What Happens When You Store a Dirty Grill for Months
- gloryann caloyon
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read

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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