Keep Creating: How to Clean Your Weber Genesis

Barbecuing isn’t just about feeding people — it’s about creating something worth remembering. But even the best creations need the right tools, and looking after your Genesis is part of that process. When you keep it clean, it performs at its best. Heat stays even, flavours stay bold, and you stay in control. Here’s how to give your Genesis a proper clean, so it’s ready whenever inspiration strikes. 

Aim to do a deep clean at least twice a year, or every few months if you barbecue often. Always start with the barbecue off, disconnected from the gas, and completely cool. Then work from the top down. 

If you’ve ever noticed spotted black flakes inside the lid, don’t worry, it’s not paint. It’s carbon build-up from smoke and grease. It’s harmless, but it could fall onto your food, so it’s worth brushing away when you see it appear. Use a stainless steel grill brush (like the Weber Grill Brush) to give it a good scrub. Wiping the inside with a paper towel while it’s still warm (not hot) after each cook can help slow the build-up. 

Clean grills mean better searing and less sticking – critical when creating those showstopper meals. While the grills are still in place, brush them down with a stainless steel grill brush to remove any leftover bits. Then lift them out and set aside. If they need extra attention, soak them in warm soapy water before scrubbing and putting them back.

These aren’t just any old metal bars — they’re flavour makers. They catch drippings to create smoky notes, protect your burners, and help stop flare-ups. To clean them, scrape away the build-up with a Cookbox Scraper. If needed, a quick scrub with your grill brush will remove anything stubborn. Once they’re clean, remove them and set them aside for later.

Burners are the heart of your Genesis, so treat them with care. There are two areas to focus on: the burner ports (the small holes along the top) and the spider screens (at the burner ends). 

1. Burner Ports: Brush across (not along) the top of the ports with a clean stainless steel grill brush. Be gentle around the ignition electrode - brush around it carefully to avoid damage. 
2. Spider Screens: Under the control panel, you’ll find small mesh screens where the burners meet the valves. These are spider screens designed to keep curious spiders out. A soft brush will keep them clear so air can flow and heat stays consistent. 

These sit below the burners and help spread heat evenly. They can build up grease, so give them a scrape with a cookbox scraper, then brush lightly if needed. Remove them while you finish cleaning the cookbox. Remember to put them back in the right way round when you’re done. 

This is where everything collects — grease, ash, and food bits. Too much build up here can cause flare-ups, so it’s important to clear it out. Use your cookbox scraper to scrabe debris from the sides and bottom through the opening to the slide-out grease tray. Another simple job that ensures better outcomes.

This part does a lot of the dirty work for you. Slide out the grease tray and catch pan, scrape down the angled tray, discard the drip pan, and give both pieces a wash in warm soapy water. Dry them, replace the drip pan, and slide everything back into place. Job done.

Your Genesis deserves to look as good as it cooks. Here’s how to care for the exterior: 

Stainless Steel: 

Use a non-toxic, non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner designed for outdoor appliances. Wipe with a microfibre cloth in the direction of the grain. Skip paper towels and abrasive pastes — they can scratch or damage the finish. The Weber Stainless steel and metal protectant is the ideal product to keep your Genesis looking like new. 

Painted, Porcelain-Enamelled, and Plastic Parts: 

Warm soapy water and a soft cloth will do the job. Rinse well and dry thoroughly to keep everything looking sharp. 

If your barbecue lives near saltwater, a pool, or in heavy weather, it’ll need a little extra care. Salt, chlorine, and moisture can speed up wear, so give the exterior a regular wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry completely. Do this more often to stay ahead of the rust and general wear and tear. A Weber Premium Barbecue Cover is a good idea if your Genesis 3-Burner or Genesis 4-Burner resides in a harsh environment. 

Cleaning your Genesis isn’t about chores — it’s about making sure the experience stays just as good as the first time you fired it up. It keeps your barbecue safe, your heat consistent, and your food tasting exactly the way you intended.