Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the Charcoal Grill Grill
• Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the gas grill grate
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Regardless of whether you use gas or charcoal in your grill, the grates should always be well cleaned. Cooking with clean grates will improve the flavor of your food, minimize food hazards, make cleaning easier, and extend the life of your grill.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the Charcoal Grill Grill

1. 1 Remove any food debris from the grate with a brass brush while the grate is still warm and the coals are cool enough.
2. 2 Rinse the grill rack completely, leave uncovered to dry.
3. 3 Remove cooled ash from the bottom of the grill to prevent moisture accumulation, which can lead to premature rusting of the grates, and obstruct airflow the next time you use the grill.

Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the gas grill grate

1. 1 Set the grill knob to the “low heat” position as soon as all food is removed from the grill. Brush the wire rack with a brass wire brush for about 10 seconds to remove any coarse food debris.
2. 2 Switch the grill to a high heat setting and leave until the smoke stops to burn off any food leftovers.
3. 3 Switch off the burners.
4. 4 Clean the grate with a brass wire brush.
5. 5 Sprinkle the wire rack liberally with vegetable oil to loosen food particles that are stuck on the wire rack. The oil will cause particles to sink to the bottom of the grill and burn off the next time the grill is turned on.

Tips

• If the grill grate is porcelain coated, make sure to use a brass bristled brush. Do not clean the porcelain-coated grates with the scraper supplied with most grill brushes, as this may damage the coating.
• Use a food marinade that contains vinegar, citrus juice, or soy-based marinades to help clean your grill.
• Use a damp, soapy, woolen cloth, lightly with pressure, for a more thorough cleaning.
• Be sure to read the instructions for cleaning your grill. If you do not have instructions, you can find them on the Internet, on the manufacturer's website.
• For deep cleaning, wrap the wire shelf in sturdy aluminum foil, shiny side out. Place the wire rack on a heated grill for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how dirty it is. Remove the foil as soon as the wire rack has cooled. If any food particles remain on it, they can be removed with a wire brush and warm soapy water.
• Store your grill cleaning tools next to it to make cleaning your grill quick, easy and regular.
• Use barbecue tomato sauces within the last few minutes before removing food from the grill to minimize scouring.

Warnings

• Grilled food can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to further ingestion.
• To avoid scalding, do not try to clean the grill with hot coals.

What do you need

• Grill brush with brass bristles
• Thin woolen cloths soaked in soap
• Dishwashing liquid (mild)
• Clean sponge or rag
• Stainless steel brush (for gas grill)
• Plastic scraper (for gas grill)
• 1-inch (2.54 cm) spatula (for gas grill)
• Foil (for gas grill)
• Vegetable oil in a spray bottle (for a gas grill)