So you’re gearing up for your next BBQ, only to find out your grill has some unwelcome guests—mold! It’s not the most pleasant surprise, but don’t stress.

Mold can grow in your grill, especially if it’s been exposed to moisture or leftover food bits.

The good news is, cleaning mold out of your grill is totally doable.

In this post, I’ll show you how to get rid of mold in grills step by step.

Why Does My Grill Have Mold In It?

Mold loves damp, warm, and dark places, and unfortunately, grills are the perfect environment.

After cooking, if you leave food particles or grease behind, and the grill isn’t properly cleaned, mold can start to grow. If you store the grill in a humid place, like your garage or on a covered patio, it’s even more likely to happen.

Moisture is the main reason for mold in your grill.

Even if your grill is covered, any trapped moisture or leftover food from the last cookout can create the perfect breeding ground for mold.

If you’ve been using your grill a lot and haven’t taken the time to clean it thoroughly, it might not be long before you notice mold showing up on the grates or inside the cooking chamber.

How To Clean Mold Out Of A Grill

Now, the good news is you don’t have to toss your grill just because there’s a little mold. Cleaning it is simple and doesn’t require any fancy tools.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting rid of the mold in grills:

Step 1: Safety First

Before you start cleaning, make sure to wear gloves, a mask, and some old clothes.

Mold is super harmful if you inhale or if it touches your skin, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A basic dust mask is better than nothing, an N-95 respirator is a lot better because it actually filters out those tiny mold spores.

Open up your grill and give it some time to air out. If you’re working indoors, make sure the room is well-ventilated.

Once you’ve got your gear on and the area is ready, it’s time to get to work.

Step 2: Burn The Mold Off

This might sound like a crazy idea, but it actually works wonders.

Light your grill and turn it to high heat (around 500°F). Let it burn for about 15 to 20 minutes.

The high heat will kill the mold and loosen up any stuck-on debris. This is a quick, easy first step to help get rid of a lot of the surface mold.

Keep an eye on your grill while it’s burning. You’ll want to make sure the fire doesn’t get out of control, and it’ll also help to burn off any leftover food or grease.

Once you’ve given it some time to heat up, turn off the grill and let it cool a little before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Scrub Thoroughly

Once the grill is cool enough to touch, it’s time to scrub!

Remove the grates and any other removable parts and give them a good scrub. Use a wire brush or a grill brush to clean off any leftover mold, grease, or food bits.

Make sure to scrub all the surfaces where the mold might have been growing.

If there’s mold on the grates, scrub those down well, too. If it’s stuck in tight spots, you might need a sponge or a scraper to get it all out.

Don’t forget to clean the burners, drip trays, and other parts inside the grill where mold might be hiding.

If you notice any mold stuck in the corners or hard-to-reach spots, a small scrub brush should do the trick.

Step 4: Deep Clean The Interior

Now that you’ve removed most of the mold, it’s time for a deep clean.

Use a soapy solution (dish soap and warm water will work fine) to clean the inside of the grill.

Scrub all the surfaces inside the cooking area, paying attention to the corners and edges. Make sure to get rid of any grease buildup, which is a prime spot for mold to grow in the future.

After scrubbing, wipe down the interior with a clean cloth to remove any leftover soap. You don’t want your grill smelling like soap the next time you fire it up.

Once it’s nice and clean, leave it open for a little while to air out and dry completely before moving on.

Step 5: Disinfect

After the deep clean, it’s a good idea to disinfect the grill.

Use a mixture of water and white vinegar (about 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar). Spray this solution onto the grill and let it sit for a few minutes to disinfect all the surfaces.

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help kill any remaining mold spores.

Once it’s had time to sit, wipe everything down again with a clean cloth.

The vinegar will also help get rid of any lingering smells and leave your grill smelling fresh.

Step 6: Reassemble And Burn Again

Now that everything is clean, dry, and disinfected, it’s time to put your grill back together.

Reassemble all the parts and give everything a once-over to make sure it’s all secure. Once that’s done, fire up the grill one last time for about 15 minutes on high heat.

This final burn will help ensure that everything is completely dry, and it’ll give you peace of mind that all the mold is gone for good.

How To Prevent Mold In Your Grill Again

Now that your grill is clean and mold-free, let’s talk about how to keep it that way.

Preventing mold from coming back is easier than you might think. A few simple maintenance steps can go a long way in keeping your grill in great condition.

Here’s how you can make sure mold stays far away:

Always clean your grill after each use.
Store your grill in a dry, well-ventilated area. If it’s outside, use a weatherproof cover to keep moisture out.
Allow your grill to cool completely before covering it.
Check for mold regularly, especially if your grill has been sitting unused for a while.
If you’re storing your grill for the winter, give it a thorough clean and keep it covered until you’re ready to use it again.

Bottom Line

Mold in your grill isn’t the end of the world. With a little time and effort, you can clean it up and have your grill back to its old self.

Don’t forget about safety—protect yourself from mold spores during the cleaning process, and always make sure to dry everything properly before using the grill again.

With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can avoid mold buildup in the future.

After all, a little care goes a long way in keeping your grill in tip-top shape.

FAQs

Is Mold On Grill Dangerous?

Yes, mold on a grill can be dangerous, especially if left untreated.

Mold spores can be harmful if inhaled, and they can cause respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, if any mold or mold spores are left behind on the grill’s cooking surfaces, they could potentially contaminate your food.

What Temperature Kills Mold On Grill?

Mold begins to die off at temperatures around 140°F (60°C), but to be extra thorough, you should aim for 400°F (200°C) or higher when you burn off the mold.

The high heat will effectively get rid of mold and make your grill ready to use again.

Mold In Grill? (Your Cleaning Guide)