How To Pressure Clean Your Barbecue Grill Without Damaging It

ByJamey Reviewed on

There’s a debate in the barbecue world right now: Should you pressure wash your grill or gently hand wash your grill?

Arguments supporting pressure washing are it will be easier, quicker and more effective, and will drive away tough grease and grime from hard to hand clean areas.

Arguments against pressure washing are it will drive material into the burners affecting gas flow, and will cause grease to go all over your yard attracting ants.

Deciding how YOU should clean your grill really comes down to this:

  • Use a pressure washer if you want to complete the job in 10-15 minutes
  • Hand scrub and scrape if you’re fine doing so for the 1 hour it will take to complete the job thoroughly.

If you take the proper precautions you will not damage your grill by pressure washing. Disconnecting the electric start and propane tank are the obvious precautions. You could even go a step further and tape a plastic bag around the gas regulator connection once detached.

Watch this video to learn how to pressure wash your grill the right way:

Steps To Pressure Washing Your Grill The Right Way

  • Disconnect propane tank, disconnect electrical, remove grates to clean separately.
  • Use pressure washer safe degreaser detergent. Apply degreaser to the grill from the bottom up. Be mindful of the heating elements and adjust distance of pressure washer water jet likewise.
  • Once degreaser is applied let it sit for 3-5 minutes to make the rinse down a breeze.
  • Now connect the 15 or 25 degree nozzle to wash away all the grease, grime and degreaser detergent. Use a top down rinsing technique just like for your car and boat.
  • A turbo nozzle can be used if the grease is really badly caked-on.
  • Coat the cooking grid and grates with oil once dry.

Also Read: How To Pressure Wash Your Car’s Engine Bay

Which Pressure Washers Should Be Used To Clean Your Barbecue Grill?

  • Gas power washers are more grunt and should be used if you are a heavy griller and haven’t cleaned it in ages.
  • Electric pressure washers are more affordable but less powerful. They will usually get the job done if you clean your grill regularly.

Sources:

  1. Arguments against pressure washing here.
  2. For pressure washing here.
Jamey

Jamey is the founder of pressurewashr.com and has led testing and reviewing since 2013. He has also worked as a commercial pressure washer at a rendering plant for 3 years and has been using commercial and residential pressure washers for 15+ years. He is also a mechanical engineer and while working in the mining industry designed several turn-key light industrial vehicle wash pads.