There’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over charcoal. But over time, grease and residue can build up, affecting both the taste of your dishes and the longevity of your grill. 

To ensure your grill performs at its best and your food tastes its finest, it’s essential to keep it clean.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through various methods to clean your charcoal grill to get it ready for your next backyard barbecue.

How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

Method 1: Scraper and Soapy Water

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	8
Time Needed	Approximately 45 minutes
Materials Needed	Grill scraper Warm, soapy water Sponge or cloth Grill brush

1. Remove the grill grates and charcoal from the grill. Take out the ash catcher/bowl as well, and dispose of any ashes.

2. Wash the ash catcher with warm soapy water to remove any residue.

3. Use a scraper to remove stubborn residue and food grease buildup that have burnt onto the sides of the grill, including the lid.

4. Rinse both the inside and outside of the grill with warm soapy water.

5. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any remaining grime, then rinse with clean water.

6. Soak the grill grates in warm soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes to help loosen grime.

7. After soaking, scrub the grates thoroughly with a grill brush to remove any remaining residue.

8. Rinse the grates thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue and allow them to air dry completely.

Method 2: Dish Soap and Degreaser

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	7
Time Needed	Approximately 1 hour, including waiting time for degreaser
Materials Needed	Dish soap Degreaser Steel wool Grill brush  Clean cloth

1. Clear out any remaining debris and ash from the ash catcher/bowl of the grill. 

2. Give it a thorough scrub using dish soap and steel wool to help remove grease and grime buildup effectively.

3. Repeat the cleaning process for the underside of the lid to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

4. Place the grill grates in a well-ventilated area. Spray generously with a strong degreaser and make sure that you cover every spot.

5. Let the degreaser sit on the grates for 30–45 minutes to allow the chemicals to penetrate and break down stubborn grease and grime.

6. After the designated time, scrub the grates with a grill brush or steel wool to remove the loosened dirt.

7. Finally, rinse the grates thoroughly with clean water to wash away any remaining residue and wipe with a clean cloth.

Method 2.1: Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Difficulty Level	Easy
Number of Steps	6
Time Needed	Approximately 1 hour, including waiting time for the paste
Materials Needed	Dish soap Baking soda  Grill brush or steel wool

If you’re not into using harsh chemicals and want to go for gentle products instead, you may clean your grates using dish soap and baking soda. Here’s how:

1. In a bowl, mix dish soap and baking soda to form a thick paste. The dish soap will help to break down grease, while the baking soda will act as a mild abrasive to scrub away stubborn residue.

2. Spread the cleaning paste evenly over the grates using a brush or sponge and ensure that all areas are covered with the paste.

3. Let the cleaning paste sit on the grates for at least 45 minutes. This allows the combination of dish soap and baking soda to penetrate and loosen the grease and grime, making it easier to remove.

4. After the designated time, use a grill brush or steel wool to scrub the grates thoroughly. Focus on areas with stubborn residue, applying extra pressure as needed to remove buildup.

5. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the grates thoroughly with clean water to wash away the cleaning paste and any loosened debris.

6. After rinsing, allow the grates to air dry completely before reassembling them into the grill. This ensures that no moisture is trapped, which could lead to rust or corrosion.

Method 3: Aluminum Foil

Difficulty Level	Easy
Number of Steps	4
Time Needed	Approximately 30 minutes
Materials Needed	Aluminum foil Putty knife or grill scraper

Cleaning your charcoal grill can be a breeze with this simple yet effective method using aluminum foil. Here’s how:

1. Get a sheet of aluminum foil and crumple it into a ball.

2. Remove the grill grates and use the balled-up aluminum foil to scrub the grill grates vigorously, removing any stuck-on residue and grease.

3. Once the grates are clean, sweep out any debris from the bottom of the grill. Be sure not to miss corners and crevices where debris may accumulate.

4. For any stubborn residue or dirt, use a putty knife or grill scraper to dislodge it from the grill grates or interior surfaces. Be careful not to damage the grill surfaces while scraping, especially if they are coated or non-stick.

Method 4: Dish Detergent and Eraser Sponge

Difficulty Level	Easy
Number of Steps	4
Time Needed	Approximately 30 minutes
Materials Needed	Bowl  Hot water Dish detergent Eraser sponge Towel

1. Mix the hot water and dish detergent in a bowl to create a soapy solution.

2. Dip the eraser sponge into the soapy solution.

3. Use the eraser sponge to scrub the charcoal grill grates thoroughly. The abrasive surface of the sponge helps to remove grease and grime, leaving the grates clean and shiny.

4. Dip a towel into the soapy water solution, and use it to clean off the remaining surfaces of the grill. Ensure all areas, including the interior and exterior surfaces, are wiped clean to remove any lingering residue.

Method 5: Oven Cleaner

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	7
Time Needed	Approximately 1 hour
Materials Needed	Oven cleaner Grill brush Cloth or paper towels Warm water Dish detergent

1. Take the grill grates and remove any ashes from the bottom of the grill and ash catcher.

2. Spray oven cleaner on the grill grates and the inside of the grill, covering them evenly. 

3. Allow the cleaner to penetrate and loosen grease and grime while you proceed with the next steps.

4. Mix warm water and dish detergent in a container to create a cleaning solution.

5. Use a cloth or paper towel dampened with the cleaning solution to wipe down the exterior of the grill, removing any dirt or residue.

6. Use the same cleaning solution to scrub the grill grates and the inside of the grill thoroughly. Ensure all surfaces are cleaned and pay attention to areas with stubborn buildup.

7. Rinse off the entire grill with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner and residue, and wipe everything dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Method 6: White Vinegar and Water

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	5
Time Needed	Approximately 20 to 30 minutes
Materials Needed	White vinegar Water Spray bottle Aluminum foil  Clean cloth

1. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar.

2. Spray the vinegar solution onto the grill grates and ensure the whole area is covered.

3. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the grates for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to penetrate and dissolve stubborn residue.

4. After the vinegar has had time to work, use a ball of aluminum foil sprayed with more vinegar to rub the grates and interior of the grill.

5. Rinse the grates off with clean water and wipe with a clean cloth.