Double the Life of your Grill with BBQ Cleanup Tips
Being in the BBQ industry for years I know we all love grilling. The part I envy the most is the post-BBQ maintenance. This part is very important to not only increase the life of your grill but also to save you some extra minutes that you will have to spend later.
Following a proper BBQ Cleanup Tips and Grill Maintenance routine can save you from harmful substances buildup. You don’t want to serve your guests with bacteria and germs-filled food on your next Super Bowl gathering.Â
| Quick Summary!A clean grill can save you money, and prevent carcinogen buildups, rusting and mold. A grill brush, scrapper, tong, and sponge are some of the tools your need for post-BBQ maintenanceWith Each use of cleanup and deep cleaning, you can keep your grill squeaky clean. |
Why post-BBQ Maintenance is Important
Here are all the reasons why you need to use effective BBQ cleaning methods for grill cleaning;
1. Eliminates Carcinogenic Build Ups
Scrape your grill after every use, to prevent the carcinogens build up on the grates over time. If these substances remain on the grate and are transferred to your food during the grilling process they may pose some serious health issues. So, clean your grill by scrubbing thoroughly to rid the grilled meals of carcinogens.
2. Increase the Life of Grill
A grill is a hefty investment. And if you fail to clean your grill regularly, you could be buying a replacement sooner than you think. Routinely cleaning your grill will keep it in tip-top shape, guaranteeing that it will last years longer than if you let food particles, rust, or sauces sit without scrubbing them away.
3. Prevent Grills Contamination
Dirty grills attract bacteria and germs and contaminate the food cooked over it. The char buildup on the grill attracts bacterial and germ-feeding on the carbon deposits. You might think cooking on high flame would kill the bacteria but you can not get rid of these without proper cleaning and grill maintenance.
4. Dirty Grill Attracts Insects and Pests
The leftover food particles on the dirty grill attract pests and insects. The smell of an uncleaned grill attracts mice, rats and possums making the grill their happy home. Keeping your grill squeaky clean can prevent pests etc from gathering around.
5. Clean Grill Function Better
If your grill is staked up with food remains and charred particles it will take more time to heat and achieve the required temperature. Whereas the clean grill will heat evenly and function better. The cooked meat and vegetables are grilled properly on such a grill.
6. Cleaning Prevent Mold Growth & Rusting
Mold is a fungus that grows well in moist settings and where there is food, and this is what makes an uncleaned grill an excellent place for mold to thrive. You can close a dirty grill to keep your dust and other elements out of the way, which leads to the perfect environment for mold multiplication.
While food that is contaminated with mold will not harm you in a major way, it still can cause illness and allergy attacks. You don’t go through so much trouble prepping, marinating, & forming burger patties just to bite on some old & nasty burgers?
Rust on the grill not only looks gross but if consumed in large amounts with the food can pose some serious health threats.
All the Effective BBQ Cleaning Methods
Cleaning the grill can be daunting but when done properly it can be quite satisfying. Let’s dig into the tools needed to clean the grill and BBQ Cleanup tips.
Tools Needed to Grill Maintenance
Some of those tools that come in handy for effective BBQ cleaning methods
Grill Brushes
Keeping your grill clean is super important, and having the right tools makes it easier. It is suggested to have a good grill brush in your cleaning kit. Look out for a wire brush because it’s effective and easy to find. One popular option is the Brush and Scraper combo, which has a long handle to keep your hands away from the heat.
But if your grill grates are made of porcelain or ceramic, a stainless steel wire brush might be too harsh. The brass Grill Brush is a gentler alternative. And if you have cast iron grates, using any wire brush could damage them and cause rust.
In that case, a stiff but softer brush like the Palmyra bristle Grill Brush is a better choice.
Scrapper
Sometimes, though, brushes aren’t enough, especially if your grill hasn’t been cleaned in a while. That’s where a grill scraper comes in handy. The Griddle Scraper, with its six-inch wide stainless steel blade, can tackle tough residue effectively.
For a more gentle approach, you can use a wood grill scraper like the Great Scrape Wood Grill Scraper. It’s durable and won’t damage the grill surfaces. Plus, over time, the wooden paddle will form grooves that match your grill’s shape, making cleaning even easier.
Tong
Long-handled tongs are another essential tool for grilling. Stainless steel ones, like the OXO Good Grips 12-inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs, are best because they can withstand high heat and won’t melt like nylon-tipped ones might.
Miscellaneous Tools
In addition to these tools, you’ll also need a heavy-duty sponge, a soft cloth, a degreaser solution, and gloves to keep your hands protected while cleaning.
Post BBQ Maintenance Techniques
Following a routine can help maintain the health of your grill and save your time and money.
Grill Care After Each Use
A flat-top grill, as the name suggests, lacks traditional grates and instead features a flat, griddle-like surface for cooking food. This design simplifies the cleaning process compared to gas or charcoal grills. Cleaning a charcoal grill involves emptying the accumulated ashes from the grill’s ash catcher or the bottom of the grill.
Over time, ash buildup can obstruct the grill’s air vents, leading to challenges in controlling temperature. It’s advisable to keep a nearby bucket handy to facilitate this cleaning task.
After grilling, it’s essential to scrap the grease trap. It’s recommended to do so at least once every three uses to prevent excessive buildup. Following this, while the grill grates are still warm, employ a grill brush to remove any remaining debris.
Finally, give the grates a thorough rubdown using a rag or paper towels dipped in oil, using long tongs for safety. This practice not only maintains cleanliness for the next Super Bowl grilling sessions.Â
Grill Maintenance by Deep Cleaning
Maintaining a clean grill health is essential for optimal performance and food safety. Regular cleaning can prevent the need for extensive deep cleaning sessions. However, if your grill has accumulated significant grime, it’s time for a thorough cleaning session.
Begin by heating the grill to a high temperature. Once hot, switch it off and follow the “after-each-use” cleaning instructions, excluding the oiling step. After scraping off any debris from the surface, allow the grill to cool down completely.
Then, use warm soapy water and a sponge to scrub the grill surface thoroughly. Ensure to dry it thoroughly before applying a small amount of oil and rubbing it in with a paper towel or cloth. Remove any excess oil or debris, and then wash the trough with soapy water and a sponge.Â
Bottom Line!
Keep any type of grill like propane grill clean with effective BBQ cleaning methods to save some time for the Super Bowl BBQ session. Following the right grill maintenance techniques with the right tool can increase the health life of your grill. Happy Grilling!
