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Cleaning a charcoal grill should be part of its routine maintenance. However, not everyone takes it seriously. You might be doing it wrong all this time, but do not worry about it. Not everyone knows exactly how to clean a charcoal grill properly if they never really read about it.
Let us explain all the steps of this process, so your next BBQ party will not suffer, and you will have scrumptious food. Additionally, starting a charcoal grill with clean grates does not cause hassle.
Do You Need to Clean a Gas and Charcoal Grill?
Yes, of course. The grates work each time you cook BBQ, and they are in direct contact with food. That is why when you clean charcoal grill or natural gas grill, you are also making food safe for eating. When you skip it for a while, you will start to find mold on grill grates which should never happen.
How to clean a charcoal grill
First, remove grates and allow them to cool. Use nylon or mesh brush in wiping off any big and loose debris on it. Then, mix the grease-cutting liquid and hot water in a large bucket and soak grates. Make sure to soak all sides by flipping it over. Leave it in there between 15–30 minutes.
Wear rubber gloves and start scrubbing them clean using a brush, and be more mindful if they are porcelain grates to avoid damaging them. Finally, rinse grates and let them dry.
How Often You Should You Clean a Charcoal Grill
Your barbecue should be tidy before each use. The options are to do it right after using or after preheating your equipment.
If you are cleaning charcoal grill before cooking, use some heat to soften up hardened debris, a scraper, and good quality stainless steel brush. For porcelain-covered grates, use a brass brush.
How Do You Clean Charcoal?
With charcoal grills, the thin layer of ash provides insulation that helps with heating. That only means there is no need to wipe it after each use. However, the air vents should not have any ash in them.
You must take out about ¾ of ash from the cook box using a vacuum or large scoop and throw it in the garbage. That should be done a few times a year before putting it away for storage and make sure to remove the ashes. Scrub the cook box interior and lid using warm water with soap, a stiff brush or textured sponge.
While doing so, wash the exterior as well, before rinsing everything down. Pat it dry with a cloth or paper towels before storage to prevent a rusted grill.
How Do You Clean Rusty Grates?
Rust on grill grates appears after leaving it out in the rain for months, and if you want to use it, make an effort to remove rust first. It is essential to know 2 ways of how to clean a charcoal grill from rust.
Cleaning with baking soda (non-toxic)
Take a soft brush to remove rust from grill grates. Sprinkle baking soda on the racks and then turn the barbeque on, so that it will start to bubble removing the rust. Turn it off and allow it to cool. Use a soft brush again to remove rust from the racks.
Using a commercial rust remover
Commercial rust removers work well in general, but they may contain toxic chemicals. You do not want them on your food, so you must buy one that is specifically for cleaning a rusty grill. The barbeque section of a store should have this product, and you will even find a lot of choices.
Can I Use Oven Cleaner on My Charcoal Grill?
Cleaning charcoal grill grates with an oven cleaner is possible and effective.
Remove ashes from it, empty its ash trap, and wipe any residue before spraying grates with an oven cleaner. Make sure to coat interiors thoroughly, and avoid spraying oven cleaner on an exterior. Leave it on for 30 minutes to soften any debris buildup.
Wipe grates, lift them so you can clean an interior using paper towels, before putting them back down.
Soak grates in warm water with soap, and rinse it with clear water. Wipe it dry.
Conclusion
Now with MyKitchenAdvisor you know all about proper charcoal grill maintenance, you can confidently purchase one. Charcoal cleaning and maintenance won’t take much time but will help your barbecue to last longer. Cooking ribs on charcoal grill will not be hard again because the grates are clean.
