You Know Your Grill Needs Cleaning. Here's How to Do It Right

If your grill went into storage without a proper cleaning, now's the time to deal with it -- before you cook a single thing this summer. Crusty grates and old grease buildup aren't just unpleasant to look at; they actively work against you, causing nasty flare-ups and fires. A neglected grill harbors bacteria that can transfer directly to your food, and nobody wants their burgers carrying a hint of last season's burnt drippings. Beyond that, grease pooling at the bottom invites rust, and clogged burners on gas models restrict fuel flow, leading to uneven heat across the grates. Best Grills for 2026, Out of 30 Tested See at Cnet A good scrub-down before firing up takes maybe 20 minutes and pays off right away -- better-tasting food, a grill that actually performs, and fewer surprises when dinner is on the line. For this guide, I used a propane model to walk through the cleaning process, but the same routine applies to charcoal grills, pellet smokers and kamado grills as well. (For more cleaning tips, see how to clean a cast-iron skillet and how to make a DIY cleaner with 3 ingredients.) How often should you clean a grill? If you spend big money on a new grill like Ninja's FlexFlame, keep it in working order with proper cleaning. David Watsky/CNET How often you'll need to clean your grill depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets when you do. Most experts suggest deep-cleaning your grill at least twice per year, with lighter, maintenance cleaning after each use. If you're a heavy griller (or not as good with the post-dinner clean), three times per year would be a better cadence. If you're a seasonal griller, you'll definitely want to give your grill a good clean before you put it away for winter and likely again in the middle of peak season. How to clean a grill 1. Open up the grill and pull it apart First, you'll need to open the grill and remove its various parts. This way, you'll be able to access the ma