How to Clean a Barbecue Grill

A yummy barbecue starts with a well-cared-for grill.

By Amy Gordon | June 3, 2025

how to clean a barbecue grill man scraping grill with gloves on

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Summer is back, and we are here for it! Longer, warmer, sunnier days mean spending more time outside doing what you love, whether that’s hanging with friends and family, moving your exercise routine outdoors, or, of course, cooking fresh, flavorful food! If grilled burgers, hot dogs, veggies, chicken, and more are on your menu this season, then you’re also going to need to clean your barbecue grill to get it prepped for the munchies to come.

It’s not the most glamorous aspect of cooking outside, but it’s still a vital part of the process. A dirty grill leads to residue buildup, malfunctioning hardware, and potential dangers. On the other hand, with a clean grill you get better-tasting food, fewer safety hazards, and a longer lifespan for your appliance. Note that the best way to clean a grill will vary slightly depending on if you’re using gas or charcoal. Below, we provide step-by-step instructions on the main steps to keep it functioning at its best.

What You’ll Need

Grill brush and scraper
Cleaning cloths
Grill oil or vegetable oil
Dish soap
Grill cover (will depend on the type and model of grill you own)

How to Clean a Grill

1. Warm the Grill

Preheat the grill for about 15 minutes on high heat. This will help burn off any leftover food residue. After that’s done, turn off the burner and gas supply.

2. Scrub and Scrape

While the grates are still warm but not too hot to burn you, use a long-handled grill brush and scraper to remove stuck-on food debris and burnt-on ashes. Always wear gloves to protect your hands.

3. Grease the Grates

When the grates have fully cooled, use a paper towel or cleaning cloth to rub them with grill oil or vegetable oil. This helps prevent food from sticking or rust from accumulating in between uses. It also goes a long way in removing any metal bristles that might have fallen off your grill brush during Step 2.

4. Sweep Out Ashes

If you’re using a charcoal grill, use your brush to sweep out the ashes once everything has fully cooled. If you’re using a gas grill, empty the ash catcher. Clean the inside of the grill and lid with a mild dish soap and warm water, and rinse clean.

5. Dry and Protect

Use a clean towel to dry everything (this prevents rust). Then, cover the entire appliance with a weatherproof grill cover until you’re ready to get grilling again.

More Helpful Tips

For a deeper clean, soak the grill grates in a solution of baking soda and dish soap before rinsing clean and coating with oil.
Do not store propane tanks in direct sunlight or extreme heat.
At the end of grilling season, give the grill a thorough cleaning and dry completely before packing it up.
Your grill brush will get worn out and lose bristles with each use, so it’s best to replace it each year at the start of the season.