How To Clean Your Outdoor Propane Grill

Posted: August 3, 2020

If you’re like many people in the Delaware Valley, you have opted for a staycation this summer, staying safe at home with your family and enjoying outdoor living in your own backyard.

Of course, cooking out on your propane grill plays a big role in that. For safety sake, you should always do a deep cleaning of your grill at least once a year—or more if your grill has been working overtime. This will keep it running properly and safely. (About half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns that could have been avoided.) Of course, you should also use a grill brush to scrape off any food residue every time after you finish cooking. This will avoid flare-ups.

As you’re cleaning your grill, don’t forget to make sure your propane cylinder has enough propane. It’s always a good idea to have a back-up cylinder on hand in case you do run out.

Deep cleaning your propane grill

You don’t need any high-tech tools to do a thorough job of cleaning a propane grill from top to bottom. All you need are some basics: rubber gloves, aluminum foil, a grill brush, and a large bucket of hot and soapy water. Dish soap is recommended.

Make sure all the grill burners are off and that the dials are in the “OFF” position.
Turn off and disconnect the propane tank. If you’ve just finished grilling, wait until the grill is barely warm before doing this.
Take out the grease trap and turn it upside down over a trash can so it can drip.
Put on the rubber gloves and remove the grates as well as the burner protectors under them. Put the grates and burner protectors in the bucket of hot, soapy water for a good soak. Put the grease trap in as well.
Use aluminum foil to cover the burner tubes and other heating elements. Then thoroughly clean the underside of the hood and the inside walls. Wipe dry with paper towels.
Take the grates, burner protectors, and grease traps out of the bucket and clean those. Rinse well.
Take the foil off the burner tubes and gently wipe the tubes.
Carefully check burner holes with a toothpick to dislodge any clogs. Replace the burner covers, grates and grease trap.
Clean the grill exterior with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner.

Safety tips for your propane grill

Keep your grill outdoors, positioned at least five feet from the house. It should be on a level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture, overhead branches, or other potential fire hazards.
Before cooking, always check hoses for kinks, cracks or damage.
Keep a fire extinguisher near your propane grill; make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it.
Stay close to your grill when cooking and always keep a close watch over it.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
Keep your propane grill cover open until you’re sure the grill is lit—even if you have electric ignition.
When finished cooking, turn off the burner controls and close the cylinder valve.

Transporting your propane cylinder safely

All propane cylinders must be transported in an upright position after they are filled. Cylinders should not be transported on their side.
Do not leave a filled tank inside your car for any length of time, especially in the summer.

Please visit this page to read more information and tips on overall propane safety.