Do you wonder how to clean a charcoal BBQ grill at home? Regardless of the type of charcoal grill that you use, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance to clean it frequently as well as perform adequate maintenance.
It’s not only healthy but it will also help to increase the lifespan of the cooking device. Some equipment is essential for the frequent cleaning of the grill. Not only that you need it, but you also need to have adequate information on how to effectively clean your cooking device.
If you have never cleaned it before or you aren’t certain that you are doing it right, I will give you valuable tips and guideline to prepare it for the next cooking season.
When should I clean my charcoal grill?
After cooking up some of the best barbeques ever and hosting an incredible backyard gathering, you’ve said goodbye to your last guest. Now you are debating if you should start cleaning up your grill immediately or if it can wait till tomorrow.
Unfortunately, charcoal grills don’t get as much of the care and attention as they need, unlike indoor cooking appliances. Many people neglect to clean their outdoor cooking devices right after using them, contrary to indoor cooking appliances that people clean right away. This however only makes clean up challenging and time-consuming.
If you wait to clean your grill, the gunk from your food has a chance to harden onto your grates which you don’t want. When and how to clean a charcoal bbq grill? It is best to clean it when it has cooled down a bit but is still warm to the touch. This is when the gunk will come off the easiest.
Which are the best charcoal grill cleaning tools?
This is the first question that you should answer before proceeding with the cleaning process. These tools include grill brush or other cleaning brushes, steel wool, paper or even plastic bag, aluminum foil, putty knife and a fork.
Steel wool or wire brushes
Steel wool or wire brushes are the best tools to use when cleaning your bbq device. If you happen to have cast-iron grates, then you need to use a little olive oil when cleaning them. This will help prevent them from rusting. Most other grates should be clean with good old soap and water.
After brushing the grates on your charcoal grill, just go back and clean the ash catcher. If you let the ash build up your next barbecue, it may taste a bit strange.
How often should you deep clean your grill?
It is a good idea to give your grill a deep cleaning from time to time. This entails taking each piece of it out one by one and giving it a thorough cleaning.
Oiling your grill grates
Also, as a preventative tip, you should oil your grates before you grill. Oiling your grates will keep food from sticking which means you’ll have less junk to deal with.
How do you clean your charcoal grill?
Make sure that you have all the tools in place. Start by removing the grate and cleaning it using either the steel wool or the hard brush. You can repeat it until any carbon that could have accumulated, is completely removed.
Clean the bottom of the grill
Once you feel it is clean, proceed to the bottom of the unit. Put gloves on or the plastic paper on to sweep the ash into the paper bag. You can use the putty knife to scrape off any carbon flakes. Get rid of the ashes, put back the grill together and you are good to go.
Regular maintenance of the grill
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that it remains intact for long. Check your ash catcher once in a while to ensure that ashes didn’t accumulate.
Oiling your grill grates
Another important grill maintenance tip is to make sure that you oil the grate before you cook so that no piece of food particles remains on the device. Clean it regularly and make it a habit.
Do you want to impress your guests by cooking on a charcoal grill? Use my tips for using a charcoal grill to impress them.
How often should you clean your charcoal grill?
Charcoal grills need even more maintenance than other types of grills such as gas and electric ones. Cooking on wood and charcoal isn’t so clean as in other types of grilling so I recommend cleaning your charcoal unit every time after cooking.
I also see that when you do it immediately after cooking the stains and grease goes off the grates easier than if you left them to clean later. It is also important to season it for the next year so the grill will be clean and prepared for cooking.
How do I clean a rusty BBQ Grill?
If your grill is rusty then it is better for you to take time to clean it so you won’t get sick next time while trying your dishes. First, brush the grates to remove the dirt.
Then dip them into hot water where you put some dish soap, degreaser, or vinegar and baking soda. Left them through the night and then clean it thoroughly.
How do you clean rust off a cast iron grill?
You can clean it with vinegar and baking soda. However, if you don’t see success, then you can try with kosher salt and water. Combine them and then apply it to the rusty area. Use a wire brush or steel wool to take off the rust.
How do you clean grill grates with Coke?
Did you know that you can use Coke to clean your grill grates? We all know that this beverage isn’t just for drinking. So, how do you use it to have clean grates?
Take a piece of cloth and dip it into the drink. Go over the grates with the cloth and left them for some time so the Coke can work on the grease. Then wash the grates till they will be clean. You can also use a brush if you need to.
What happens if you don’t clean your grill?
It isn’t clever to just left the filthy grill for the next cookout since the grease and burned meat will attract germs on the grates where you will cook dishes the next time. A dirty cooking device also means a high risk of a fire hazard so you better clean it after cooking.
Conclusion
A lot of emphases have to be put in place about cleaning charcoal grills. Most health experts advise that you wash the grates as regular as possible. This would help remove the accumulated germs or the rust that could have formed if the grill has remained without being used for long time.
You should follow the above guidelines to make sure your outdoor grill is ready for use. Cleaning and adequate maintenance will ensure that it remains at its best and gives you the best services.
