Cleaning your BBQ — a step-by-step guide for every BBQ

A clean BBQ is a better BBQ. Grease and baked-on residues affect the taste of your food, cause unwanted flare-ups, and shorten the lifespan of your BBQ. With the right approach, you'll be done in 15 minutes.

→ BBQ cleaning — complete guide | After the BBQ — leftovers, storing rub & cleaning the BBQ

When to clean?

Immediately after grilling — while the BBQ is still warm. The grate is then easier to clean because grease and residues are still soft. Never soak the BBQ with water — this causes rust.

Cleaning the grate

1. After grilling, let the BBQ run for another 10 minutes on high heat with the lid closed — this burns off residues
2. Brush the grate with a sturdy BBQ brush (no steel wool — wires can get into your food)
3. Then wipe the grate with a paper towel dipped in oil — this prevents rust and sticking

Pro tip: A well-greased grate before grilling prevents sticking — and makes cleaning afterwards much easier.

Cleaning the inside

1. Let the BBQ cool completely
2. Remove the ash from the ash pan — wet ash is corrosive and damages the BBQ
3. Scrape baked-on grease from the inside walls with a plastic scraper
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth — no soap, as it can damage the coating

→ After the BBQ — aftercare guide

How often to clean?

• Grate: after every session
• Inside: every 5–10 sessions
• Outside: beginning and end of season
• Major overhaul: once a year for storage

More BBQ maintenance

• BBQ cleaning — complete guide
• After the BBQ — processing leftovers & storing rub
• Storing dry rub — how long does a BBQ rub last?
• BBQ Tips for Beginners
• BBQ Guide for Beginners
• Starter Pack — choose 3 flavors yourself