Definitely! At least before the first time you use a mat, it’s best to remove any grease and grime. Flare-ups from past barbecues can send flames shooting up to the grill grates, increasing the surface temperature to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That kind of temperature spike can damage your mat where it comes into contact with the flame or the grate. Flare-ups can’t be totally eliminated, but decreasing them will prolong the life of your mat.