. It will also help keep the food from sticking to the grates and make it easier to clean up before and/or after each use.
We will discuss why it is crucial to clean thoroughly, different ways to clean your gas grill, and go into detail about how often you should clean it.
Why Clean Your Gas Grill Thoroughly
A clean, smell-free gas grill provides the best possible flavor for foods cooked on it.
No one wants to cook out on a dirty grill that smells like it just held burning trash. Also, the grill will harbor bacteria and mold over time which may be hazardous to the griller’s—and the eaters’—health.
To keep your gas grill in mint condition, you should clean it thoroughly at least once or twice per year, especially before storing it for the winter.
We recommend cleaning the grill thoroughly every three months if you use it often. If you do not perform this task, debris will simply bake onto the surface of the grate each time you light up.
That build-up is even more likely if you live in an area with high humidity levels all summer long. This baked-on gunk is difficult to scrape off and makes the food taste burnt. Residue can also obstruct temperature gauges or affect how easily they light.
It is also a good idea to check for damage to the grill’s exterior each time you clean it.
Damaged areas may need repairing or replacing before using the grill again. By keeping your gas grill clean and in good condition, you will be able to enjoy delicious meals cooked outdoors all year long.
How to Thoroughly Clean a Gas Grill
There are different methods to clean a gas grill thoroughly, and it is up to you, the owner, which method suits you best. Listed are some easy steps followed by special tips to keep the gas grill looking as new as possible.
Step 1: Disconnect the propane tank
Disconnect the propane tank and turn off the burners.
Step 2: Clean off the grill with a wire brush
Use a wire brush to scrub away any built-up food or grease from the grates, drip tray, and interior surfaces of the grill.
Step 3: Wash the grill inside and out
Wash everything with soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reassembling and relighting your grill.
Step 4: Check for signs of damage
Check for damage to the grill’s exterior and repair or replace as necessary.
Step 5: Oil the grill grate
Use cooking oil to oil the grates to keep them from rusting. It will also help keep the food from sticking and the burnt particles from sticking, making it easier to clean after each use.
Step 6: Reconnect all connections
Reconnect all the hoses and connections to keep bugs and dirt from getting inside the lines.
Enjoy your grill and delicious meals cooked outdoors all year long!
Special Tips
Some other methods people use to clean their grills are pressure washers with 1.3 GPM at 2,000 PSI, steam cleaners, vinegar, or grill spray. We recommend any of these methods as they are safe and easy to use.
Each time in between use, always use the fire on high to kill the bacteria and help loosen the burnt debris using a wire brush. Fire will kill bacteria and mold build-up after 30 minutes with the lid closed and the burners on high.
Quick Wipe Down vs. Using a Wire Brush
A wire brush is a more meticulous way of cleaning your grill, as it removes built-up gunk and debris from the grates. However, it can also damage the grill’s surface if not used carefully.
A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is less abrasive but will still remove most build-up on the grill. It is important to note that, whichever cleaning method you use, your grill will still require regular maintenance to stay in good condition.
Grill brushes and wipes are available for purchase at most hardware stores.
So, which is the best way to clean your gas grill?
The answer depends on how much build-up needs to be removed and how careful you want to be while cleaning.
You can do a trial and error and start off with a grill wipe, then see how far you get. A wire brush is the next logical step if a quick wipe down does not do the job. Every now and then, you need to do full maintenance (more on that below).
Full Maintenance of a Gas Grill
The complete maintenance of a gas grill is essential to keep it running smoothly and last a long time. The main tasks in the total care of a gas grill are:
Cleaning: Use a wire brush to remove any debris or charred material from the cooking grates to clean the grill. If there is any build-up on the grates or burners, use a degreaser to remove it. For safety, consider wearing goggles and putting on gloves.
Checking for leaks: To check for leaks, use a soapy water solution and spray it around all the connections on the grill. If bubbles form, there is a leak, and you will need to tighten the connection. If you find any, make sure to put Teflon tape around it before tightening or replace the connector if needed.
Calibrating the temperature: Calibrating the temperature may only be required every year or two, depending on how often you use your grill. To do this, turn on all burners for about five minutes until they are all hot, note down what setting makes each burner hot enough, and mark them by their number (1-4). Then adjust them so that numbers 3 and 4 matches up and 1 and 2 match up.
Replacing the parts: Replacing parts is necessary when they wear out or get broken during usage. Three main parts will need to be replaced: the cooking grates, the burner tubes, and the igniter. You can find these parts on most grill manufacturers’ websites.
Summing It Up
Following these tips for maintaining your gas grill will help keep it running smoothly for years to come. It will stay clean and always look like new, impressing you and your neighbors.
We hope that this information was helpful to new and accustomed gas grill users.
