How to Clean and Maintain a Gas Grill

As we head towards spring, it's time to start thinking about giving your gas grill a much-needed clean. A good clean will not only extend the life of your gas grill but also prevents bacteria build up and gives you a heads-up on any problems.

12/07/2022

 

 

 

 

It is important to undertake regular maintenance of a gas grill, not only to give the grill a thorough deep-clean but also to check for any problems that may arise.

 

 

A gas grill or braai is a great way to do all your cooking and entertaining outdoors, but we tend to put a proper cleaning on the back burner until summer is over. As the cooler weather moves in, this is the perfect time to give your gas braai a much-needed clean - not only extending the life of your gas braai but also preventing bacteria build up.

 

 

You will find a selection of cleaning products at your local Builders and you're going to need a long-handled wire brush and a bucket of hot, soapy water, some rubber gloves, rags and plenty of elbow grease. You can use regular dishwashing liquid if the grill isn't too grimy, or buy a heavy-degreaser while you're browsing the aisles at Builders.

 

 

Regular cleaning of gas grill plates will prevent any rust from taking hold that will eventually destroy the grill plates.

 

 

 

 

Remove the grill grates and soak these in a bucket of hot, soapy water. This will make it easy to remove built up grease with a wire brush. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes before you get stuck in.

 

 

 

 

 

With the grates removed you have easy access to the inside of the grill, where you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any loose debris. Just remember to clean out the vacuum when you're done! While you're in there, clean away any grease on the inside panels.

 

 

After soaking the grates you can use a wire brush to clean them of any remaining grime. Ideally, you want to remove all traces of grease built up, even where it burnt and formed carbon build up on the grill. If you find a lot of build up, grab some steel wool. This is where owning a Dremel MultiTool comes in handy, as you can insert a steel brush to clean away stubborn build up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW

If you have porcelain grill grates, follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines for proper cleaning.

 

 

 

 

Use soapy water to clean the outside of your grill, especially around fittings. For this it's best to use a kitchen scourer sponge so as not to damage the stainless steel surfaces. Be gently and rather let the hot, soapy water do it's job before you start wiping away. For tough stains, try spritzing with white spirit vinegar to help break down grease before washing, rinsing and drying.

 

 

Make sure to dry all the washed components with micro fibre cloths. If they are not stainless steel, you don't want them to rust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For safety reasons, take the time to properly check all the fittings and gas lines so that you know your gas grill is ready for use when spring comes around.

 

 

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