How To Winterize & Clean a Grill in Minutes

Enjoying a thick juicy steak or burger fresh off the grill is one of life’s simple pleasures. Outdoor grills are rugged, but if not properly cleaned, they can quickly deteriorate. Make sure your grill is prepped and ready for the next party. See our tips below on how to clean a grill in less than 30 minutes.

Cleaning A Grill

It’s best to clean a grill after every use. Here are 4 easy steps to a quick, clean a grill:

Step 1-

Cover the grill with the lid. Let it remain heated for 15 minutes to burn off grease and grime. Turn off the grill and let it cool.

Step 2-

Clean the grate with a stiff wire brush or a balled piece of aluminum foil.  In addition, wipe the top lid and outside with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Step 3-

Remove the drip pan from below and scrape out bits of food and grease.

Step 4-

Before grilling, spray the grate with non-stick cooking spray for easier clean up.

Winterizing Your Grill at Season’s End

To prep and clean a grill for winter storage, do a more in-depth scrub:

Step 1-

First, to begin cleaning, make sure all control knobs are in the OFF position. For gas grills, disconnect the propane.

Remove the grates, metal heat deflectors, and drip pan. Empty drippings from the drip pan. Put all parts into a bucket of warm, sudsy water to soak. Use a spray oven cleaner following the manufacturer’s directions for any trouble spots on the grate.

Be careful using scouring pads or harsh chemicals to remove burned-on food as they can remove your grill’s painted surface. (Refer to your owner’s manual for cleaning recommendations for your particular model.)

Step 2-

Cover the heating element with a sheet of aluminum foil to protect it. Scrub the underside of the lid or hood with a clean grill brush to get rid of black carbon buildup.

Step 3-

Use a grill brush to start cleaning the interior walls above the heating element. (Any burned food or debris will fall onto the aluminum foil.) Use a damp paper towel to wipe down the walls.

Step 4-

Remove the grates, deflectors, and drip pan from the bucket. Scrub them with the grill brush. Rinse with a hose and let dry after cleaning.

Step 5-

Check the grill hoses for cracks or signs of aging. Replace if needed. Also, check the handles, knobs, and temperature gauge to make sure they’re working correctly. If your grill has a storage cabinet, get rid of any leaves or debris with a broom or brush. Wipe down with warm, soapy water. Finally, rinse and dry with a soft rag.

Step 6-

Reassemble the grill and reconnect the propane tank.

Step 7-

Clean the grill exterior with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry. You can also use non-stick grill wipes for quicker cleanup. Finally, when storing your grill, always use a protective cover to shield it from the weather.

How to Clean a Cloth Grill Cover

A cloth grill cover can prolong the life of your grill by protecting it from rain, dirt, and debris. Check your grill cover for holes or tears at the season’s end. It’s better to shell out a few bucks to get a new cover than to discover a rusted-out grill next spring.

Hand wash your grill cover using mild soapy water and a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Also, spray it with a garden hose to rinse. Allow the cover to get completely air dry before placing it over the grill.

Remove the grill cover periodically during storage to check and make sure there is no moisture underneath. Furthermore, wipe it from the surface with a soft cloth if moisture is present. (Don’t put a grill cover in the washing machine or clean it with harsh chemicals or abrasives.)

How to Store Your Grill for the Winter

It’s best to store your grill inside to keep it dry and away from the elements. Storage sheds, a garage corner, or a storage room will work. If you don’t have a place inside, store it outdoors in a location that provides some protection, such as a covered deck, porch, or patio. In addition, place the grill against a wall to provide support from tipping over in high winds.

Looking for delicious cookout recipes? View them here.

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