A clean BBQ is key to safe, efficient cooking and helps extend the life of your grill. Whether you have a pellet, charcoal, or gas BBQ, giving it a quick clean after every cook keeps grease and residue under control.

In addition to routine cleaning, a deep clean after periods of storage, such as over the winter, is just as important. Dust and cobwebs can build up, so giving your BBQ a thorough scrub before the season starts keeps it hygienic and ready to fire up.

Here’s your complete guide on how to clean a BBQ and keep your grill in top condition all year round.

Contents

How to clean a charcoal BBQ
How to clean a gas or propane BBQ
How to clean a pellet BBQ
How to clean a plancha grill
How to clean your BBQ utensils
How to clean a rusty BBQ

1. Wait for the BBQ to cool, then remove the grates.

2. Remove and clean the grates by soaking them in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes.

3. While the grates are soaking, discard leftover charcoal and sweep out any ash build-up.

4. Wipe the inside of the BBQ with warm, soapy water. For stubborn grease or burnt-on residue, a BBQ-safe degreaser or a simple paste of baking soda and vinegar can help lift it. Apply it, let it fizz for a minute or two, then scrub and wipe clean.

5. Once the dirt on the grates has loosened, scrub them with a grill brush or scraper to remove any stubborn charred bits. If you don’t have a brush on hand, you can use a crumpled-up ball of foil dipped in warm water.

6. Wipe the exterior with warm, soapy water.

7. Rinse everything with clean water and allow it to dry fully to prevent rust before reassembling your BBQ.

If you have a dual-fuel BBQ, clean the charcoal section by following the charcoal steps above, then clean the gas section by following the instructions below.

1. Disconnect your BBQ from the gas bottle or supply and allow it to cool completely.

2. Remove the grills and soak in warm, soapy water for 15-30 minutes.

3. Remove the drip tray and safely dispose of any grease, ash, or food residue. For large buildup, scrape it away gently with a spatula or scraper.

4. Soak the tray in warm, soapy water for 15-30 minutes.

5. Wipe down the interior surfaces of your BBQ with warm, soapy water. For stubborn grease or residue, a BBQ-safe degreaser or paste of baking soda and vinegar can help loosen it.6. Once clean, rinse the BBQ once more with clean water and let it dry completely to prevent rust.

7. Rinse the grates and drip tray, then leave them to dry fully.

8. Once clean and dry, place the drip tray and grills back in your BBQ.

9. Wipe the exterior with warm, soapy water if needed.

1. Turn off and unplug your smoker and ensure it is completely cool.

2. Empty the pellet hopper, storing leftover pellets in an airtight container to prevent moisture damage.

3. Remove the grates, drip tray, and heat deflector plate.

4. Vacuum the fire pot and base to remove ash and debris

5. Clean the grates in warm, soapy water. For stubborn residue, soak for 15–30 minutes before scrubbing with a grill brush or scraper.

6. Scrape and wash the drip tray and heat deflector plate. For heavy grease, use a BBQ-safe degreaser or a baking soda and vinegar mix.

7. Wipe down the interior walls with warm, soapy water.

8. Clean the temperature probe with a damp cloth.

9. Reassemble the smoker once all parts are clean and fully dry.

10. Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and mild detergent, or use a stainless steel cleaner if applicable.

If you have a plancha grill, all it needs is a little wipe with a damp cloth.

1. Turn off the grill and let it cool slightly, but it’s easier to clean while still a little warm.

2. Scrape off food residue using a metal spatula or scraper designed for planchas. Work across the surface in gentle, even strokes.

3. Wipe with warm, soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

4. For stubborn grease or burnt-on bits, sprinkle coarse salt over the surface and scrub with a damp cloth or non-abrasive pad.

5. Rinse and wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap or salt residue.

6. Dry completely with a soft towel to prevent rust or corrosion.

7. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the plancha surface to protect it and maintain seasoning for future cooking.

8. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth or stainless steel cleaner, depending on the finish.

It isn't just your BBQ that needs a good cleaning after your summer soirees. Grease and food can quickly build up on your BBQ utensils, too, so giving them a proper scrub after each use will keep them hygienic and ready for your next party.

1. Fill a sink or bucket with warm, soapy water.

2. Drop in your utensils and let them soak for 15–30 minutes.

3. For stuck-on grime, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda directly onto the utensils and scrub with a sponge.

4. For really stubborn grease, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water and let the utensils sit for another 10 minutes.

5. Give everything a good scrub, focusing on hinges and grooves where gunk hides.

6. Rinse clean under warm water.

7. Dry with a tea towel immediately to avoid rust. If your tools have wooden handles, leave them to air dry fully before storing.

Rust happens, especially if your BBQ has been left outside, stored damp, or skipped a few cleans. The good news is that surface rust is usually easy to fix, and you can get your grill looking (and cooking) as good as new with a bit of elbow grease.

1. Start by brushing the affected areas with a stiff grill brush or wire brush to remove any flaking bits.

2. Make a paste of one part baking soda to two parts white vinegar.

3. Apply the paste to the rusty areas and leave it for 20–30 minutes. It should fizz and loosen the rust.

4. Scrub the area with a grill brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly. You can prevent future rust from forming by investing in a BBQ cover to keep your grill protected from the elements when not in use.

Keeping your BBQ clean doesn’t just make cooking safer and more enjoyable, it also helps your grill last longer and perform at its best. By following these steps for charcoal, gas, pellet, and plancha grills, as well as your utensils, you can enjoy hassle-free barbecues all year round.

Explore the full range of BBQs and accessories at StovesAreUs today and find the perfect grill for your outdoor cooking adventures. And don't forget to check out our guide to preparing your garden for the BBQ season.