The Best Ways to Clean Your Grill

Summer is already here. I also call it "The BBQ Season", as it's the most appropriate time of the year for a BBQ with friends. I really like cooking outside. But honestly, I don't like grill cleaning. Unfortunately, it's an essential part of keeping the grill in a good condition. You'll admit, it's cheaper to clean your grill regularly, rather than buying a new one every year.

Most people know there’s plenty of food which remains on the grill after using it. They also know that the food tastes better when it's cooked on a cleaned grill.

Basic Eco-Friendly Grill Cleaning

This technique may surprise many of you, but using an onion is an excellent way to clean your BBQ without any chemical solutions. You only need to cut an onion in a half and rub the preheated grill with it. This method can be used for both gas and charcoal grills. As a result food grits and grimes will fall off. It's a totally green option, that's why I love it. Unfortunately, it only works when the grill is not covered in dirt.

Tip - In order to avoid meat sticking, spray or coat your grill with olive oil.

Automatic Grill Cleaning

This is a huge surprise to me as well. But there is a robot called Rosie which cleans the grill for you. The GrillBots come in two different colors and are fully automated. I don't owe a GrillBot, but I consider buying one. It definitely had my attention.

Another option which will ensure you a well cleaned grill is hiring a professional. There are cleaning companies which offer oven and grill cleaning. The biggest benefit of using a professional help is that these companies use special cleaning products and have tons of experience with cleaning. Also you won't have to waste two or three hours of your time on exhausting cleaning.

Gas Grill Cleaning

as grills need to be cleaned before and after each use. It's essential, because this is the only way to keep all gas ports open. Blocked gas ports waste gas. In addition, blocked ports are a reason for badly cooked food too.

So here’s how to do the cleaning by yourself:

1. Turn off the gas supply
2. Tak
   e off the grill grate
3. Brush the grill grate. It's better to soak it in soap water for 1-2 hours. The longer you soak it, the easier you'll clean the dirt
4. Scrub the grate with a wire brush
5. Rinse and let the grate dry
6. Place the grate on the grill

*** Never use any harsh chemicals! There are special oven cleaning products which are safe. Take time and always read the labels.

Charcoal Grill Cleaning

f you use your charcoal grill several seasons, you have to inspect it before you start using it again. The inspection include check for decomposition of the burning chamber, such as cracks. You have to dismantle completely the grill. This allows you to check your grill for leaks. Make sure you've read manufacturer's manual for dismantle and assemble of your charcoal grill.

1. Put the ash remains into the rubbish. I always have a plastic bag or a bucket near the grill for the rubbish.
2. Empty the ash drawer (if you have one). If your barbecue doesn't have a drawer, use spoon or trowel to remove the ash.
3. Clean the barbecue body with hot soapy water and a cloth
4. Rinse and let it dry

*** Always wait until charcoals are cold.

Things NOT To Do

• Never use harsh chemicals - they are bad for your health and can cause a poisoning. In addition, these chemicals can harm the paint of your grill. They can even ruin the stainless steel.
• High Pressure Cleaners - they can place grease inside the burners, which can affect the gas flow. As a result your barbecue won't function properly.

The final cleaning step is to pre-heat your grill next time you use it. That way any remains of grease or dirt will be burned. Twenty minutes are enough and you'll be ready to use your perfectly cleaned barbecue safely once more.