How to Clean Your Gas Grill Like a Pro

How to Clean Your Gas Grill Like a Pro. I am often asked how I keep my Hestan gas grill so clean, and today, I am breaking down the steps I take to maintain it.

My Hestan gas grill is almost 4 years old, and we use it year-round here in Ontario, Canada—yes, even in the winter! With regular cleaning and maintenance, it still looks and performs like new, despite the seasonal elements and frequent use.

Proud Hestan Ambassador. Opinions in the post are my own.

How to Clean Your Gas Grill – Watch the Step-by-Step Video

Why Regular Grill Maintenance Matters

Keeping your grill clean is not just about appearances—it is also key to maintaining the performance and longevity of your Hestan. Built with premium materials like diamond-cut stainless-steel grates, this grill deserves the care that will keep it running beautifully for years to come. A clean grill ensures optimal heat distribution, reduces flare-ups, and enhances the flavour of your food by preventing old grease and residue from affecting your cook.

What You will Need:

• Quality griddle cleaning pads and screens and/or restaurant-quality heavy duty griddle pads
• Warm, soapy water
• Multipurpose disposable gloves
• Waterproof and heat-resistant gloves
• Grill brick (optional, for added shine)
• Dawn Powerwash (or a similar grease-cutting cleaner)
• Non-scratch scrub pad
• Soft microfiber cloths for wiping down surfaces
• Elbow Grease

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

1. Prepping the Grill

After you have cooked your meal and the grill has cooled slightly but is still warm, turn the burners back on to low.

Remember to always wear waterproof and heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands while cleaning.

2. Cleaning the Grates

In my experience, traditional grill brushes just do not cut it when it comes to cleaning Hestan’s diamond-cut stainless-steel grates. Instead, I prefer griddle cleaning pads and screens. The textured surface of the pad does a much better job of scrubbing off debris without damaging the stainless steel.    

Dip the griddle pad in warm, soapy water and use it to scrub the grates, working in sections. The heat from the grill, combined with the water and soap, creates steam that helps lift the stubborn food particles and grease. This method not only gets rid of food remnants but leaves the grates looking refreshed.

3. Scrubbing with a Grill Brick (Optional)

For an extra sparkle, I will occasionally use a grill brick. This is not necessary every time, but it can be a great finishing touch when you want your grill looking showroom shiny.✨ A few gentle passes with the brick will leave your grates gleaming.

4. Rinsing the Grates After Scrubbing

After using griddle cleaning pads, screens, or a grill brick, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse the grates in warm, soapy water. These cleaning tools can sometimes leave behind small particles or residue, especially after heavy scrubbing.

To ensure that no debris from the pads or brick remains on the grates, follow these steps:

1. Remove the Grates: After scrubbing, carefully lift the grates from the grill while wearing heat-resistant gloves.
2. Soak in Soapy Water: Fill a basin or your kitchen sink with warm, soapy water and soak the grates for a few minutes. This helps loosen any remaining particles or grease.
3. Scrub and Rinse: Use a clean sponge or scrub pad to go over the grates one last time. Then, rinse them thoroughly with warm water to remove soap and any residue from the cleaning tools.
4. Dry Completely: Before placing the grates back on your grill, make sure they are completely dry to prevent any rusting or corrosion.

This extra rinse step is especially important to avoid any leftover particles from transferring to your food during the next cook. Plus, it leaves your grates spotless and ready for the next grilling session! 

5. Cleaning the Interior

The interior sides and back of the grill will accumulate grease and splatters, especially after high heat cooking sessions. To clean these areas, I rely on Dawn Powerwash. It is fantastic at cutting through tough grease. Simply spray the interior down and let it sit for a few minutes to begin lifting the grime.

After the grease starts to loosen, use a non-scratch scrub pad to gently work away the buildup. Once the interior looks clean, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any residue. This step will help prevent grease from baking onto the surfaces during future cooks.

6. Flip the Briquette Trays

When the grill has completely cooled, remove the grill grates, to expose the flip-to-clean radiant trays with ceramic briquettes. Turn the dirty side over so that it is facing the trellis burners and will burn off when you preheat the grill.

