Clean Your Gas Grill Before Use for Safe, Flavorful BBQ

Firing up your grill for the first time this season? 

Hold that lighter! 

Learning how to clean a gas grill before use is one of the best things you can do for better flavor, safer cooking, and to make your grill last longer.

Whether your grill is brand new or just dusty from a long break, giving it a quick clean-up makes a big difference.

Skipping this step can lead to burned-on grease, uneven heating, or even flare-ups.

The good news? 

This guide is fast, beginner-friendly, and doesn't need fancy tools.

Let’s jump right in!

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you get started:

• Grill brush – Use a bristle brush for heavy-duty cleaning or a bristle-free brush for a safer scrub.

• Wood grill scraper – Great for gently scraping without metal bristles.

• Mild dish soap and warm water

• Microfiber cloth or paper towels

• Optional: baking soda, vinegar, or lemon (for natural cleaning)

Learn More: How to Clean Gas Grill Burners: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Behind the Grill Tip: We love the Easy Function wood grill scraper. 

It’s made from pine wood, shapes to your grill over time, and makes quick work of leftover grime without any bristles to worry about.

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Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Gas Grill Before Use

Start with a Cool Grill

Before anything else, make sure the grill is completely off and cool to the touch. 

This is super important for both safety and cleaning results. 

Hot parts can burn you or cause your cleaner to evaporate too fast.

Remove and Clean the Grates

Take out your grill grates and place them in a tub or sink with warm, soapy water.

Let them soak for 10–15 minutes to loosen any grease or old food.

Then scrub them down.

You can use a bristle-free brush for safer cleaning or a bristle brush like the one from Easy Function for deep scrubs.

Their 3-in-1 design with eZclean™ tech works on most grill types and even has a built-in scraper for stubborn spots.

Just be sure to rinse and dry the grates well before putting them back.

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💡 If you want a natural clean, sprinkle on some baking soda and scrub with half a lemon or use vinegar. It’s eco-friendly and still effective!

Clean the Burners and Inside the Grill

Next, gently brush off any debris on the burners.

Be careful not to damage them.

If you see blockages in the burner holes, poke them out gently with a toothpick or paperclip.

Wipe the inside of the grill lid and walls with a damp cloth.

A little dish soap is okay here, but skip anything too strong—it can leave a residue you don’t want near your food.

Empty the Drip Tray

Don’t forget the drip tray!

Slide it out and throw away old grease and food bits. 

Then wash it in warm, soapy water and dry it completely before putting it back in place. 

A dirty tray can cause smoke and nasty smells—no thanks!

Wipe Down the Exterior

Last, give your grill’s outside a quick clean. 

Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner. 

If you have a stainless steel grill, always wipe in the direction of the grain to keep it shiny and scratch-free.

Discover More: Cleaning Your Grill with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Quick Preheat Burn-Off (Optional but Effective)

After cleaning, you can turn on the grill for 10–15 minutes with the lid closed. 

This helps burn off any leftover residue or moisture. 

Let it cool again before doing a final wipe-down if needed.

Safety Tips Before You Fire It Up

Before grilling, take a minute to check these safety items:

• Check propane connections for leaks. Use a mix of soap and water—if you see bubbles, there’s a leak.

• Make sure everything is dry before lighting.

• Keep your grill away from walls, furniture, and trees. Safety first!

Bonus Tips for Ongoing Maintenance

A clean grill before each use keeps things running smooth and tasting great. 

Here’s what we suggest:

• Brush the grates after every cook to stop buildup.

• Use a grill cover when it’s not in use to protect from weather.

• Do a deeper clean every few weeks or after a lot of grilling.

Behind the Grill Pro Tip: Easy Function’s bristle-free grill brush with scraper is a favorite for quick cleanups between cooks. 

It’s rust-free, long-lasting, and 3X safer than bristle brushes.

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Brush - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Bristle Free Scraper Brush - Amazon Canada

Recommended Tools to Make Cleaning Easier

Here are a few tools we’ve found helpful at Behind the Grill:

• Wood Grill Scraper – Easy Function’s eco-friendly scraper is a no-bristle, safe option that molds to your grill shape over time. Great for routine post-cook scrapes!

• Bristle Brush – For a tough job, Easy Function’s bristle brush with eZclean™ tech and a built-in scraper gets deep between the grates. Plus, it comes with free lifetime replacements.

• Bristle-Free Brushes – Safe, rust-proof, and available with or without a scraper. They’re fast, ergonomic, and gentle on your grill.

🎁 Right now, there are special discount codes too Easy Function’s bristle brush:

• Buy 2 → 10% off: GOGRILL2

• Buy 3 → 15% off: GOGRILL3

• Buy 4 → 20% off: GOGRILL4

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Conclusion

Learning how to clean a gas grill before use isn’t just a good habit—it’s your secret to better flavor, safer meals, and a longer-lasting grill.

Taking just 15–20 minutes to clean before firing it up saves you from burnt food, flare-ups, and extra scrubbing later on.

Whether you're using a natural method with baking soda or gearing up with tools like a wood grill scraper or bristle-free brush, your grill (and your guests) will thank you.

So next time you're tempted to skip the clean, remember this: a clean grill is a happy grill—and a tasty one, too.