How to Clean a Green Egg Without Ruining Your Weekend
Owning a Big Green Egg is kind of a flex.
You’re the grill guy now. The low-and-slow king. The dad who smokes things and has opinions about lump charcoal.
But when it’s full of ash, grease, and mysterious barbecue residue, the fun fades fast.
Here’s how to clean your Egg without trashing your mood—or your dinner plans.
🔥 Step 1: Let It Burn (Literally)
Do a high-temp burn once every couple of months to incinerate buildup.
Empty the ash
Remove the grate and firebox
Load it with fresh lump charcoal
Run it at 600–700°F for 30–45 minutes with the lid closed
This basically self-cleans the inside—like your oven, but more primal.
📌 Safety tip: Don’t leave it unattended. Yes, even if it looks like “just coals.”
🧹 Step 2: Clean the Ash and Debris
After the burn and once it cools:
Use an ash tool or small shop vac to clear the firebox and bottom vent
Brush off the grate with a wire or nylon grill brush
Wipe the inside with a dry rag—no water or soap needed
📌 Pro tip: Keep the ash door and top vent open while cooling to air it out.
🧽 Step 3: Exterior TLC
Wipe the ceramic exterior with a damp cloth
Use mild soap only if you’re dealing with serious grime
Clean metal bands and vent top to prevent rust
Don’t overdo it. This grill is built to live outdoors and look seasoned. It’s not a showroom piece—it’s a tool.
🍗 Dad Hack: Clean While It’s Still Warm
Cleaning right after cooking (while it’s still warm but not scalding) makes grease and gunk easier to scrape off.
Have your dinner, then do 5 minutes of cleanup. Future-you will thank you.
🖨️ Free Download: Big Green Egg Cleaning Checklist
Includes:
Step-by-step burn + brush routine
Monthly vs. seasonal maintenance
Space to log last clean + note wear or parts to replace
[Download the checklist →]
❓ FAQs
Can I use water or soap inside the Egg?
Nope. Moisture messes with the ceramic. Stick to heat and dry scrubbing.
How often should I clean it?
Empty the ash after every 3–5 cooks. Do a deep clean every 2–3 months depending on use.
What if my Egg smells funky?
Do a high-temp burn to kill off residue and bacteria. Then air it out with both vents open.
🧪 What to Try This Weekend
Schedule a 45-minute high-temp burn and clean
Download the [Green Egg Cleaning Checklist] and post it near your grill
Check your fire ring, gaskets, and ash tool—replace anything busted
The Green Egg is a beast—but it runs better when you treat it right.
Keep it clean. Keep it cooking. Stay the grill guy your family brags about.
