How to Clean Your Gas or Charcoal Grill

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By sharshar1975
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How to clean your grill

We all love a summer time BBQ and cookout. The grilled hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs are a summertime delight. However, the black, grimy mess that comes with cleaning your grill is not so well loved. Below are a few tips that you may find useful for cleaning your gas or charcoal grill, especially with the 4th of July right around the corner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

grill brush

The first thing you need to remember is that the grates on your grill need to be cleaned after each use. It is best to clean it while it is still warm. Allow the grate to cool down enough to handle it comfortably then begin cleaning. Take a stiff wire brush and brush away all leftover food particles. There are several products in which you can purchase to clean your grill grate but overall a stiff wire brush works best. If you find the chore of cleaning the grates to be distasteful you may opt to cover the entire grate with aluminum foil before cooking on it. Once you have finished you can simply throw the foil away and replace it with a new layer.
Step 2

Once you have cleaned the grill grates you need to focus on the bottom your your grill. Empty the ash container then take a stiff bristled brush and brush away any remaining ashes or particles in the bottom of the grill. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can get by with only dumping the ashes. If you don't properly clean your grill it will smoke excessively when in use and produce bad tasting food.
Step 3

If you have a gas grill it is important to check the lava rocks and be certain they are not in need of replacement. As well check the burners for any particles that may be blocking the gas flow. A blocked flow will make for uneven heat and food that is unevenly cooked.
Step 4

At the end of each grilling season you will need to do a final deep cleaning. Take all removable components out and thoroughly clean them as well as the inside of your grill with soap and water. Allow it to dry completely before putting it back together. Once your grill is reassembled turn it on and allow it to burn for a while. This will burn off any soap that is left behind so that the next time you cook on it your food does not obtain a soapy taste.
Step 5

During the winter and non use months you should store your grill in a dry place or cover it with a grill cover. If it starts to show signs of peeling paint you should purchase a can of heat proof spray paint and repair the missing paint. This will help to avoid rusting. If you follow these grill cleaning tips your food will taste better and the life of your grill will be extended. Happy grilling!