How To Properly Clean Your Grill

With summer all around us, we are at the height of grilling season. Outdoor cooking is a huge part of Americana and most homes have their own grill that is used throughout the season, but unlike their other cooking surfaces it may not be receiving the same care and cleaning standard. Here are a few tips to maintain and clean your grill.

Heat things up

Your grill will clean easier if it is warm. The best time to clean your grill is after cooking and allowing it to cool for a few moments.

Brush away debris

Using a long-handled grill brush with firm bristles, scrub the grate to remove any debris left from cooking. If left uncleaned, leftover food particles and sauce drippings can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause food-born illnesses.

Once you have brushed away and scoured your grate, place your brush in warm, soapy water to clean away any bacteria. Hanging the brush to allow it to dry will help maintain the integrity of the brush and keep it working properly.

Oil your grate

When the grill has cooled, wipe the grate with a damp paper towel, as grease and salt can accelerate corrosion. After drying, apply cooking spray or oil to the grate. This will help prevent future food from sticking.

Dumping the ash

If you are using a charcoal grill, it is imperative that you discard the ashes after they have completely cooled. If left in the elements, ashes can cement into the grill and disrupt future cooking.

With gas grills, regularly clean the pan liner and burners with dish soap and water as they can catch food and grease drippings during cooking.

Keep it dry

For storage, a water-resistant cover can dramatically increase the lifetime of your grill. Store your propane tanks outside and away from direct sunlight.
Following these tips will ensure that your summer cookouts will go off without a grilling hitch.

Source: hometalk.com