You might consider a grill similar to a cast iron skillet, where the less you clean it, the more flavor it adds to your food. While this is partially true, it’s crucial to clean your grill regularly. An unclean grill not only operates inefficiently but can also pose safety risks. A grill covered with leftover food and ash takes longer to heat and slows down the cooking process. Additionally, grease drips and charred residues can lead to flare-ups.
It’s advisable to remove ash and thoroughly scrape your grill each time you use it, perhaps with a tool like the Grillart grill brush and scraper. However, a deep cleaning is only necessary after every six uses.
Before you start cleaning your grill, wear an apron and gloves to protect your clothes and hands from stubborn ash and grease. If it’s a gas grill, disconnect the gas tank first. For both gas and charcoal grills, remove the grill grates to make cleaning easier and to access the grill’s interior. Clean the grates, along with the interior and exterior of the grill, using your preferred cleaning solution, then rinse and dry them thoroughly. A useful grill cleaning tip is to apply some high-temperature oil, such as vegetable or canola, on the grates after cleaning to prevent rust and create a nonstick surface.
Getting the best deep clean for your grill with these products
Among the top grilling accessories available on Amazon is the Carbona oven rack and grill cleaner. It includes a bag for soaking your grill grates overnight, and users have found it to be very effective. If you need to clean your grill quickly for immediate use, consider using Dawn Platinum Powerwash dish spray. Though originally designed for dishwashing, Dawn is a powerful degreaser that works wonders on grill bars. Spray the grates and the grill’s interior with the foam, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe and rinse clean.
A cleaning product specifically made by a grill company, the Weber grill grate cleaner, is a quick, nontoxic option that can dissolve grease and break up grime with minimal effort, and it might be more cost-effective than other sprays. Parker and Bailey BBQ grill cleaner and degreaser is another quick and effective option without any concerning fumes.
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can create your own grill cleaner using vinegar, which effectively cuts through grease and eliminates bacteria. To clean your grill with vinegar and water, mix equal parts in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray the mixture onto the grill grates, as well as the interior and exterior of your grill. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
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