3302 Westgrove Drive Arlington, TX 76001
To clean a Napoleon grill, wash the stainless with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, wipe with the grain, brush stainless grids while they are hot, and keep cold water off hot ceramic burners. Never use oven cleaner. Never line the drip pan with foil.
Napoleon builds a solid grill. It also builds a few parts that punish shortcuts, and the infrared burner is the big one. Plano, Frisco, and Southlake owners who spray a hot Napoleon down with the hose can crack ceramic tile in a single second. So here is what Napoleon’s own paperwork says, what to do yourself, and where to hand it off.
What does Napoleon tell owners to do?
Napoleon’s manual is specific: non-abrasive cleaners on stainless, warm soapy water on the control panel, and no cold water on hot ceramic.
According to the Napoleon Built-In Series owner’s manual, abrasive cleaners and steel wool will scratch stainless, and you should wipe in the direction of the grain. In harsh environments, the manual says to wash stainless and chrome every three to four weeks with warm soapy water. A pool-side patio in North Texas counts.
How do you clean Napoleon cooking grids?
It depends on the grid type.
- Stainless grids: preheat the grill and use a wire brush to remove residue, per the manual.
- Cast iron grids: wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then season them with oil and heat. Napoleon’s manual suggests preheating to 350 to 400 degrees for 30-minute intervals.
Do not put grids or any other part in a self-cleaning oven. Napoleon says so directly.
What about the infrared burners and sear plates?
Keep water away from hot ceramic, and never wire-brush an infrared tile.
Napoleon warns that cold water from rain, a sprinkler, or a hose touching hot ceramic burners can crack the tile from the sudden temperature change. On the infrared side burner, do not brush the tile and do not use liquids on it. Let it cool, then leave it alone.
For sear plates and the drip pan, the manual says to clean them regularly and not to line the pan with foil. Use Napoleon-approved liners only.
Cleaning steps you can do this weekend
- Shut the gas off at the tank or manual valve, and let the grill cool.
- Pull the grids, sear plates, and drip pan. Wash them in warm soapy water.
- Check the venturi tubes for spider webs and other blockage. Napoleon’s manual says to inspect and clean these regularly. A blocked tube starves the burner of air.
- Wipe the control panel with warm soapy water only.
- Wipe stainless with the grain. Skip steel wool.
- Empty the grease tray. Do not let it fill.
A quick lesson on what not to use: Napoleon says not to use oven cleaner on any part of the grill. We cover why lye is hard on aluminum and cast iron in Can You Use Oven Cleaner on a Grill?
Why grease matters
The National Fire Protection Association tracks home grill fires every year and lists failure to clean the grill among the contributing factors. A dirty grease tray and grease-caked surfaces are the easiest of those to fix.
DIY stops here
Call a pro if:
- The grill is built into an island and the cavity underneath has never been opened.
- Burner ports are clogged and a wire will not clear them.
- A ceramic tile is cracked or the flame is uneven.
- You smell gas or see corrosion holes in a burner.
Our grill restoration and deep cleaning starts at $239 and covers grates, burners, firebox, grease tray, and stainless exterior. Standard professional grill cleaning is the lighter option. See the pricing page for current rates. We serve Plano and the rest of the Metroplex.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning a Napoleon grill
Can you use oven cleaner on a Napoleon grill?
No. Napoleon’s manual says not to use oven cleaner on any part of the grill. It is lye, and it damages aluminum, chrome, and painted surfaces.
How do you clean Napoleon stainless steel without scratching it?
Use a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Wipe with the grain. Skip steel wool and abrasive pads.
Can you get water on a Napoleon infrared burner?
Not while it is hot. Napoleon warns that cold water on hot ceramic can crack the tile. Do not clean the infrared tile with a wire brush or liquids.
Can you line a Napoleon drip pan with foil?
No. The manual says not to line the pan with aluminum foil. Use only Napoleon-approved liners.
How often should you wash a Napoleon grill in DFW?
For stainless in harsh environments, Napoleon says every three to four weeks. Check the venturi tubes and empty the grease tray regularly, and plan a deeper clean once or twice a year.
Book a Napoleon grill cleaning in DFW
If the burners look tired, or you would rather not crawl into an island cavity, we will take it from here. Book an appointment online or call (817) 791-4606. Licensed and insured.
Texas Grill Clean is part of 1st Choice Residential, veteran-owned and locally owned rather than a franchise, serving Dallas-Fort Worth since 2009. See our service areas.