Essential tips and tricks for keeping your grill in top condition, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

Spring is knocking at our GD doors. Time to swap the beanies for the snapbacks and bucket hats, dust off the YETI (or your beverage cooler of choice) and get the BKYD ready for another season. An essential part of your prep is getting the grill ready. I am talking a deep clean. Deep cleaning your gas grill is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. 

Here's the BKYD step-by-step guide to deep clean your gas grill:

• Safety First:

  • Make sure there is no mice that are using your cookware for shelter for the winter months - maybe get the Searpro and scare those vermin out there 

  • Goes without saying - but make sure the propane is disconnected and/or off 

  • Grab some gloves, or don’t. 

• What you’ll need: 

  • Grill brush or scraper - We don’t mess with those wire brushes. Heard a story about a guy ingesting a metal spike

  • Heavy-duty grill cleaner or degreaser

  • Bucket of warm soapy water

  • Sponge or scrubbing pad

  • Paper towels 

  • Protip - grab a clean Putty knife or scraper

  • Spray bottle filled with hose water 

  
  

  
  

• Remove Grates and Heat Shields:

  • Take out the cooking grates and heat shields from the grill. These are usually removable for easier cleaning. If you have an old crusty grill be careful the grates don’t crack. 

• Scrape Off Excess Debris:

  • Use a grill brush or scraper to remove any loose debris, charred food, and grease buildup from the grates and inside surfaces of the grill. Use some elbow grease and paint those corners and crevices.

• Soak Grates and Heat Shields:

  • Place the grates and heat shields in a bucket of warm, soapy water and let them soak for about 15-30 minutes to loosen stubborn grease and food particles. Use an old rubbermaid container. 

• Clean Interior Surfaces:

  • Using a brush, grill stone, or scraper, remove any buildup from the inside surfaces of the grill, including burner tubes and the bottom of the grill box.

  • If there's stubborn crud, apply a grill cleaner or degreaser according to the manufacturer's instructions and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

• Rinse and Dry Grates and Heat Shields:

  • After soaking, scrub the grates and heat shields with a sponge or scrubbing pad to remove loosened grime.

  • Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with paper towels or a clean cloth.

• Clean Exterior:

  • Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in warm, soapy water to remove any dirt, grease, or grubby fingerprints.

  • For stainless steel exteriors, use a stainless steel cleaner to restore shine and remove stains.

• Check Burner Tubes and Igniters:

  • Inspect the burner tubes for any clogs or damage. Use a brush or pipe cleaner to clear any debris from the burner ports.

  • Clean the igniter electrode with a soft brush or cloth to ensure proper ignition.

• Reassemble and Test:

  • Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the grill, including grates, heat shields, and any other removable parts.

  • Turn on the gas supply and test the ignition to ensure everything is working correctly.

• Season Grates (Optional):

  • To prevent sticking and promote even cooking, try seasoning the grates with a thin layer of cooking oil. 

By following these steps, you can effectively deep clean your gas grill and ensure it operates safely and efficiently for many years to come.