How to Clean BBQ Grill (Gas or Charcoal)
Wire grill brush bristles can break off and stick to grates, then transfer to food. This is a known health hazard. Use brass-bristle brushes, coil brushes, or the aluminum foil ball method instead.
What You'll Need
- 1
- Several drops
- 1/4 cup
- Spray bottle
- 1 sheet
- 1
- For seasoning
Step-by-Step Method
Heat the grill on high for 15 minutes with the lid closed. This carbonizes food residue. Open the lid and scrub the hot grates with a grill brush. The heat makes debris come off much easier than cold scrubbing.
Once grates are brushed, turn off the grill and let grates cool enough to handle. Remove them and soak in a tub of hot soapy water for 30 minutes.
With grates removed, scrape the inside of the grill box with a putty knife or grill scraper. Push debris into the drip tray or ash catcher. For gas grills, check burner ports for blockage.
Remove and empty the drip tray. Wash with soapy water. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. For stainless steel exteriors, wipe with the grain.
Scrub the soaked grates with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly. Dry completely. Apply a thin coat of cooking oil with a paper towel to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface.
- Do not use wire-bristle brushes that shed bristles (bristles can stick to grates and end up in food, a serious health hazard)
- Do not spray water on a hot grill (thermal shock can crack porcelain-coated grates)
- Do not use oven cleaner on grill grates (residue is not food-safe)
- Do not leave grates unseasoned (they rust quickly)
- Onion method: cut an onion in half, spear it with a fork, and rub the cut side across hot grates. The moisture and acidity clean the grates naturally.
- Cover your grill when not in use. A cover extends grill life by years.
- For gas grills, check connections and hose for leaks annually using soapy water (bubbles indicate a leak).
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick brush after every use. Deep clean (grate removal, interior scrape, drip tray) every 3-5 uses or at least twice per grilling season. End-of-season deep clean before storage is essential.
Sources & Methodology
Grill brush safety warnings based on CDC reports on wire bristle ingestion. Grill seasoning chemistry follows the same polymerization principles as cast iron seasoning.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026