How to Clean a Flat Commercial Grill

Some specialty commercial grills have specific cleaning requirements or equipment for their product. Therefore, it's important that you read the instructions before cleaning the flat top grill. Some grills are required to be hot when cleaned while others need to be warm. Use the manufacturer's instructions as a guide to substitute any of the cleaning items as required.

Heat the grill, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The heat helps soften or remove hardened residue on the grill.

Scrape off the grease and residue. Use a heavy duty, stainless steel grill scraper with a triangular design. This allows you to get to the corners of the flat top grill. Wear heat and flame resistant kitchen gloves to prevent burning and an apron to protect your clothes.

Scrub the grill with a scouring pad. Spray the grill with a grill cleaning solution or use soapy warm water. Clean the surface by scrubbing the grill in a circular motion. Use a heat-resistant grill squeegee to scrape the residue into the grease catcher. Wipe clean the grill surface with an all-purpose cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Apply a light coating of vegetable oil to protect the grill from rusting. Dip a paper towel in some vegetable oil and apply it to the grill surface.

Clean out the grease catcher. Use paper towels to remove the fat and oil in the catcher. Empty it out into a trash bag rather than a sink; the animal fat and grease may block your drainage. After emptying most of the fat, wash the tray with warm, soapy water. Place it back in the grill when it's clean and dry.

Make your own cleaning solution as it can be convenient and help you save money. Add equal parts of vinegar and water to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to combine and coat the surface of the flat top grill. The acid in the vinegar helps break down the grill residue. Let the vinegar sit on the grill for about 5 minutes and scrub clean the surface.