Best Way To Clean A BBQ: Expert Tips for a Spotless Grill
An absolute highlight of the summer, there’s nothing quite like the Great British BBQ season. Yet, amidst the smoky aromas, delicious flavours and sizzling sounds, one crucial task is often overlooked—cleaning the BBQ grill. Did you know that the average BBQ lasts anywhere from around five to fifteen years*? Regular cleaning not only ensures the longevity of your grill but also promotes safety and more flavour in your food.
Keep your grill in pristine condition and get ready for many more seasons of delicious cookouts with our step-by-step best ways to clean a BBQ. We’ll also list the essential tools you’ll need, explore best practices for maintaining your BBQ and more to ensure your BBQ is always grill-ready and performing at its best.
Why cleaning your BBQ is important
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB Gas Barbecue £2,415.00
Maintaining a clean BBQ isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s crucial for safety, longevity and enhancing the quality of your grilling experience. A clean BBQ prevents the build-up of grease and food residue, which can quickly become a fire hazard. Regular cleaning also ensures your grill parts stay in good working order, extending the lifespan of your BBQ.
BBQ cleanliness also directly impacts the flavour of your food. Residual grease and charred bits can leave you with unwanted flavours that can make even the most delicious cuts of meat taste bitter or burnt. By keeping your grill spotless, you allow the true flavours of your delicious burgers, sausages, vegetables and halloumi to shine through and do all the talking.
Tools and products needed to clean a BBQ
Napoleon Grill Brush with Stainless Steel Bristles and Scraper - £19.99
To keep your BBQ in tip-top condition, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s a list of essential items to make the cleaning process as efficient, quick and effective as possible.
Wire brush: A wire brush is an absolute must for scrubbing away burnt-on food and grease from grill plates. The Napoleon Grill Brush with stainless steel bristles is a great option with a built-in scraper for stubborn spots.
Cleaning stone: A cleaning stone helps tackle tough build-up and grease without damaging the BBQ surface. Napoleon’s Abrasive BBQ Scrubber is a great option for anyone with porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids.
Gloves: Protect your hands from harsh chemicals and hot surfaces with specialist outdoor cooking mitts that can withstand high temperatures.
Scraper: Useful for removing stubborn residues, a scraper is a fundamental tool every grill enthusiast should have in their arsenal to remove debris from grill gates.
Specialist BBQ cleaners: Using high-quality cleaning products, like the Napoleon 3 in 1 BBQ Cleaner, ensures you get the best possible clean. This particular cleaner is biodegradable, safe for various surfaces and dissolves encrusted stains so that your BBQ is spotless.
To make future cleaning more manageable, use the Napoleon BBQ Protector to add a protective layer and prolong the life of your grill.
What is the best way to clean a dirty barbecue? Step-by-step guide
Before you roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing, take a look at our step-by-step guide to the best way to clean a BBQ after use. We know it’s hard to believe that BBQ chicken can get much better but trust us—it can. Follow these steps for a deep clean that will maintain the longevity of your BBQ and make your food taste even better.
Preparing the BBQ for cleaning
- Turn off the gas: If you have a gas grill, check your gas supply is fully turned off before getting started.
- Disconnect the propane tank: If you’re using a propane gas BBQ, disconnect the propane tank to prevent gas leaks.
- Allow the BBQ to cool: Wait until your gill has completely cooled down before starting the cleaning process to avoid injuries and burns.
The best way to clean a BBQ grill grate
Napoleon Rogue 365 Gas Barbecue £569.99
- Remove your grates: Take out the grill grates to make the cleaning process easier.
- Use a wire brush scrub: Use the Napoleon Grill Brush with Stainless Steel Bristles and Scraper to scrub off loose debris and burnt-on food.
- Wash with soapy water: Fill a bucket or bowl with warm, soapy water. Soak the grates for a few minutes before scrubbing them with a brush.
- Deep cleaning: Tough spots are inevitable, but not impossible to get rid of. Especially if you use a BBQ cleaning stone like the Napoleon Abrasive BBQ Scrubber to remove stubborn grime without damaging the surface.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse your BBQ grates thoroughly with clean water and dry them completely to prevent rust.
How do you clean the inside of a BBQ?
Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB Gas Barbecue £685.00
- Take out and clean any removable BBQ parts: Remove burner protectors and any other removable parts. Scrub them with warm, soapy water and a wire brush before rinsing and drying them thoroughly.
