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Keeping your grill clean is essential for both flavor and safety. Here are some tried-and-true cleaning tips, just in time for National Barbecue Day.
- It’s Time to Break Up with Your Metal Brush: When it comes to cleaning your grill, it’s important to avoid using metal wire brushes. These brushes can shed small bristles and filings that may get lodged in the grill’s grates and end up in your food. If accidentally ingested, these metal filings can cause serious health risks, including internal injury. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like Nylon or ceramic cleaning tools, which are just as effective without the risk of metal contamination.
- Steam Cleaning Isn’t Just for Carpets and Garments: A handheld steam cleaner is ideal for tackling dirty grills, cutting through grease, removing carbonized food, killing bacteria and acting as a natural deodorizer. If you don’t have a steamer, place a metal container with boiling water inside your grill, close the lid and wait 5–10 minutes. The steam will loosen the grease for easier removal.
- Onions are Your Friend: While the grill is warm, cut an onion in half. Pierce it with a grilling fork and rub it over the bars on the grill. The onion’s juices will steam and help dissolve grease and grime.
- Beer to the Rescue: Don’t have any onions? If you have any leftover beer, don’t pour it down the sink. Soak a brush with the beer and use it to scrub the grill while it’s still warm. The alcohol will cut through the grease.
Crank up the Heat: After doing all or some of the above, cleaning agents can linger on the grill. To ensure they’re fully removed, fire up the grill after cleaning so the heat can burn off any residue.
