Mid Summer Gas Grill Cleaning

As summer hits its stride and the grilling season reaches its peak, maintaining your gas grill is essential to ensure it performs at its best. You grilled your way thru Labor Day to 4th of July and now it’s time for some grill upkeep. A thorough mid-summer cleaning, especially focusing on the inside of your grill, not only enhances flavor and safety but also extends your grill’s lifespan. Here’s your complete guide to some gas grill cleaning techniques using Dawn Soap and a shop vacuum.

Why its important to Mid-Summer Cleaning of your grill

1. Enhanced Performance: Cleaning your grill removes grease and food debris that can hinder its heating efficiency.
2. Safety: Regular cleaning reduces the risk of dangerous grease fires.
3. Better Flavor: Avoid unwanted flavors by removing old food residues.
4. Extended Lifespan: Proper maintenance helps your grill last longer.

Dirty grill grates flare up

Supplies needed for gas grill cleaning

• Grill brush with scraper
• 2 inch Putty knife
• Dawn dish soap
• Bucket of warm water and if possible a water hose.
• Sponge or cloth
• Paper towels or microfiber cloths
• Shop Vacuum

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

• Turn Off the Gas: Ensure the gas supply is completely turned off. Disconnect the propane tank for added safety.
• Cool Down: Make sure the grill is completely cool before starting the cleaning process.

Step by step guide to cleaning your grill mid summer

Now that your grill is turned off, disconnected, and cool, it’s time to start cleaning!

Cleaning the Grill Grates

• Remove Grates: Carefully take out the grates and set them aside.
• Scrape Away Residue: Use a grill brush or putty knife to remove built-up food and grease. I’m a huge fan of a 2 inch putty knife for scraping. It’s just the right size to get into all the tough spots, but strong enough to scrape off the burnt residue on the grill parts.
• Spray with Dawn Soap: Spray the grill grates with dawn soap and let them sit for ten minutes. After the soap has removed the old grease, spray the grates with a hose. Wipe the grates one last time after hosing off the soap.

Grill grates being cleaned with Dawn soap

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12/17/2024 06:55 am GMT

Cleaning the Burner Shields

• Remove Burner Shields: Take out the burner shields to access the interior.
• Scrape and Wash: Use your grill brush scraper to scrape off any debris. Spray with dawn soap and let sit. After ten minutes spray with a hose to remove soap.

Using a Shop Vacuum for Grill Cleaning

• Vacuum Debris: Use a shop vacuum to remove loose debris and ash from the interior of the grill. This makes the cleaning process easier and more effective.
• Scrape the Interior: Use a grill brush or better yet a putty knife to remove any charred debris from the interior surfaces.
• Vacuum again: After you have scraped the sides and inner lid, vacuum any debris that fell to the bottom of the grill.
• Wash with Dawn Soap: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a generous amount of Dawn dish soap. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the interior surfaces of the grill.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse the interior with clean water and dry thoroughly with paper towels or a cloth.

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11/14/2024 11:27 pm GMT

Cleaning the Drip Pan

• Remove the Drip Pan: Take out the drip pan located beneath the grill.
• Soak and Scrub: Soak the drip pan in warm, soapy water with Dawn dish soap. Scrub away any grease and grime, then rinse and dry.
• Replace the old Drip Pan: If your grill uses aluminum drip pans, make sure you replace the old one.

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12/17/2024 06:55 am GMT

Reassembling the Grill

• Reinstall Components: Carefully put the grates, burner shields, and drip pan back into place.
• Reconnect Gas: Reattach the propane tank and ensure all connections are tight.

Gas Grill Grates after being cleaned

Final Touches for your mid Summer Grill Cleaning

• Test the Grill: Light the grill to ensure everything is working correctly. Listen for any unusual sounds and check for proper flame distribution.
• Wipe Down Exterior: Use a damp cloth with Dawn dish soap to clean the exterior of your grill, then rinse and dry.
• Clean the inside of your grill cabinets: If your grill has inside cabinets, use the shop vacuum and a wet paper towel to clean up that area.
• Inspect your Grill Cover: Does your grill cover need to be replaced? Look for rips, tears, or holes in the cover.

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12/17/2024 06:55 am GMT

All finished with your gas grill mid summer cleaning!

A thorough mid-summer cleaning of your gas grill after the 4th of July ensures a delicious, safe grilling season for the rest of the summer into the fall. A more thorough deep clean can be done after summer, however this will ensure a clean grill until then. Happy grilling!