Get Fired Up: Grill Cleaning as a Side Hustle
As BBQ season kicks off, homeowners across the country are pulling the covers off their grills, only to find them caked in last season’s grease and grime. That’s where you come in. Grill cleaning is an underrated side hustle that’s easy to start, in high demand during warmer months, and offers great profit margins.
Whether you’re looking to earn extra weekend cash or build a niche seasonal business, grill cleaning might be the perfect gig.
Why Grill Cleaning Is a Hot Gig 🔥
Most homeowners hate cleaning their grills. It’s dirty, time-consuming, and often neglected – making it an ideal service to offer. You can charge anywhere from $75 to $200 per cleaning, depending on the grill type and level of buildup.
What You’ll Do:
- Remove and soak grates
- Scrub grease buildup from burners and hood
- Clean drip trays and ash catchers
- Use degreaser or steam for a deep clean
- Optionally offer a “grill polish” or “seasoning” service
What You Need to Get Started
Essential Tools:
- Grill brush and scrapers
- Degreaser or non-toxic cleaning solution
- Gloves and goggles
- Bucket and sponge
- Optional: steam cleaner or wet/dry vacuum
Startup Costs:
Expect to invest $100–$250 in tools and supplies initially. You can keep costs low by starting with household items and upgrading as demand grows.
Pros and Cons of Grill Cleaning as a Side Hustle
✅ Pros:
- High demand in spring and summer
- Low startup costs
- Flexible schedule
- Great word-of-mouth potential
- Can expand to patio furniture or smoker cleaning
❌ Cons:
- Seasonal income
- Messy and smelly work
- Some jobs can be labor-intensive
- Not ideal in rainy or cold climates
Side Hustle Scorecard
| Category | Score (1–10) |
|---|---|
| Startup Costs | 9 |
| Flexibility | 8 |
| Profit Potential | 7 |
| Scalability | 6 |
| Learning Curve | 9 |
| Overall Score | ⭐ 7.8/10 |
FAQs About Grill Cleaning as a Side Hustle
Q: Do I need experience to start?
A: No experience needed! A few YouTube tutorials and practice on your own grill will go a long way.
Q: How long does a typical job take?
A: Most cleanings take 45–90 minutes depending on grill condition and size.
Q: Can I make this a full-time business?
A: Yes, especially if you expand into related services like smoker cleanings, patio maintenance, or even pressure washing.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: It’s not required when starting out, but liability insurance is a smart idea if you’re working on expensive grills or in upscale neighborhoods.
Q: What should I charge?
A: Basic cleanings typically start at $75. Premium services with steam or polish can run up to $150–$200.
Final Thoughts: A Sizzling Opportunity
Grill cleaning is one of those side hustles that’s easy to overlook, but it fills a very real need. It’s affordable to start, flexible around your day job, and surprisingly profitable. If you don’t mind a little grease, this might just be your next weekend money-maker.
One last note – if you use a wire brush to clean grills, you HAVE to make sure that you didn’t leave any bristles behind, as ingesting those will MESS YOU UP. Or worse, mess up one of your clients.
Good with outdoor cleanups? Read our article on yard cleanups as a side hustle.