# How to clean a gas BBQ Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-gas-bbq Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Char and Smoke **In short:** After each cook, burn off on high for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed, then brush the grates and check the grease tray. Once or twice a season, with the gas off and the grill cold, remove the grates and flavouriser bars, scrape the cookbox, clear the burner ports and venturi tubes, wash the grease tray and check the hose for cracks. A clean gas BBQ heats more evenly, flares up less and lasts longer. Most of the work is a two-minute habit after each cook; a deeper clean at the start and end of the season deals with the rest. This guide covers both, plus what not to use on enamel, cast iron and stainless parts. Always check your manual, because makers differ on cleaning products and burner removal. ## What you need You do not need special chemicals. These basics cover almost every gas grill. - A grill brush or scraper suited to your grates (stainless bristles or a bristle-free scraper). - A plastic scraper for the cookbox and grease tray. - Warm water, washing-up liquid and a non-scratch sponge. - A small wire brush or a straightened paper clip for burner ports. - A venturi brush or pipe cleaner for burner tubes. - Gloves and a bin bag for grease. ## The quick routine after every cook Once you have taken the food off, turn all burners to high, close the lid and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. This turns fat and food residue on the grates to ash. Brush the grates while they are still warm, then turn off at the bottle and the knobs. When the grill is cool, slide out the grease tray and check the drip cup. Scrape solid fat into the bin, never down a drain. A full tray is one of the most common causes of grease fires, so do this every few cooks at least. ## The deep clean, step by step Do a deeper clean at the start of the season, at the end before winter, and whenever the grill heats unevenly. Work with the gas turned off at the bottle and the regulator disconnected, and the grill fully cold. 1. Turn off and disconnect the gas bottle, and move it away from the grill. 2. Remove the cooking grates and soak them in warm soapy water; scrub cast iron gently and dry it fully. 3. Lift out the flavouriser bars or heat tents, scrape off crusted grease and wash them. 4. Brush the burner tubes along their length to clear the ports, brushing side to side rather than into the holes. 5. Clear each burner's venturi tube with a venturi brush; spiders like to nest there. 6. Scrape the inside of the cookbox and lid into the grease tray, then wash and refit the tray. 7. Inspect the hose for cracks, stiffness or damage and replace it if in doubt. 8. Refit everything, reconnect, leak-check with soapy water and run on high for 15 minutes. Note: Clean only with the gas off and the grill cold. After refitting the regulator, check every joint with soapy water before lighting, never with a flame. If burners, valves or the regulator are damaged, replace them with the maker's parts or ask a qualified gas engineer. ## Cleaning different materials Porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates, used on many Weber models, are durable but can chip. Use a brush the maker recommends and avoid knocking them. Bare cast iron needs drying straight away and a thin wipe of cooking oil to stop rust. Stainless steel grates handle firm scrubbing well. Outside, wipe painted and enamelled surfaces with warm soapy water. For stainless steel lids and side tables, wipe with the grain using a stainless cleaner if you like a shine. Avoid oven cleaner on any part unless the manual allows it, because it can damage coatings and leave residue. The black flakes that sometimes appear inside the lid are usually carbonised grease, not peeling paint, and can be brushed off. ## Winter storage in the UK Most UK gas grills sit through a wet winter. After the end-of-season clean, leave the grill dry, cover it with a breathable cover that fits (see [how to measure for a BBQ cover](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/how-to-measure-for-a-bbq-cover)), and disconnect the bottle. Keep the bottle outdoors, upright and in a ventilated place away from drains, never in the house. In spring, check the burners and venturi tubes for insects before the first cook. If the grill is past saving, our [best gas BBQs for UK gardens](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-gas-bbq-uk) guide compares replacements. [Compare gas BBQs](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-gas-bbq-uk) ## Frequently asked questions **How often should I deep clean a gas BBQ?** Twice a season for most households, plus a quick burn-off and brush after every cook. Heavy users may need a deep clean monthly. **Can I put BBQ grates in the dishwasher?** Some makers allow it for certain grates, such as the cast iron on some electric models. Check your manual; most gas grill grates are best washed by hand. **Should I clean the grates before or after cooking?** Both work. Many cooks burn off and brush after cooking, then give a quick brush after preheating. **Why does my gas BBQ keep flaring up?** Usually a dirty grease tray, built-up fat on the flavouriser bars or very fatty food over high heat. Clean the tray and bars and use the cooler zone for fatty meat. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-gas-bbq-uk - https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/weber-gas-bbqs-compared