How to Clean a Propane Grill

Person cleaning a propane grill
Everyone loves a meal cooked on the grill! Cleanup is simple and nothing beats the smell of grilled meat wafting through the neighborhood. Whether you're kicking off the grilling season as summer heats up or caring for your grill mid-season, a thorough cleaning of your propane grill is an important step in keeping it working smoothly.

With these tips for how to clean a propane grill, you'll be all set for another fantastic grilling season!

What You Need for Cleaning a Propane Grill

The first step is to gather your supplies. Here is what you need:

  • Work gloves
  • Bucket of warm, soapy water
  • Aluminum foil
  • Grill brush
  • Damp paper towels
  • Trash can
  • Garden hose
  • Paper clip or another small piece of wire
  • Stainless steel wipes (for stainless steel grills) or a soapy cotton cloth
  • Dry cotton or microfiber cloth (for porcelain-coated, cast iron, or ceramic grills)

Best Way to Clean Propane Grill

Follow these steps for a clean grill and even better-tasting food!

  1. Safety first. Double check that all dials are in the “off” position and disconnect the propane tank. Put on work gloves to protect your hands.
  2. Remove the grill grates and the metal plates that sit underneath them. Place them in a bucket of warm, soapy water to soak.
  3. Place a large piece of aluminum foil over the heating elements at the bottom of the grill.
  4. Scrub the underside of the hood and inside the grill above the heating elements. Ash and grilling residue will fall onto the foil. Wipe down the areas you just scrubbed with a damp paper towel.
  5. Remove the drip pan and dump loose debris into a trash can. Place the pan in the bucket of soapy water.
  6. Remove the grill grates and metal plates from the bucket. Scrub them with the grill brush and spray them down with a garden hose.
  7. Toss the sheet of foil into the trash. Gently swipe the now exposed heating elements with the grill brush.
  8. Remove the venturi tube assembly and clean it out with soapy water. A dip in the water bucket will do. If any holes are clogged, clean them out with a paper clip or other small piece of wire or a tube brush.
  9. Hose down the venturi tube with the garden hose and leave it out to dry. Remove the drip pan from the soapy water and hose it down as well.
  10. Replace the metal plates, grates, and drip pan (no need to dry them first).
  11. Replace the venturi tube once it has dried completely. Ensure proper alignment with the gas valve as you reinsert it.
  12. Wipe down the exterior of the grill. For a stainless steel finish, use wipes designed to clean stainless steel. Follow the grain to preserve the appearance. For cast iron, porcelain-coated, or ceramic grills, use a soapy cotton cloth followed by a dry cotton or microfiber cloth.
  13. Reconnect the propane tank.

Now you're ready to get grilling!

No matter what you choose to barbecue this summer, it’s best to start off the season with a clean grill.

If you have other home cleaning needs, rely on the professionals at Molly Maid for help. Our team is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Contact your local Molly Maid for a free estimate today!