How to Clean Your BBQ Grill Before Every Use This Montreal Summer

Summer in Montreal means one thing above all else: the BBQ is running. Whether you're on a Plateau balcony, a Brossard backyard, or a Verdun rooftop terrace, grilling season is in full swing. But here's the thing most people skip — a quick clean before each cook makes a bigger difference than scrubbing the whole thing at season's end.

Why Pre-Cook Cleaning Actually Matters

Leftover grease and charred residue from your last session don't just affect flavour. They create flare-ups, attract insects, and over time cause your grates to corrode faster. Montreal summers are hot and humid — exactly the conditions that turn old grease rancid between cookouts. A five-minute routine before you fire up protects your food, your guests, and your investment.

Your Quick Pre-Cook BBQ Cleaning Routine

• Preheat first, then brush. Turn all burners to high and close the lid for 10–15 minutes. This burns off residue and makes it far easier to scrape away. Use a sturdy wire brush or a bristle-free grill brush (safer for avoiding wire fragments in food).
• Scrape the grates while hot. Once preheated, scrub the grates firmly with your brush. Go with the grain of cast iron or stainless grates. A balled-up piece of aluminum foil held with tongs works well in a pinch.
• Check the drip tray. Pull out the grease collection tray underneath. If it's more than half full, empty it into a sealed bag before cooking. A full tray is a fire hazard, especially during a long July cookout.
• Wipe down the outside surfaces. A damp cloth over the lid and side shelves takes 60 seconds and stops grime from baking onto the finish in the heat.
• Oil the grates lightly. Fold a paper towel, dip it in a high-smoke-point oil like canola, and wipe it across the grates using tongs. This prevents sticking and adds a layer of seasoning — especially important for cast iron grates.

Once a Month: The Deeper Clean

Beyond the quick pre-cook routine, plan one more thorough session each month during grilling season. Remove the grates completely and wash them with warm soapy water. Use a plastic scraper to clear out the burner covers and the bottom of the firebox where ash and grease accumulate. Rinse everything well and let it dry fully before reassembling — moisture trapped inside accelerates rust.

If you have a gas BBQ, take 30 seconds to inspect the burner tubes for blockages. Spiders are surprisingly fond of building nests inside gas lines over a few days of non-use, and a blocked tube means uneven heat or worse.

When to Call It

If your grates are deeply pitted, your burners are cracked, or no amount of scrubbing is shifting the buildup, it may be time for replacement parts rather than more elbow grease. Most Montreal hardware stores and big-box retailers carry universal grill grates and burner kits that fit common BBQ models.

A clean grill isn't just about appearances — it's what separates a good cookout from a great one. Keep up with the small steps before each use and your BBQ will reward you all the way through Labour Day weekend.