Regardless of the season, it is essential that proper cleaning of the BBQ grill is done so that when summer approaches, you are well-prepared to cook a storm. The very first step that you need to do is to clean the entire grill to get rid of any remnants from the previous year. This needs to be performed before you stow away your grill for the winter. This is important as the char marks on your grill produce carbon deposits which can be harmful to your health. For more in-depth guidelines on the proper cleaning method for your grill, continue reading the article.
Grill Cleaning Equipment
There are plenty of grill cleaning tools that you can easily obtain from your local hardware store. The cleaning essentials that you can get include a wire brush, bottle brush, bucket, and some elbow grease. Try your best to stay away from toxic chemicals as they may stick to your foods during cooking. Simply stick to warm water and dishwasher soap that cuts grease easily. White vinegar and baking soda are also necessary to help break down food remnants naturally. For stainless steel surfaces, you will need a suitable cleaner to give the areas an extra shine.
Burning the Grill
To clean the grill, you need to first start by burning it up before closing it and letting it come to full temperature. Slightly more than 30 minutes will allow any stuck-on remnants to be scorched by the full temperature. Next, you need to dip the wire brush into a bucket full of warm, soapy water. This is to scrub off all the carbon deposits you can find on the grates. Next, turn off the gas and remove the propane tank before letting the grill cool fully. If you have a charcoal grill, dump the old charcoal and scrape any charcoal dust and debris buildup using a putty knife.
Soaking the Grill
Remove the grates once the grill is completely cool. Submerge them in a tub full of warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. Remove anything else that can be easily taken off such as warming racks, control knobs, and grease trays. Stripping down the grill this way makes it so much easier to deep clean.
Using a Vacuum Cleaner
With the grates removed, the inside of the firebox is now exposed and ready for a deep clean. Start by first placing an empty bucket right underneath the firebox just below the opening of the grease tray. This can help the soapy water that will be flushed out later. Scrape off any gunk buildup inside the firebox using a plastic putty knife. For remaining loose debris, use a vacuum cleaner to collect it. Once the firebox is completely clean, use a garden hose to rinse it out.
Washing and Wiping
Empty the bucket of dirty water before refilling it with clean soapy water. Scrub the outside of the grill using a sponge and wipe off using microfiber cloths to keep the surfaces clean and dry. After all the steps have been completed, you can finish off with the stainless steel cleaner to add an extra shine.
