There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a steak, the aroma of grilled veggies, or the satisfaction of a perfectly seared burger to bring people together. However, with all the good times and delicious food, it’s easy to overlook the aftermath – a grill caked with grease and grime from previous meals.
Left untreated, residue from previous meals can affect the flavor of your food and even cause flare-ups that might burn what you’re cooking. A dirty grill can also harbor bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. A clean grill, on the other hand, ensures that your food cooks well and tastes even better.
This is where Dawn dish soap can make a difference. If you’ve been wondering whether you can use Dawn to clean your grill, the answer is yes. In this article, we explain why it works and how you apply it to clear away stubborn buildup.
Why Use Dawn Dish Soap on Your Grill?
Dawn dish soap is well-known for its grease-cutting abilities. It’s used to clean dishes, pots, and pans for that reason, but can it handle the grime on your grill? The short answer is yes, but there are certain steps to follow to ensure it’s done correctly.
When applied, Dawn breaks down the oils and fats that cling to your grill grates, turning them into a soapy solution that can be easily rinsed away. It’s also gentle enough to use on various grill surfaces, including stainless steel (304 grade), cast iron, and porcelain-coated grills. A small amount goes a long way, which means you can create a super powerful cleaning solution without needing to use a lot of product.
How to Clean Your Grill With Dawn Dish Soap
Ready to start cleaning? Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- Concentrated dish soap like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
- Long-handled bristle-free or stiff nylon grill brush
- Soft sponge
- Reusable cloth or towel
Once you’ve assembled your supplies, follow the steps below.
1. Bring on the Heat
If you have a gas grill, turn it on and fire up those burners with the hood closed. Let it heat for at least 15 minutes to help burn off any residual grease or food. If you have a charcoal grill, make sure to throw out any leftover briquettes and just scrape away the grime. Then remove any removable parts like grease trays, knobs, and racks.
2. Let the Grill Cool (Gas Grills)
Turn the gas grill off. Once it’s completely cooled down, remove the propane tank and set it aside in a place where it won’t get dropped or bumped.
3. Let the Suds Get to Work
Remove your grill grates and spray them from front to back with Dawn® Powerwash, making sure to keep the nozzle about 3-6 inches away from the surface. Coat the entire surface and allow the suds to work for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub and Rinse
Once your grates have had time to sit, give them a quick scrub with a bristle-free or stiff nylon grill brush. Grab your hose and rinse thoroughly until all suds are gone. Then wipe down with a paper towel or clean cloth, allowing them to air dry.
5. Clean the Outside of the Grill
Close the hood and spray the exterior, non-cooking surfaces of your grill with Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. Scrub the outside of the grill with a soft sponge and then rinse with clean water until there are no more suds left. Use a soft towel to wipe everything down until dry.
6. Fire it Up
Once everything is dry, reassemble your grill by putting the burners, racks, and any additional parts back in place and reconnect your propane tank (if you have a gas grill). Fire up those burners with the hood closed for about 20 minutes. This step helps to burn off any residue that may have been left over during the cleaning process.
BBQ Surfaces to Avoid with Dawn Soap
While Dawn is great for cleaning your grill, there are a few surfaces in your BBQ area that you should avoid:
- Wood: Avoid unsealed, varnished, stained, or painted wood surfaces and furniture. While Dawn can be used safely on wood cutting boards if rinsed thoroughly, it is not recommended for unsealed wood surfaces, which can absorb the soap, leading to potential damage.
- Unfinished Cast Aluminum: Avoid using Dawn on unfinished cast aluminum surfaces and fixtures. Aluminum can be sensitive to cleaning products, and using Dawn might cause discoloration or damage. If you get any of it on finished aluminum items, spray and immediately rinse them to avoid any adverse effects.
- Uncoated Metals: Uncoated metals, including some types of iron and steel, can react with the ingredients in Dawn, potentially leading to rust or other forms of corrosion. Always ensure that any metal surfaces that are exposed to Dawn are properly coated or finished to prevent these issues.
- Leather or Fabric Grill Covers: If you have a leather or fabric grill cover, avoid using Dawn on these materials. The soap can strip away natural oils from leather, causing it to dry out and crack. Fabric covers might absorb the soap, leading to potential staining and weakening of the fibers. Instead, use a cleaner specifically designed for these materials to keep them in good condition.
For a Deeper BBQ Clean, Call the Pros!
Dawn dish soap is a safe and effective way to keep your grill in top condition. Regular BBQ cleaning not only improves the taste of your food but also extends the life of your grill, so when buildup occurs, grab that Dawn dish soap and get scrubbing – your grill (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Want an alternative to dish soap? Try detailing your BBQ with CLR or even WD-40. If you need a deep clean, San Diego BBQ offers top-of-the-line grill cleaner services, repair, and replacement services. Since we opened in 2010, we have serviced over 40,000 grills in San Diego County, and look forward to helping you get your BBQ ready for your next big cookout. To schedule a free estimate, call (858) 605-5777 today.
