Best way to clean a grill | Professional BBQ grill cleaning

Posted on 15 Nov 2023

Ah, the great Aussie BBQ, it’s an iconic part of our culture, where the aroma of grilled snags and steaks fills the air, and laughter echoes under the sun.
But amidst the fun, there’s a crucial aspect often overlooked: the cleanliness of your BBQ grill. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore best way to clean a grill with professional BBQ grill cleaning and maintenance are luxuries and necessities for every Australian home.

Why opt for professional BBQ grill cleaning?

Efficiency: Save your time

In our fast paced lives, time is precious. Do you want to spend your weekends scrubbing away at your grill? professional BBQ grill cleaning and maintenance offer a swift and efficient solution. With specialised tools and techniques, these experts ensure your grill is spotless and ready for your next BBQ in no time.

Thoroughness: More than just a surface clean

A quick wipe down might remove visible dirt, but what about the hidden grime accumulating over time?

Professionals go beyond surface cleaning.

They deep clean every component of your grill, from grates to burners, ensuring no spot is missed. This meticulous approach not only ensures your Best way to clean a grill with professional BBQ grill cleaning looks pristine but also functions optimally, extending its lifespan.

Safety: Prevent potential hazards

A BBQ grill with grease and food residue is a ticking time bomb. These remnants can ignite, posing a severe fire hazard. Professional cleaners prioritize your safety by removing all flammable materials, such as grease and food residue, from your BBQ grill. The result? A safer grilling experience every time.

Choosing the best BBQ grill cleaning service

Selecting the right BBQ grill cleaning service can make all the difference. Consider these factors to ensure you get the best possible service.

Reputation: The power of reviews

In the age of online reviews, a company’s reputation speaks volumes.

Seek out services with glowing testimonials and positive customer feedback.
A stellar reputation is often indicative of consistent, high-quality service

Value over costs

Though everyone enjoys a good deal, remember that prices are generally associated with quality.
Think of the value provided rather than just going with the lowest choice.
In some instances, spending a little bit extra ensures better service that pays off over time.

Expertise: Specialisation matters

Not all cleaning services are created equal.
Opt for a service that specializes in BBQ grill cleaning.
Their expertise ensures they possess the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver impeccable results.

Understanding the costs

Several factors influence the cost of professional BBQ grill cleaning:

Size and Type of Grill: Large grills or those with intricate components might command a higher cleaning fee.
Condition of the Grill: A grill that hasn’t seen a scrubbing brush in years will likely be more labour-intensive to clean, affecting the price.
Location: Depending on your locale and the prevalence of services nearby, prices can fluctuate.

Tips for maintaining your BBQ grill

Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your BBQ grill in top condition. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Hand wiping a grill grate with a cloth, demonstrating the Best way to clean a grill

Preparing your BBQ grill for first use

Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prepare your BBQ grill properly. This sets the stage for a great grilling experience and ensures your grill lasts longer.

Cleaning before first use

Before firing up your brand-new BBQ for the first time, it’s essential to clean it properly. Remove any protective coatings and stickers that may have been applied for shipping. Then, clean the grill with warm, soapy water or specialized detergents to remove manufacturing residues. Rinse thoroughly and dry before use.

Seasoning a BBQ

Seasoning your BBQ is a crucial step to prevent food from sticking and to protect it from rust. To season, coat the grates lightly with cooking oil and heat the BBQ for about 15-20 minutes. This process creates a protective layer that enhances the cooking experience and prolongs the life of your grill.

Regular maintenance and cleaning

Regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your BBQ grill and enhance your grilling experience. Here are some key areas to focus on.

Cleaning the BBQ cover top

The BBQ cover or top is exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt and grime. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its appearance and functionality.

You may use lukewarm, soapy water to clean the exterior if there’s any built-up grease and burnt-on crumbles. Make sure the BBQ Grill cover is completely dry before covering the Barbie.

Grates and burners

Regularly clean the grates and burners to prevent buildup and ensure even heat distribution. Use a best way to clean a grill with Professional BBQ grill cleaningbrush to remove food particles and grease. For a deeper clean, soak the grates in soapy water and scrub them with a sponge or steel wool.

