How to Clean Your Monument Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the arrival of fall, it's the perfect time to give your Monument grill a thorough cleaning. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your grill but also ensures that the flavors from past cooks don't interfere with your current culinary creations. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean your grill effectively.

1. Check the Drip Pan

Before you start, turn off all burner controls and the gas supply, and let the grill and grease cool completely. Then check your drip pan to ensure it is empty. The drip pan collects grease and food particles, and if left unattended, it can become a fire hazard. Remove the pan, empty its contents, and give it a good wash with warm, soapy water. Dry it thoroughly before placing it back.

2. Clean the Grates

Next, focus on the grates. Using a citrus-based cleaner, spray the grates generously and let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to break down any stubborn residue. With a grill brush suited to your grate material, scrub the grates thoroughly, making sure to clean both sides. Once clean, remove the grates from the grill, rinse off any cleaner as its label directs, and dry them completely. Check for loose brush bristles before the grates go back in.

3. Tackle the Heat Shields

Heat shields can accumulate a lot of grease and food particles over time. Spray them with the citrus-based cleaner and use a grill brush to scrub them clean. Remove the heat shields from the grill and set them aside to dry.

4. Clean the Interior and Exterior

Spray the interior sides of the grill with the cleaner, keeping it away from the burners, igniter, gas valves and control panel, and wipe them down with a sponge. Pay special attention to any corners or crevices where grease might accumulate. For the exterior, use a mild soap and warm water solution to wipe down the surfaces. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that might damage the finish. If your grill lives near the ocean, salty air means the exterior needs this wipe-down more often, and our guide to maintaining your grill's exterior on the coast covers a simple weekly routine.

5. Remove and Clean the Bottom Tray

The bottom tray of the grill often collects a lot of debris. Remove the tray, spray it with the cleaner, and scrub it clean. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before placing it back in the grill.

6. Reassemble Your Grill

Once all the components are clean and dry, it's time to reassemble your grill. Place the bottom tray back in, followed by the heat shields and grates. Make sure everything is securely in place. Once a year, go a step further and clean the burners and burner tubes as well; our annual deep clean guide for Monument grills walks through that process.

How to Clean the Glass Window

If your grill has a Clearview glass window in the lid, clean it only when the grill is completely cool. Wipe away loose debris with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth, then spray a non-abrasive glass cleaner or degreaser onto the cloth, not directly on the glass, and wipe gently in circles. For tough buildup, let the cleaner sit for 30–60 seconds before wiping, and use a soft sponge rather than abrasive tools. Buff the glass dry with a clean section of the cloth. If you need to take the glass out of the lid, follow our guide on how to remove and clean the Clearview glass window.

Enjoy a Clean Grilling Experience

With your grill now spotless, you're ready to enjoy a great grilling experience. Regular cleaning not only enhances the performance of your grill but also ensures that your food tastes its best. By following these steps, you can keep your Monument grill in top condition, ready for all your fall grilling adventures. Happy grilling!