- Scrape the interior surfaces: Use a scraper to remove built-up grease and debris from the inside surfaces, including the lid and firebox if your BBQ relies on charcoal, briquettes or wood chips for fuel.
- Wipe down with soapy water: Wipe the inside surfaces with a cloth dipped in soapy water, paying extra attention to areas with heavy buildup.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, then dry your surface thoroughly.
Cleaning the BBQ exterior
Napoleon Freestyle 425 SIB Gas Barbecue £875
- Wipe down surfaces: Use a damp cloth to wipe down exterior surfaces, removing dust and grime.
- Use a specialised cleaner: Apply a BBQ protector spray to stainless steel, aluminium and laminate surfaces. This not only cleans but also adds a protective layer.
- Buff and shine: After applying your cleaner, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface of your BBQ until it shines.
Final steps
Napoleon Prestige Pro 825 RSIB Gas Barbecue £6,319.00
- Reassemble: Once all your parts are clean and dry, it’s time to carefully put back all the BBQ components.
- Wipe-down: Give the entire BBQ a final wipe-down with a clean cloth to get rid of any remaining residue.
- One final inspection: Check everything is safely and securely in place and functioning correctly.
Cleaning specific types of BBQs
The best way to clean a gas BBQ grill
Napoleon Rogue XT 425 SIB Gas Barbecue - £1,045
The beauty of gas grills is they are not only convenient for cooking but also cleaning. Compared to their charcoal counterparts, they are much easier to clean, saving you time and effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning a gas BBQ:
- Turn off and disconnect: Safety is our top priority! Always check your gas supply is turned off and disconnect the propane tank before starting the cleaning process.
- Grates and burners: Remove the grill grates to clean separately.
- Wire brush scrub: Use a wire grill brush with stainless steel bristles and a scraper to remove loose debris from your grates and burners.
- Soak and scrub your grates: Soak the grates in warm, soapy water, then scrub with a brush.
- Clean burner tubes: Use a brush to clean the burner tubes, ensuring the ports are debris-free.
- Clean the inside surfaces: Scrape off any grease and debris from the surfaces inside your grill, like the lid and firebox. Wipe down with soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Check the gas connection: Inspect gas connections and hoses for any signs of wear or damage.
- Reconnect: Once all your parts are securely back in place, check you haven’t missed anything before reconnecting your gas supply.
Cleaning a charcoal BBQ
Napoleon NK22 Charcoal Kettle Grill £245.00
How to clean the outside of a charcoal grill
Outdoor grills are exposed to rain, dirt, dust, pollen—you name it. Yet, most of the cleaning focuses on the inside of the grill. Give the outside of yours a good scrub to keep your BBQ looking fresh and new.
- Rinse: Gently rinse your charcoal grill cover.
- Scrub: Use soapy water and a cloth or sponge to scrub the outside of your BBQ.
- And rinse again: Give your BBQ one last thorough rinse to remove any remaining soap.
How to clean the inside of a charcoal grill
Your charcoal grill has a lot going on inside, including high heat, smoke and food remnants that build up over time. When left to fester, these can damage your BBQ, not to mention the impact they can have on the taste of your food.
- Flip the lid: Turn the lid upside down on the ground and close the vent to retain more water while scrubbing.
- Rinse the bowl: Rinse the bowl thoroughly using a hose or bowl of water.
- Scrub with soapy water: Add soapy water to the lid and scrub with a steel brush. Rinse, wash and repeat as necessary.
- Air dry and give it a final scrub: Let the lid air dry, then give it one last scrub with a steel brush.
- Empty the ashes: Empty any remaining coals and ashes into a paper bag or ash bucket with a lid to dispose of them safely.
- Fire up: Turn your grill on to burn off any remaining food or smoke deposits before your next big event.
Cleaning charcoal grill grates
Grill grates see the most food build-up, but they are also the most accessible BBQ part to clean:
- Heat: Before cooking, preheat by opening all the vents and keeping the grill at a high temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub: Use a stainless steel brush to remove any remaining burned food, preventing it from sticking to the grill in future BBQ sessions.
Cleaning an electric BBQ
Napoleon 700 Series 32" Built-in Gas Grill £2,339.00
Electric BBQs are relatively easy to maintain but require careful cleaning to avoid damaging electrical components. Here’s how:
- Unplug your BBQ: Always unplug your BBQ first before cleaning to ensure safety.
- Get your spatula: A rubber spatula that is. These are great for scraping off caked-on food without causing any damage. Use it to get into all your BBQ’s nooks and crannies, including along the ridges and crevices of the grill surface.
