25 Jun 2026
BBQ cleaning cheat sheet:
- Clean your BBQ after every few uses to prevent stubborn build-up.
- Warm grills are easier to clean than cold ones.
- Dishwasher tablets can help tackle burnt-on grease.
- An onion can help loosen grime on warm grill bars.
- Empty out ash and grease trays regularly.
- A deep clean at the start and end of BBQ season makes life easier.
- Always let your BBQ cool before dismantling or cleaning.
You know summer is here when you’re dusting off the BBQ!
Unfortunately, the first thing many of us find is last year's sausages still clinging to the grill.
The good news? Cleaning a BBQ is easier than you think. A few simple steps can remove grease and burnt-on black bits, leaving everything ready for your next feast.
Why it's worth cleaning your BBQ properly.
Built-up grease, food residue and ash can:
- Affect the flavour of your food
- Increase the risk of flaming flare-ups
- Make your BBQ less efficient
- Encourage rust
- Create an ideal home for bacteria
What to do after every BBQ.
The best way to keep a BBQ manageable is to clean it before you put that cover back on.
While the grill is still warm (but not scorching hot):
- Brush away any food residue
- Scrape off any burnt bits
- Remove excess grease
- Empty grease trays if needed
Warm grime is easier to remove than cold grime that's had months to settle and grow fungus!
Introducing the onion trick.
One BBQ cleaning favourite involves the humble onion. You can use this after every cook-out.
Once the grill has cooled a bit (but is still warm):
- Cut an onion in half
- Spear it with a BBQ fork or long fork
- Rub the cut side across the grill bars
The moisture and natural acids will loosen food residue while also lifting away grease. It's not a replacement for a proper deep clean, but it's a handy maintenance hack between bigger cleans.
How to deep clean a charcoal BBQ.
Before you start, make sure everything is completely cool.
Step 1: Remove leftover ash and charcoal.
Top tip: untreated ash can often be added to compost or garden waste, but instant-light charcoal should go in the bin.
Step 2: Wash the bowl and lid.
Using warm water and smol Washing Up Liquid, wash the inside and outside of the BBQ.
A compostable sponge or old dishbrush head should lift grime without scratching surfaces.
Step 3: Tackle the grill rack.
For stubborn grease:
- Wrap the rack in aluminium foil
- Place it in a bath, sink or large container
- Add a smol Dishwasher Tablet
- Cover with hot water
- Leave for a couple of hours (or overnight if possible)
- Once soaked, rinse thoroughly, recycle the aluminium foil (and admire your life choices)
Step 4: Check for rust.
Small rust spots can often be loosened with a little ketchup before wiping clean. It sounds crazy but it works.
How to deep clean a gas BBQ.
Gas BBQs have a few extra components that need attention.
Step 1: Burn off the worst of the mess.
Turn the BBQ on high for around 10 minutes with the lid closed.
This helps burn away grease and food residue before cleaning begins.
Allow it to cool until warm rather than hot.
Step 2: Clean the cooking grates.
Remove the grates and either:
- Scrub with a grill brush and smol Washing Up Liquid
- Soak in hot water with a dissolved Dishwasher Tablet
- Rub with a damp dishwasher tablet for stubborn areas
Step 3: Clean burners and flavour bars.
Remove flavouriser bars and brush the burner tubes carefully using an old toothbrush, following the direction of the openings. This helps keep gas flowing properly and prevents blockages.
Step 4: Empty grease trays.
Empty the grease trays and wash them thoroughly with hot water and smol’s plant powered Washing Up Liquid before replacing.
Step 5: Finish with a wipe down.
A final wipe using smol Multi Purpose Spray will have the outside looking as good as the inside.
Can you clean a BBQ with a dishwasher tablet?
Yes.
Dishwasher Tablets break down dried-on food, grease and grime, so they’re surprisingly useful for BBQ grills. Whether you soak racks in some hot water with a dissolved tablet or gently rub a damp tablet across greasy areas, they can make light work of stubborn residue.
BBQ cleaning FAQs.
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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