Can I Use WD-40 to Clean My Grill?

No one wants to cook a juicy ribeye on a grill that’s less than appetizing. Burnt food, grease, and other buildup can stick to the meat, giving it a rough appearance and rancid flavor. In some cases, it can even create a health hazard. As an outdoor appliance, however, your grill is constantly exposed to the elements, which can leave it looking pretty rough over time. Even if you use a cover, it will still need a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. 

If your grill is looking dingy and you need to clean it quickly for an afternoon cookout, you can use WD-40. This penetrating lubricant spray is a staple in many homes due to its ability to solve various problems, from rusty bolts to squeaky hinges and even grimy BBQs! In this article, we’ll show you how to safely clean your grill with WD-40, so that it’s soon in prime condition to wow your guests again.

Why WD-40 Works for Cleaning Grills

WD-40 has a unique formulation that makes it excellent at breaking down and removing grease. Since most of the buildup on a grill rack comes from the grease and fat that drips off meat during cooking, WD-40 can cut through this greasy residue with ease. The idea is simple: grease removes grease.

While WD-40 is effective, it’s important to use it properly and with certain precautions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• WD-40 is best suited for heavy-duty cleanups. If your grill hasn’t been cleaned in a while and has significant buildup, WD-40 can help get it back to a more manageable state. For regular BBQ maintenance, less intensive methods like using a grill brush or aluminum foil are usually sufficient.
• Always ensure your grill is completely cool before applying WD-40. This prevents any potential safety hazards and allows the product to work more effectively on the grime.
• WD-40 is not food-safe, so it’s important to thoroughly clean and rinse your grill after using it to ensure no residue remains. 
• Use WD-40 in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes. The product’s strong smell can be overwhelming, so good airflow is important.

When sprayed on the surface, WD-40 seeps into the layers of grime, loosening and breaking them apart. This makes it easier to scrub away the residue. The process not only removes the visible dirt but also helps in eliminating the greasy film that can cause sticking and flare-ups during cooking.

How to Clean Your Grill with WD-40

If your grill needs a thorough cleaning, WD-40 can help you get the job done. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Make sure your grill is completely cool before you start. Safety first!
2. Remove the grill rack and set it on some old newspaper or a drop cloth to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
3. Spray a generous amount of WD-40 on the grill rack. Don’t be shy with it; you want to cover all the grimy spots.
4. Let the WD-40 sit for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to penetrate and loosen the grime and grease.
5. Spray a bit more WD-40 on the grill rack. Then use a balled-up piece of aluminum foil to scrub the grime off. The foil acts as an abrasive that helps remove stuck-on food and grease.
6. Use paper towels to wipe up the loosened residue. Make sure you get all the grime off so your grill is nice and clean.
7. Wash the grill surface well using hot water and grease-cutting dish soap, such as Dawn. This step is important to remove any remaining WD-40 and grease. You can rinse thoroughly using a garden hose if you have one handy.
8. After washing with soap, make sure to rinse the grill well to remove all soap and WD-40 residue. Let it air dry or dry it with a clean cloth.
9. Once you’ve washed and rinsed the grill, place the grill rack back on the grill and turn it on for about 10 minutes. This helps to burn off any remaining traces of WD-40 or soap, ensuring your grill is ready for cooking.

Pro Tip: If any baked-on food remains, spray a bit more WD-40 on those stubborn spots. Use a wire brush or a grill brush/scraper to remove the remaining residue. This might take a bit of elbow grease, but it’s worth it to get your grill thoroughly clean.

Does WD-40 Leave an Odor on Your Grill?

WD-40 does have a distinctive odor that some people dislike. Even if you don’t mind it, you probably don’t want this smell lingering while you’re cooking. Here are a few options for reducing or eliminating the smell of WD-40 after cleaning your grill with it:

• Use a low-odor formula such as WD-40’s Cleaner & Degreaser, which is specially formulated for jobs like this.
• Wash the racks with warm water and dish soap to remove the WD-40 residue before cooking on the grill again. After washing and drying them, give them a sniff test. If you still smell the solvent, another pass with warm water and dish soap should do the trick.
• Use warm, soapy water on the exterior of the grill to try to remove any odor associated with using WD-40. Be sure to dry the exterior with a cloth before placing the grill cover back over the top to reduce the chances of causing corrosion and rust.

If the odor continues to be noticeable, try sprinkling some baking soda over the areas that still smell after washing them. Let the baking soda sit for an hour before wiping it with soapy and then clean water.

Need a Deeper Clean? Contact the Pros at San Diego BBQ?

Using WD-40 to clean your grill can be an effective way to tackle the grime and dirt that accumulate over time. While it’s not the first product that comes to mind for grill cleaning, it can certainly get the job done. By keeping your grill clean and well-maintained, you’ll ensure that it’s always ready for those summer BBQs, and your food will taste great, too.

So grab that can of WD-40 and give your grill the refresh it deserves! If you’re looking for a deeper cleaning of your BBQ, we invite you to consider a mobile BBQ cleaning from the pros at San Diego BBQ. We combine inclusive pricing packages with a thorough approach to cleaning that will have you ready for your next backyard feast in no time! To learn more or schedule a no-obligation estimate, call (858) 605-5777.