The Ultimate BBQ Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Materials You’ll Need

• Bristled grill brush

• Scraper or putty knife (metal for steel/fireboxes, plastic for ceramic/enamel surfaces)

• Bucket of warm, soapy water (dish soap works great)

• Microfiber cloths or old rags

• Rubber gloves

• Paperclip or BBQ burner cleaning rod (usually included with gas grills)

• Shop-vac (optional, great for charcoal or pellet ash)

• Degreaser spray (for stubborn grease)

• High-smoke-point oil like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil to lightly coat the grates

The Quick Clean: 5-Minute Post-Cook Routine

💡 A quick brush and wipe keeps your grates clean, rust-free, and ready for your next cook. Follow these steps after each session:

1. Burn Off Residue & Brush Grates

   • Gas/Pellet: Run on high for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a grill brush

   • Charcoal/Kamado: Keep vents fully open and let coals burn for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a grill brush

   • Scrape both the top and bottom of grates – grease underneath causes flare-ups (use your scraper/putty knife if needed)

   • Tip: Adjust burn time based on how dirty the grates are

2. Empty Build-Up (When fully cool)

   • Gas/Pellet: Grease tray

   • Charcoal/Kamado: Ash catcher and vents

3. Wipe the Exterior (When fully cool)

   • Use a microfiber cloth with warm soapy water for stainless steel or painted exteriors to clean without streaks

   • For enamel or delicate surfaces, use a soft cloth with warm soapy water to avoid scratching

4. Optional: Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and rust

The Deep Clean: Seasonal Refresh (2–3 Times Per Season)

🔥 Gas Grills

• Turn off gas and disconnect the tank

• Soak, scrub, rinse, and dry grates

• Scrape carbon buildup off flavorizer bars/heat shields (use a metal scraper/putty knife)

• Clear burner ports (little holes) with a paperclip or burner rod

• Scrape and empty the firebox

• Wash grease tray and drip pan

• Wipe exterior with stainless cleaner or mild soap – microfiber can work for stainless steel/painted surfaces. For enamel/delicate surfaces, use a soft cloth to avoid scratching

• Reassemble and soap-test connections

• Light burners to check for even flames

• Lightly oil grates

⚠️ Safety Check: Soap water on gas connections forms bubbles if there’s a leak. Shut off gas, tighten fittings, and only re-open when safe.

🔥 Charcoal Grills

• Dump ash into a metal bucket (ensure fully cool)

• Soak, scrub, rinse, and dry grates

• Scrape bowl and lid; wash with warm, soapy water (use plastic scraper on enamel to avoid scratches)

• Clear all dampers and vents

• Empty/clean ash catcher

• Dry all parts completely

• Tighten bolts on handles, legs, and wheels

• Lightly oil grates

🔥 Kamado-Style Grills (Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe)

• Remove ash from bottom vent and ash pan (ensure fully cool)

• Remove grates, heat deflector, and drip pan; soak, scrub, rinse, dry

• Check gasket seal; replace if worn

• Tighten bolts on handles, legs, and wheels

• Wipe ceramic exterior with damp cloth (and warm soapy water if required – avoid abrasive cleaners)

• Lightly oil grates

⚠️ Every few months, a high-heat burn (600°F+) can help carbonize and remove stubborn buildup. Always let it cool fully before brushing or vacuuming out ash.

🔥 Pellet Grills

• Unplug (ensure fully cool)

• Remove grates, drip pan, and heat baffle

• Vacuum all ash

• Scrape and wash drip pan (use plastic scraper if non-stick coated)

• Soak, scrub, rinse, and dry grates

• Wipe interior (avoid harsh chemicals or soaking electronic components)

• Check hopper and auger for jams or damp pellets

• Wipe exterior with damp cloth or stainless cleaner as appropriate

• Lightly oil grates

• Check the manufacturer’s app or website for firmware updates

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Avoid oven cleaner or harsh chemicals – can leave toxic residue

• Don’t let grease or ash build up – leads to rust, poor airflow, and flare-ups

• Neglecting burners – causes uneven flames

• Pressure-washing burners or electronics – risk of water damage

• Not drying parts properly – rust forms quickly

💡 Expert Tips

• Always grill outdoors, in a well-ventilated area

• Keep a Class B extinguisher and fire blanket nearby

• Keep cleanup tools (brush, scraper, rag) nearby to make quick cleaning a habit

• After wire-bristle brushing, wipe grates with a damp cloth or paper towel to catch any loose bristles

• Wipe and dry all surfaces fully before covering to prevent rust

• Kamado users: never cool ceramic with water – it can crack

• After deep cleaning, season grates with a thin coat of high-smoke-point oil to help prevent sticking and protect the metal against rust

🔧 Helpful Products from Local Experts

Our friends at Dickson Barbeque Centre shared a few of their popular products that can make BBQ cleaning and maintenance easier. Check them out below and visit their website to explore more great BBQ tools and accessories:

Cleaning Brushes:
Weber 18" Three-Sided Grill Brush – Dickson Barbeque Centre – A top-selling brush for thorough cleaning of all grill types

Weber Grill Brush 18” Bamboo - Dickson Barbeque Centre – A bamboo alternative to the traditional bristle brush

Weber 18” Cold Cleaning Brush - Dickson Barbeque Centre – A nylon alternative to the traditional bristle brush

Cleaning / Degreasing Spray:
Traeger Grill Cleaner – Dickson Barbeque Centre – Food-grade, no water needed, safe for all grills inside and out

Cleaning Wipes – For Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:
Proud Grill Co. Q-SWIPER™ Grill Cleaning Kit – Dickson Barbeque Centre – Great for wiping down grids after brushing and scraping and helps keep your cooking surface clean and free of stray bristles

Additional Wipes: Proud Grill Co. Q-SWIPER™ Cleaning Wipes - 40 Pack – Dickson Barbeque Centre

Safety Aid
Canada Fire Blanket Fire Blanket – Dickson Barbeque Centre – Quickly smothers small flare-ups, providing protection and peace of mind