FSM 387: Cleaning Your Gas BBQ Grill – A Quick Checklist for Food Safety

Subscribe on iTunes

Transcript

[Music]

I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension.

Your gas grill will likely need a good cleaning before you cook out this summer. Start with a safety reset by using these guidelines to keep your family safe.
• Clear away spiderwebs which may cause a flare-up.
• Using a mixture of water and dish soap, spritz the gas line. Look for bubbling indicative of a leak. Repair.
• Clean grates, covers on burners, grease and drip trays with hot, soapy water, rinse and air dry.
• Weber, the largest grill manufacturer in the United States recommends a 14-minute preheat. Heated food debris turns to ash, easier to brush off. Avoid wire bristles which may break off. Instead use crumpled aluminum foil, or brushes with heat-resistant bristles, frequently inspecting them for wear.

Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute. I’m Susie Craig.

[Music]

Resources

United States Department of Agriculture. Press Release 5/13/25. USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines for Your Summer Cookout. Accessed online 3/1/26.

Hope, Paul. Consumer Reports. How to Maintain Your Gas Grill. Accessed online 3/1/26.