HOW TO CLEAN A PELLET GRILL

If you have a pellet grill, you know they're designed to practically run themselves, except when it comes time to deep clean. You'll know the time has come when you can't get your grill to light because so much ash has accumulated.

Standard soapy water just isn't strong enough to properly clean a grill. Caustic chemicals are also a big no-no, as they can leave behind residue that can end up on your food.

U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner removes baked-on grease, food, and carbon deposits from your grill and grill grates. This powerful formula can be used on porcelain-coated, stainless steel, cast iron, and other grill rack materials. It's also clean-rinsing, so you can use it to deep clean both the interior and exterior of your grill without worrying about caustic chemical residue.

The best way to clean a pellet grill is to do so after every bag of pellets or roughly every 50 hours of cooking.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A PELLET GRILL:

Interior

Before you start, unplug the grill and let it cool completely.

1. Take out the removable parts. Remove the grates, drip pan, and deflector plate. Use the putty knife to scrape away buildup.
2. Vacuum. Use a shop vac to remove loose ash and debris.
3. Clean the lid. Use the putty knife to scrape away carbon buildup and residue on the lid. Thoroughly spray the lid with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for a couple of minutes to penetrate any missed buildup, then use a clean rag to wipe away the cleaner and the scraped-off gunk.
4. Scrape the inside of the barrel. Make sure to get all the lips and edges, as well as the area in the back where the chimney is attached. Scrape away buildup on the chimney and use the corner of your putty knife to clear the vents in the drip tray. Apply more Simple Green Cleaner to the inside of the barrel, let it sit, and wipe away grime.
5. Vacuum. Use the shop vac to pick up all remaining gunk.
6. Clean the grates. Break apart if possible and soak in Simple Green Cleaner for 5 minutes. Wash by hand or in the dishwasher. If your grates don't break down, clean grates all together. For grates that won't break up, use this tip.
7. Clean the thermometer and grease chute. Spray Simple Green on a paper towel and wipe down the thermometer and grease chute. A clogged chute can cause grease fires.

Exterior

1. Spray Simple Green on the outside and wipe with a clean cloth or paper towels.
2. Reassemble. Put the deflector plate, drip pan, and grates back in, and you're ready to grill again!