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For many, using a charcoal grill is a favorite way to prepare perfectly smoky meats, vegetables, and more for meals in the summer months and beyond. But if the grill isn’t cleaned properly, old food residues can negatively impact flavor and potentially expose people to bacteria, mold, and other unhealthy gunk you shouldn’t be ingesting. Our experts recommend giving your grill a quick cleaning before each use and then a deeper clean at least once every few months. Fortunately, learning how to clean a charcoal grill isn’t too complex and should only take a few minutes of your time.
Safety Precautions
Grill cleaning can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. The grates, charcoal briquettes, and ash can be very hot if you don’t give them sufficient time to cool down. Jason Pruitt, a grill master and senior manager for brand and culinary education with Weber, recommends giving the coals and ash at least a full 24 hours to cool fully before you start working so that you don’t burn yourself. It is also important to know what to do with the charcoal ash once you remove it. Pruitt recommends properly disposing of it in a noncombustible container.
Tools & Materials
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- Noncombustible ash can
- Hand broom
- Grill brush
- Grill tongs
- Garden hose
- Soft-bristle brush
- Scraping tool
- Cleaning bucket
How to Clean a Charcoal Grill Before Cooking
If you’ve invested in one of the best charcoal grills, you should take good care of it to maximize its lifespan. According to David “Chef Fig” Figueroa, a certified pitmaster and the president, CCO, and co-founder of Melinda’s, “Cleaning your grill regularly keeps it running at its best.” He recommends cleaning with each use to help achieve this goal. Ahead, we’ll share the easiest way to clean a charcoal grill before cooking.
Step 1: Remove old charcoal and ashes from the grill.
Before you start grilling, it is important to remove all the old ash and charcoal from the unit. This is a crucial difference between gas and charcoal grills, so if you’re new to charcoal models it might take some time to get used to.
“Ash is the enemy—it causes corrosion and will eventually rust a hole right through your grill,” says Figueroa. He recommends using a hand broom to sweep all the ash out into an ash can. Remember, you should not remove the ashes until they have cooled completely (at least 24 hours after you last grilled).
Step 2: Heat the grill and then scrape the grates.
Once you’ve finished clearing out the ashes, the next step is to heat the grill and give it at least 10 minutes to get hot. Once warm, Pruitt recommends using a grill brush to scrape the grates. He explains, “This will help to ensure that any leftover residue from a previous cook does not interfere with your current cook.” If you’re always looking for ways to make your life even easier, then this might be the opportunity to look into a grill-cleaning robot that will do the scrubbing for you.
Beyond getting old food residue off of the grates to prevent them from contaminating the items you’re about to prepare, Pruitt also notes, “When your grill grates are properly preheated and cleaned, food is less likely to stick to the grates, allowing you to achieve better sear marks and a more even cook.”
Step 3: Oil the grates before cooking.
Before you throw any meats or veggies on the grill, oil the grates. While this isn’t technically part of the cleaning process, it will help prevent food from sticking, making the grill easier to clean next time.
Remember, the grill will be hot at this point, so you’ll need to be careful when applying the oil. Use a pair of long grilling tongs to hold a paper towel, dip the towel in oil, and rub it back and forth over the grates a few times.
How to Deep Clean a Charcoal Grill
In addition to cleaning your grill before each use, it is also important to give it a deeper cleaning periodically. While the frequency can vary depending on how often you use the grill, Pruitt says, “You should deep clean your charcoal grill at least once every 3 months.” Use the steps outlined below to deep clean your grill and make sure it is ready for use (or for storage during the off-season).
Step 1: Give the grates a thorough cleaning.
Cleaning the grates before every use should make it easier to give them a deep cleaning. Figueroa recommends first spraying the grates with a garden hose to get as much gunk off as possible. After rinsing, Figueroa says, “Coat the grates with a good degreaser to break down stubborn residue.” Look for one of the best grill cleaners that offers degreasing capabilities to remove lingering oil or grease. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the grates, if needed, then thoroughly rinse them again.
Step 2: Scrape and wash the inside of the bowl.
With the grates removed, you’re ready to tackle the bowl itself. “Scrape out the inside of the bowl with a plastic or rubber scraping tool,” says Pruitt. Then use a scrub brush and soapy water to wash the inside of the bowl. Rinse it with a hose.
Step 3: Clean the exterior of the grill.
Just as you should do with gas grill cleaning, you’ll also want to show some TLC to the exterior of the unit. There are cleaning products specifically designed for cleaning the exterior of a grill, including any side tables. If you don’t have one of these cleaners, use soapy water and a soft cloth. To prevent damaging the exterior surfaces, Pruitt notes the importance of avoiding abrasive cleaners or polishes.
Step 4: Cover the grill and/or move it to a protected location for the off-season.
After cleaning an outdoor grill, there is one more step you should take to keep it clean and prolong its lifespan. Pruitt says, “Use a tight-fitting grill cover to protect your grill from moisture when not in use.”
If you’re not planning to grill for several weeks or months, such as during the winter when the weather is too cold, Pruitt also recommends moving the grill into a garage, a shed, or another covered location to further protect it against damage from the elements.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a charcoal grill is important. While the steps may look different from those used to clean a gas grill or to wash a Blackstone griddle, the goal is the same: preparing the surface for future cooking and ensuring that there are no residues that could threaten the safety or flavor of the foods you prepare. To achieve these ends, our experts recommend giving a charcoal grill a quick cleaning before each use and a more thorough cleaning at least once every few months.
