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What Happens When You Store a Dirty Grill for Months

  • Writer: gloryann caloyon
    gloryann caloyon
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

What Happens When You Store a Dirty Grill for Months

You wrapped up summer, grilled your last burger, and wheeled the BBQ back into storage—without giving it a proper cleaning. No big deal, right?

Actually, it’s a very big deal.

At Grill Cleaning Los Angeles, we’ve seen what really happens to grills that sit dirty for months—and it’s not pretty. If you haven’t cleaned your grill before storage, here’s what you might be facing when you fire it up again.

1. Grease Turns Into a Sticky, Flammable Mess

All that grease from burgers, steaks, and marinades doesn’t just sit there harmlessly. Over time, it hardens into thick, sticky gunk. This buildup:

  • Attracts pests

  • Becomes extremely flammable

  • Blocks burners and air vents

  • Traps moisture, leading to rust

It’s one of the top causes of grill flare-ups and uneven heating when you finally use it again.

2. Mold Can Grow Inside Your Grill

Yes, mold. When food particles, grease, and moisture sit untouched, your grill becomes the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Especially in humid areas like Los Angeles.

The scariest part? You might not even see it right away—it can hide under the grates or inside the firebox.

3. Pests Move In

Rodents, spiders, and insects love an abandoned, dirty grill. We’ve cleaned out grills with:

  • Spider webs blocking burner tubes

  • Rodent droppings inside the drip pan

  • Ants nesting in leftover grease

Storing your grill dirty is like putting out a welcome mat for unwanted guests.

4. Rust Starts Forming Fast

Grease traps moisture. So when a dirty grill sits unused, rust starts forming—especially on:

  • Grates

  • Burner tubes

  • Screws and internal panels

This isn’t just cosmetic damage. Rust can weaken parts, clog holes, and reduce the lifespan of your grill.

5. Your Grill Won’t Work Right When You Need It

When you finally fire it up again, you may notice:

  • Uneven flames

  • Weak ignition

  • Strange smells

  • Smoke from old residue

That quick BBQ you planned turns into frustration and cleanup—or worse, a fire hazard.

6. DIY Cleaning Is 10x Harder After Months of Neglect

Once all that gunk hardens and sits for months, it’s extremely tough to remove. Bristle brushes won’t cut it. You’ll need heavy-duty degreasers, tools, and time to bring it back to usable condition.

That’s why many people call us after attempting to clean it themselves—only to give up halfway through.

What You Should Do Instead

Before you store your grill—even if it’s “just for a little while”—take the time to:

  • Remove grease from the drip pan

  • Scrape and clean the grates

  • Wipe down the inside of the lid

  • Clean out burner holes and vents

  • Cover it properly to protect from the elements

Or better yet…

Let a Pro Do It Right the First Time

A professional deep cleaning:

  • Removes all grease, buildup, and debris

  • Inspects burners, ignition, and valves

  • Helps prevent rust, mold, and pest infestations

  • Saves you hours of scrubbing later

At Grill Cleaning Los Angeles, we clean, inspect, and prepare your grill for storage—so it’s ready to go when you are.

Schedule Your Off-Season Grill Cleaning

Don’t let your investment sit and rot. Whether it’s been a few weeks or a few months, we can bring your grill back to life safely and professionally.

👉 Book your service today at grillcleaninglosangeles.com

 
 
 

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