- Wipe down: Use a damp cloth or a soft sponge to gently wipe down the plates, avoiding abrasive materials.
- Clean interior and exterior surfaces: Wipe both interior and exterior surfaces with a wet cloth and mild soap, washing-up liquid or grill cleanser, and clean the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
Seasonal BBQ cleaning
The best way to clean a BBQ after winter
Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas Barbecue £495.00
After a long winter break, your BBQ will most likely need a bit of TLC and thorough cleaning to prepare for a long summer of delicious grilling.
- Inspect and prepare: Before you start cleaning, check for signs of rust, damage, leaves or pests and ensure your BBQ is in good working condition.
- Remove and clean grates: Remove the grill grates and soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub with a wire brush to remove any buildup.
- Give the interior a deep clean: Scrape off any grease and debris from the inside surfaces using a BBQ cleaning stone or a scraper for tough spots.
- Clean gas burners: Remember to give your gas burners some love by using a burner tube brush or a small diameter bottle brush to remove debris.
- Wipe down your surfaces: Use warm, soapy water and a damp cloth to wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces. Rinse thoroughly and make sure your BBQ is completely dry to prevent rust.
Cleaning your BBQ for summer
Napoleon Rogue SE 625 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £1,919
Now your grill is squeaky clean, you can prepare for a summer of delicious BBQs with family and friends:
- Season your grates: Cast iron and other types of stainless steel grates can benefit from seasoning, especially when new. About 10 minutes before firing up your BBQ, spread a thin layer of vegetable oil evenly over it using a paper towel or cloth.
- Check your fuel supply: You don’t want to get all set up for your first summer weekend BBQ only to find you’ve run out of fuel. Check your propane tank or charcoal supply is topped up and ready for use. If you have a gas BBQ, check for any gas connection leaks while you’re at it.
- Organise tools and accessories: Gather, organise and store all your BBQ tools and accessories in one place. Give them a thorough clean and check they are in good condition.
- Stock up on cleaning supplies: Keep your cleaning supplies handy to regularly spruce up your grill throughout the BBQ season.
Best practices for maintaining your BBQ
Napoleon Prestige Pro 500 Built-in Gas Grill - Propane - £2,819
Clean after each use: To avoid build-up, use a wire brush to remove food particles and grease from the grates after every grilling session. Once your BBQ has cooled down, wipe the interior surfaces with a damp cloth.
Do a monthly deep clean: Thorough monthly cleans will help you stay on top of BBQ maintenance and make cleaning easier.
Inspect for wear and tear: Regularly check your grill for signs of wear or damage and replace any faulty parts immediately to ensure performance and safety.
Use a BBQ cover: Invest in a high-quality BBQ cover to shield your grill from rain, dust and UV rays. Check out Harbour Lifestyle's range of stylish and durable BBQ covers.
Store in a sheltered area: When it's not being used, store your BBQ in a garage, shed or under a covered patio, especially during the off-season.
Apply protective coatings: Products like the Napoleon BBQ Protector add an extra layer of defence to stainless steel surfaces, preventing rust and corrosion.
Ready to fire up the BBQ with Harbour Lifestyle?
It might not be the most exciting aspect of owning a BBQ, but cleaning and maintaining your grill is an absolute must to ensure safety, longevity and tastier food. Remember, the key to a great BBQ experience lies not just in the cooking but also in the care and maintenance of your grill. By following the clear steps outlined in our best ways to clean a BBQ guide, you can ensure your BBQ is always on top form and delivers mouth-watering results every time.
Ready for your next big cookout? Choosing a quality BBQ is the first step towards unforgettable summer get-togethers. At Harbour Lifestyle, we are experts in premium BBQs and grills, matching accessories and outdoor dining sets that will ensure your al fresco cooking experiences are nothing short of amazing.
We also have care and cleaning products, including durable BBQ covers and specialised cleaners designed to protect your grill and keep it in pristine condition. Explore our cleaning and care products for everything you need to maintain your BBQ.
FAQs
Should you clean your BBQ after every use?
Cleaning your BBQ each time you use it is highly recommended. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of grease and food residue, ensuring better performance and flavour for future grilling sessions. It also extends the lifespan of your BBQ.
What is the best thing to clean a BBQ plate?
Clean your BBQ plate using a wire brush to remove food particles before cleaning it with warm, soapy water and a sponge.
Sources:
*Average BBQ lifespan found by analysing the top Google results for BBQ products.