Interior cleaning

Remember the inside of your BBQ. Remove ash and debris from charcoal grills after each use. For gas grills, check and clean the burners and flame tamers to prevent flare-ups and ensure efficient fuel use.

Empty the dip tray regularly

Regularly empty and clean the grease tray or drip pan. Excess grease can lead to flare-ups and affect the taste of your food. Use a scraper and soapy water to clean these components.

Extending the lifespan of your BBQ grills

Regularly inspect your BBQ for wear and tear. Replace any rusted or damaged parts to ensure safety and optimal performance.

How do I store the barbie when not in use?

When not in use, store your BBQ in a dry, covered area. Use a BBQ cover to protect it from the elements and prevent rust and dirt accumulation.

Frequently asked quesions

What is the best thing to clean a grill with?

The most effective grill cleaning approach depends on what you’re tackling, but several reliable options exist. A quality wire grill brush with stiff bristles remains the go-to tool for most grill grates, though you should regularly inspect the brush for loose bristles that could end up in food. For a natural cleaning solution, create a paste using bicarbonate of soda and water, which cuts through grease without harsh chemicals. Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a powerful degreasing solution. Scrunched-up aluminium foil attached to long tongs works surprisingly well as a makeshift scrubber for hot grates. For stainless steel surfaces, specialised stainless cleaners prevent streaking and maintain shine. Many grill enthusiasts swear by half an onion on a fork—rub it over hot grates and the onion’s natural acids help break down residue whilst adding a subtle flavour barrier.

Is it better to clean a grill hot or cold?

Cleaning your grill whilst it’s still hot is generally more effective and easier than tackling a cold, hardened mess. Heat softens grease and carbonised food residue, making it significantly easier to scrape away. The ideal time to clean is immediately after cooking—once you’ve removed your food, crank the heat to high for 10-15 minutes to burn off remaining debris, then brush the grates thoroughly with a wire brush whilst they’re still warm (but not scorching hot). This quick post-cooking clean prevents build-up and takes only a few minutes. However, for deep cleaning tasks like scrubbing the interior, drip trays, or burner components, working with a cold grill is safer and more practical. You’ll have better access to all parts without risk of burns, and you can use cleaning solutions that shouldn’t be applied to hot surfaces.

How to clean a really dirty grill grate?

A heavily soiled grill grate requires more intensive treatment than routine maintenance. Start by removing the grates from the grill entirely. For cast iron or porcelain-coated grates, soak them in a large tub or bin filled with hot water mixed with dishwashing liquid and half a cup of bicarbonate of soda for several hours or overnight—this loosens stubborn, baked-on residue. Stainless steel grates can handle more aggressive treatment, including soaking in a solution of hot water and degreasing cleaner. After soaking, scrub vigorously with a wire brush, steel wool, or a grill stone, applying firm pressure to remove carbonised deposits. For extremely stubborn spots, make a thick paste from bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it directly to problem areas, and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing. Some people use oven cleaner for heavily neglected grates (apply outdoors in a well-ventilated area, following product instructions carefully), though this should be a last resort.

What is the best way to clean the inside of a gas grill?

Cleaning a gas grill’s interior requires systematic attention to multiple components. First, ensure the gas is completely turned off and the grill is cold. Remove the grates, flavoriser bars (or heat plates), and any other removable parts. Using a putty knife or grill scraper, scrape down the inside of the lid and walls, dislodging built-up grease and carbon deposits—place newspaper underneath to catch debris. Empty and clean the grease tray or drip pan, washing it with hot soapy water or lining it with aluminium foil for easier future cleaning. Inspect the burner tubes for blockages, spider webs, or corrosion—use a wire brush to gently clean the burner ports, brushing along the length of the tubes rather than across them to avoid pushing debris into the gas holes. A straightened paper clip can clear individual blocked ports. Wipe down all interior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent solution, paying attention to corners where grease accumulates. For stubborn grease on the bottom, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, spray with white vinegar, let it foam for a few minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.