The Top 5 Grill Cleaning Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes grill owners make “gas or charcoal” , is not cleaning it regularly. After a fun day of grilling, cleaning can feel like a chore, but skipping it leads to grease, ash, and burned food buildup.

This can cause flare-ups, uneven cooking, bad-tasting food, and even rust or damage to your grill. Regular cleaning keeps your grill safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

Skipping Regular Cleanings: The Fast Track to Grill Disaster

To keep your grill in top shape, make it a habit to scrape down the grates after each use. Once a month, give it a deeper clean. This helps prevent buildup and makes your grill last much longer. And remember, BBQ House has all the grilling tools you need to make this job quick and easy—from strong brushes to safe, natural cleaners.

Using the Wrong Tools: Steel Wool Isn’t Your Grill’s Friend

Cleaning your grill with the wrong tools can do more harm than good. Many people reach for steel wool or rough kitchen sponges without thinking twice. But these can scratch and damage the surface of your grill, especially if it has a coating like enamel or porcelain. Worse, steel wool can leave tiny pieces of metal behind—definitely not something you want ending up in your burger.

Instead

use tools made just for grills. A good grill brush with strong bristles or a special pumice stone can clean the grates without hurting them. And if you’re worried about loose bristles getting stuck, BBQ House offers safe, bristle-free coil brushes that do a great job without the risk.

Got porcelain or ceramic grates? Use a soft-bristle brush to avoid chipping. The bottom line: having the right, high-quality tools makes grill cleaning safer, easier, and more effective. And yes, we’ve got all of them at BBQ House!
Also you can check our tutorial on how to clean your grill easily.

Cleaning a Cold Grill: Why Timing Matters

Here’s a tip that many new grill owners don’t know—grills are much easier to clean when they’re warm. Trying to scrub off greasy, stuck-on bits when the grill is cold can feel like scraping glue off concrete. It’s just not fun.

Instead

right after you’re done cooking, turn the heat up for about 10–15 minutes. This burns off leftover food and grease. Then, turn the grill off and use your grill brush while everything is still warm (but not super hot).
The heat softens the mess, making it way easier to clean. Just make sure to wear heat-resistant gloves and use long-handled tools so you don’t get burned. A little smart timing can save you a lot of effort!

Ignoring the Hidden Areas: Clean More Than Just the Grates

If you’re only cleaning the top of your grates, you’re missing half the job. Food drips, grease runs down, and ash collects in places you don’t always see. Over time, these hidden messes can clog parts of your grill, make it cook unevenly, or even start a grease fire.

Be sure to clean parts like the drip tray, burners, flame tamers (or flavorizer bars), and even the inside of the grill hood. These spots may not need daily attention, but cleaning them once a month can make a huge difference.

Not only will your food taste better, but your grill will also run more efficiently and safely. BBQ House offers cleaning kits that include all the right tools to help you reach and clean every part of your grill, no matter the size or style.

Using Harsh Chemicals: Say No to Toxic Cleaners

This one is super important. Using the wrong kind of cleaner on your grill can be dangerous. Regular household cleaners like bleach or oven spray are too harsh for grill surfaces and can leave behind harmful chemicals. When you heat the grill again, those chemicals can end up on your food. Yikes!

Stick to cleaners that are made for grills and are safe to use around food. BBQ House carries grill-specific, food-safe degreasers that cut through grease without leaving any nasty stuff behind. Want a simple, natural option? You can also use a mix of vinegar and baking soda to help break down lighter buildup. It’s safe, affordable, and easy to use.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Check Your Grill Cover and Storage

Cleaning is important, but so is storing your grill properly. If you leave your grill out in the open all year, rain and dirt will wear it down quickly—even if you clean it regularly. Always use a grill cover when your grill isn’t in use. And if you can, move it to a sheltered spot during the winter. A good cover can protect your grill from rust, fading, and grime buildup.

At BBQ House, we also carry high-quality covers and storage gear to keep your grill safe all year long.

FAQ:

Q: What’s the best way to clean a grill after each use

A: Right after cooking, while the grill is still warm, use a grill brush to clean off leftover food. For a deeper clean, soak the grates in warm, soapy water and scrub them with a safe sponge or grill tool.

Q: Should the grill be turned on while cleaning it?

A: No, you should turn it off before scrubbing. But you can preheat the grill first to help loosen the grime. Never clean while it’s still on.

Q: What should I avoid doing while cleaning my grill?

A: Don’t use steel wool, strong chemicals, or water on hot parts. Avoid cleaning only the top surface and forgetting about the hidden mess underneath.

Q: How can I make my grill last longer?

A: Clean it regularly, use the right tools and safe cleaners, and keep it covered when not in use. Doing these things will make your grill work better and last for years.

Cleaning your grill doesn’t have to be a pain. With a little time, the right tools, and some smart habits, your grill can stay in great shape—and your food will taste better too! At BBQ House, we’ve got everything you need to clean and care for your grill, from tough brushes to safe cleaners and strong covers.
Visit BBQ House today and check out our full line of grill tools and accessories
to keep your grill looking great and cooking even better.