A dirty, greasy grill is unattractive and it can harbor contaminants that can be harmful to your health. Cleaning your grill r eliminates bacteria and grime. It also enhances its performance, extends its lifespan, and results in better tasting food.
Steps to Clean Your Grill
1. Fire it Up
Before you start cleaning, fire up the grill with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. High temperatures will cook off any stuck-on debris from the grates. Afterward, turn off the grill, disconnect the propane tank, and let the grates cool.
After the grill has cooled completely, scrape the grates using a wire brush and soapy water to loosen leftover debris. If you have stubborn grease and food particles, soak the grates for several hours in hot, soapy water.
2. Coat the Grates
Once you’ve cleaned the grates, rub them lightly with cooking oil, using a paper towel to apply it. Coating the metal will help reduce the amount of food debris that gets stuck next time you cook on the grill. The oil also helps protect the grates from rust.
3. Wipe the Deflectors
Detach the grill’s heat deflectors and clean them with a rag dipped in soapy water. Dry them with a towel. If your heat deflectors are damaged, they are usually easy to replace. Find new ones online that are designed to fit your grill.
4. Clean the Burners on Your Grill
Over time, ash, food particles, and rust may block your burner’s ports, making the grill less efficient. Clean the burners using a wire brush and soapy water. When cleaning them, brush across the burner ports to prevent debris from falling into the holes. Clean the burner valve with soapy water and rinse the valve with water to remove the remaining debris.
5. Clean the Cookbox
An essential part of keeping a grill in good condition is cleaning the cookbox, where food splatters and grease drips accumulate. Clean it using a scraper and warm soapy water. Don’t neglect the underside of the lid; remove grease and food particles with warm soapy water.
6. Wash the Exterior
Once you’re finished cleaning the interior, move on to the outside of the grill. When cleaning your grill’s exterior, use a specially formulated grill cleaner and a microfiber cloth for best results. You can also use soapy water to clean and remove grease from ceramic and painted surfaces.
Clean Your Charcoal Grill
Cleaning a charcoal grill is easier because it has fewer parts. If you use a charcoal grill, scrape the grates and cookbox after you’ve finished cooking. Removing debris and food particles is easier when the grill is still hot. Then, clean the rest of the grill following the steps to clean a gas grill. Be sure to remove ash from the grill, as too much ash can cause food to cook unevenly and reduce the grill’s efficiency.
Cover and Protect Your Grill
Once you’re done cleaning your grill, cover it. A sturdy cover will keep it clean and extend its lifespan by protecting the grill from the elements.
Northern Florida Home Inspections offers inspection services to all of North Florida. Contact us to request an appointment.