How to Clean a Charcoal BBQ Grill: 3 Simple Steps

Last Updated on January 17, 2023

Everyone loves a tasty and delicious steak that has been grilled at the right temperature.

However, for a charcoal BBQ grill to work effectively, it has to be cleaned thoroughly. A dirty bbq grill might affect the flavour of the steak that you’re cooking.

If your grill has remnants of food from your last grilling session, you should clean it before you use it again. Not to mention, this is also a maintenance procedure that improves the durability of your grill. In this post, we are going to show you how to clean a charcoal bbq grill.

Tools Needed to Clean Different Types of Charcoal Grills

These are set of tools that you might need to clean a charcoal grill:

• Grill brush
• Scraper Tool
• Sponge
• Soap or degreaser
• Gloves
• Dish soap
• Paper towel

With the help of soap or degreaser, a grill brush, a scraper tool, and a putty knife can help you scrape off the gunk that might have been scorched by fire and scrape off the grease buildup found in the interior compartment of your grill; while sponges can do the work in cleaning the delicate parts of your grill such as the lid. Also, don’t forget to use a pair of gloves to protect your hands when cleaning. When done, you can use a paper towel to easily dry off different parts of your barbecue grill.

Step By Step Guide to Cleaning Different Types of Charcoal Grills

The cleaning process might take around 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of your grill.

If you are planning to clean a charcoal grill after a hot grilling session, you have to wait for the grill to cool off first. After that, empty the ash catcher by getting rid of the ash that might be in there.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ayo (@bbqkinqq)

Step 1: Clean the Grill Grates of the BBQ Grill

Start off by cleaning the grill grates of your bbq smoker. Remove the grate from the grill, then use a grill brush to scrub off the scorched debris.

Warm some water and pour it into a bucket/sink. Add a cleaning detergent into the warm water, then mix it up. Soak the grilling grate in warm water for about 20-30 minutes. After that, wear a pair of gloves. Clean the grilling grate with soapy water thoroughly to get rid of all the debris that is stuck on the grate. Soapy water makes it easier for you to wipe off the grease that might be stuck on your grilling grates. If you want to prevent food from sticking on your grilling grates, you should apply some vegetable oil to the grilling grate.

Since porcelain grates are quite delicate, you should be quite gentle while cleaning a porcelain grate. Do not scrub it with brushes made from steel wire.

Step 2: Clean the Interior Part Of Your Charcoal Barbecue Grill

If you have just finished grilling, you need to get rid of the ash that is in the ash catcher of the grill. Different models have different mechanisms that allow you to get rid of the ash. For instance, some have an ash disposal lid at the bottom-most part of the grill. In other models, you have to get rid of the ash manually.

Before you start this procedure, remove the drip pan from the interior chamber of your charcoal grill.

Scrape off the chunks of food that might be stuck on the bottom of the grill. Use warm water and a degreaser to clean the bowl and the lid of your grill. You can scrub off the debris with warm water and a soft-bristle brush.

After that, clean the drip pan thoroughly. Soak in soapy water, then use a sponge and a degreaser to clean it completely. Cover it with aluminium foil after you finish cleaning it.

Step 3: Clean the Exterior Part Of Your Barbecue Grill

Unlike the grilling grate and the charcoal chamber, the exterior part of the grill doesn’t get stained easily. While it might have stains, cleaning the exterior part of your charcoal grill is quite easy.

Since this part has delicate paint, you have to use a soft material while cleaning it.

You can use warm water and a degreaser to clean the exterior part of your charcoal grill.

Dip a sponge in warm water, then wipe off the stains. Make sure that you clean the lid of the grill, the handle, and the side trays. You should also clean the thermometer with a damp sponge. After that, rinse off the exterior part of your grill. Dip a cloth in clean water, then wipe off the soapy material dripping from your grill. Dry it off with some paper towels.

Grill Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures

Routine Grill Cleaning

Routine cleaning is the process of cleaning your bbq smoker after a grilling session routine. It makes it easier for you to store your charcoal grill in a clean condition. Cleaning a bbq smoker after a grilling session might take you around 30 minutes. Let the grill cool down before you start the cleaning process.

Deep Cleaning Your Charcoal Grill

If you haven’t used your charcoal BBQ grill for a long period of time, it might get dirty after staying in one place for a long period of time. Dirt particles might build up on different parts of the grill, making it dirty. Deep cleaning your charcoal grill makes it easier for you to restore it back to its previous condition. Not to mention, you have to deep clean your grill before the grilling season starts.

To Sum It Up

And there you have it, everything you need to know on how to clean a charcoal bbq grill. Deep clean your bbq grill before the grilling season starts. For instance, use a soft brush on delicate parts of the grill. On the other hand, you can use a steel brush to clean the interior part of the grill, such as the bowl and the lid. A sprayer also makes it easier for you to spray liquid soap on different parts of the grill. Just follow some of the tips that were given here, and you’ll be good to go.