How to Clean Barbecue Planks

Though many barbecue planks are disposable, you can clean and reuse higher quality planks multiple times. Hardwood planks hold up better than softer woods like cedar, so you may not be able to clean and reuse soft woods as many times. However, each wood imparts its own flavor to your food.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make sure your plank is reusable. You can barbecue with a ½-inch-thick plank up to four times, while you can reuse a 2-inch-thick plank for over a year. Use thinner planks as disposable grilling surfaces.
2. Immerse the plank in water immediately after you remove the food to extinguish any smoldering embers.
3. Brush off charred wood and food particles with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse the grilling plank under warm running water. Use the brush to gently scrub off any baked-on food or juices while you rinse.
5. Dry thicker planks in the oven at 350 degrees F for approximately 15 minutes. Stand thinner planks upright in a dish rack until they're entirely dry.
6. Break the plank into pieces and use the wood to create flavorful smoke for grilling when the plank becomes too charred, brittle or thin to wash.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean grilling planks after each use.
• Follow the directions on the plank packaging when you clean and prepare your barbecue plank for its first use.
• Washing a plank with soap can impart the taste of soap to your food. If you must use soap on a plank, use mild, heavily diluted soap.
• Never clean a grilling plank in a dishwasher.