How Long Will It Take to Clean My BBQ Grill?

Let’s face it- nothing says summer like a full-blown cookout. This is the time of year when evenings and weekends are filled with the aroma of grilled meats and veggies, followed by huge spreads that include hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, and corn on the cob. 

Yes, cookouts are all about great food and good company, but after a few of them, your BBQ will be caked in grease and the charred remnants of past meals. Since rancid oil and greasy buildup aren’t exactly appetizing (and can potentially be hazardous), sooner or later, you’ll want to give it a good cleaning. But how long will that take? 

The short answer is that you may be looking at up to three hours for a basic cleaning. In this blog, we break down the steps so you have a better idea of how much time you’ll need to get your BBQ ready for the next cookout!

1. Assess the State of Your BBQ

First things first: take a good look at your BBQ. Is it just slightly dirty with a bit of grease, or does it look like it’s been through a few too many summer parties without a proper cleaning? The condition will heavily influence the time needed for cleaning. A BBQ that’s moderately dirty might take an hour or two, whereas a seriously grimy one could require a more substantial time investment.

2. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies. Here’s a handy list:

• Grill brush or scraper
• Dish soap or specialized grill cleaner
• A bucket of warm, soapy water
• Sponges or rags
• Stainless steel polish (if applicable)
• Gloves to protect your hands

Having everything ready before you start means you won’t waste time hunting for supplies in the middle of the job.

3. Pre-Cleaning: 10-15 Minutes

Start with a pre-cleaning session. Fire up your grill for about 10-15 minutes to burn off some of the stuck-on grime. This step helps to loosen the debris, making it easier to clean. Afterward, turn off the grill and let it cool down a bit, but don’t wait too long; it’s easier to clean while it’s still warm.

4. Cleaning the Grates: 30-45 Minutes

The grates are where most of the mess accumulates so it’s important to clean them well. Please reference our best practices for cleaning grill grates for a thorough tutorial. Here’s a step-by-step quick guide to cleaning them:

1. Take out the grates and place them on a flat surface.
2. Use a sturdy grill brush or scraper to remove the charred bits. This part might take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the level of buildup.
3. Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and let the grates soak for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to break down any remaining grease.
4. After soaking, give them another good scrub. The remaining residue should come off more easily now.

5. Cleaning the Inside of the Grill: 30-45 Minutes

While the grates are soaking, you can turn your attention to the inside of the grill.

• Take out any large pieces of food debris with a paper towel or rag.
• Use a grill brush or scraper to clean the sides and bottom of the grill. Be thorough to get rid of all the built-up grease and food particles. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
• Wipe the interior surfaces with a sponge dipped in soapy water. This step helps to remove any remaining grease and gives a fresh look to the interior. This part should take another 15-20 minutes.

6. Cleaning the Burners: 20-30 Minutes

Burners can get clogged with grease and food particles, affecting the performance of your grill. Carefully remove the burners and inspect them for any blockages or buildup before taking the following steps:

1. Use a brush to clean the exterior of the burners. For the burner ports, a small wire or paper clip can help clear out any clogs. This process should take around 15-20 minutes.
2. Rinse the burners with water and let them dry completely before reinstalling them.

7. Cleaning the Exterior: 15-20 Minutes

Don’t forget the outside of your BBQ! Use a sponge or rag with soapy water to wipe down the exterior surfaces. This includes the lid, side tables, and any other parts. This should take about 10-15 minutes. If you have a stainless steel BBQ, you might want to polish the exterior to give it a nice shine. This can add another 5-10 minutes to your cleaning time.

8. Reassemble and Final Touches: 10-15 Minutes

Once all parts are clean and dry, put the grates and burners back in place. Give everything a final wipe down and make sure you didn’t miss any spots. This final check can take about 5-10 minutes.

Total Time Estimate

So how long will it take to clean your BBQ? Here’s a quick recap:

• Pre-Cleaning: 10-15 minutes
• Cleaning the Grates: 30-45 minutes
• Cleaning the Inside of the Grill: 30-45 minutes
• Cleaning the Burners: 20-30 minutes
• Cleaning the Exterior: 15-20 minutes
• Reassemble and Final Touches: 10-15 minutes

In total, you’re looking at anywhere between 2 to 3 hours. This might seem like a significant chunk of time, but it’s worth it to ensure your BBQ is in top-notch condition for your next grilling session. Plus, regular cleaning helps extend the life of your grill, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Tips to Make the Process Easier

To avoid spending hours on a deep clean, perform regular maintenance after each use. This can cut down on the time needed for a thorough clean. Using grill mats can also help catch grease and food particles, making cleanup much easier. Stick to a cleaning schedule, whether it’s monthly or after every few uses, to prevent excessive buildup.

How About Professional BBQ Cleaning Services?

If you’re short on time or feel your grill needs a really deep clean, hiring a professional cleaning company like San Diego BBQ can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

• We use industrial-grade degreasers and sanitizers to thoroughly clean your grill, targeting all the nooks and crannies that are hard to reach with standard home cleaning supplies. 
• Using specialized vacuums, we can remove all loose debris from the grill’s interior. This step ensures that all ash, food particles, and other debris are completely removed. For the toughest grime and burnt-on residue, we use power cleaning tools that are much more effective than regular brushes, capable of removing even the most stubborn buildup.

If your BBQ requires more than just cleaning, we offer a full grill restoration service to bring your grill back to its original state. Whether it’s a minor fix or a major overhaul, our team is equipped to handle it.  By opting for our professional cleaning service, you save time and effort while ensuring your BBQ is cleaned to the highest standards.

You’re the Cook- Let San Diego BBQ Do the Cleaning!

Taking apart and scrubbing your BBQ might not be the most glamorous summer work, but the good news is that professional BBQ cleaning services are just a click away. Let the skilled technicians at San Diego BBQ help you get your grill back in top shape so that all you need to worry about is wowing your guests all summer. For more information and a quote, schedule your free estimate today!