7. Cleaning the Drip Tray

One of the most overlooked parts of grill maintenance is the drip tray, but it plays a critical role in keeping your grill running efficiently and safely. The drip tray collects excess grease and food debris, preventing flare-ups and fires. Here’s how to clean it properly:

1. Remove the Drip Tray: After the grill has cooled, slide the drip tray out carefully, and place on a flat surface (protect that surface from getting soiled with cardboard or a garbage bag) Make sure to wear gloves, as it may still be greasy or dirty from previous cooks.
2. Scrape Off Excess Grease: Using a spatula or scraper, gently remove any accumulated grease or solid food debris. Avoid using anything too abrasive that could scratch the tray.
3. Spray with Grease-Cutting Cleaner: Liberally spray the cleaner over the entire base of the tray and let it sit for a few minutes or until you see the grease lifting. Once the grease has loosened, wipe it off with a cloth or paper towels.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the drip tray thoroughly with warm water to remove soap and leftover grime. Dry it completely before placing it back into the grill to prevent rust or corrosion.

Why Maintaining the Drip Tray is Important

Regularly cleaning the drip tray is crucial for several reasons:

• Fire Prevention: Excess grease buildup can ignite, leading to dangerous flare-ups or even a grease fire.
• Performance: A clean drip tray helps your grill operate more efficiently by allowing proper airflow and reducing smoke caused by burning debris.
• Prolonged Lifespan: Just like the rest of your grill, keeping the drip tray clean prevents rust and deterioration, extending the life of your grill.

Make sure to check and clean the drip tray every few cooks to keep your grill performing at its best.

8. Cleaning the Exterior

Only clean the exterior of the grill when it is cool to the touch.

Mix a mild liquid dish detergent with warm water, then use a microfiber cloth to wash the grill. (paper towels and scouring pads are rough and can scratch the surface). Wipe with the grain of the stainless-steel finish (which is usually from side to side). Rinse well with clean water, then dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth (this prevents water stains that occur from air drying).

9. Maintaining Your Grill to Avoid Deep Cleans

One of my biggest tips for grill maintenance is to wipe down the grill immediately after each use. When the grill is still warm, it is much easier to remove grease and food particles. By doing this after every cook, you will reduce the need for heavy scrubbing later, saving you time and effort.

10. Invest in a Grill Cover

A grill cover is a small investment that offers significant protection, helping you keep your grill cleaner and in better condition for longer.

• Protection from the Elements: Even though high-end grills like Hestan are built to withstand outdoor conditions, exposure to rain, snow, sun, and humidity can cause damage over time. A cover provides a protective barrier, preventing water from seeping into the grill, which could lead to rust, corrosion, or staining.
• Keeping Out Dirt and Debris: A cover also shields your grill from dust, pollen, leaves, and other outdoor debris. Without a cover, you may find yourself cleaning off layers of dirt before each use, which can add to your maintenance time.
• Prevents Animal Intrusions: A grill cover can help keep critters like birds, insects, or rodents from getting into your grill. This reduces the likelihood of unwanted messes or damage from nesting materials.
• UV Protection: Constant exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration or fading, even on a sturdy grill like a Hestan. A cover with UV protection helps maintain the grill’s appearance and prevents wear and tear on the exterior finish.
• Minimizes Regular Cleaning: While wiping down your grill after each use is recommended, using a cover minimizes the amount of dust, grime, and moisture that accumulates on the exterior, making your cleaning routine easier and less frequent.

How to Clean Your Gas Grill Like a Pro – Final Thoughts

Cleaning your grill might seem like a chore, but with the right tools and a consistent routine, it does not have to be a hassle. The griddle cleaning pads, screens, and restaurant-quality griddle pads make the job easier, and occasionally using a grill brick adds that extra shine we all love. Taking care of your Hestan gas grill ensures it remains in top condition, allowing you to enjoy perfect meals for years to come.

Very dirty grills or deeply baked in stains may require the use of an oven or grill spray cleaner. Follow the product instructions and be sure to wear protective equipment (gloves, mask, safety glasses). 

Leave a Comment

Did you find these grill cleaning tips helpful? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below👇 Each review helps so much! Thank you, Elaine & James

Happy Grilling!