The Easiest Way to Clean Your Grill
Cooking outside on the barbecue is one of the best things about summer. Whether it’s a steak, a hamburger, or portobello mushrooms, the seared taste of the grill can’t be beat! But it’s important to keep the grill clean, says Marla Milberg, cleaning expert at Molly Maid Toronto Downtown. A clean grill looks great, is safer to use and cooks better. Not to mention, keeping it clean will help extend the life of your barbecue. Here’s how to clean it from the inside out:
Cleaning Inside the Grill
- Using a non-scratch sponge or nylon brush, dry scrub cooked on food from grates, burners and inside surfaces.
- Wash surfaces with dish soap and water, rinse well, and dry thoroughly.
- Consider replacing grates if they’re rusty or chipping.
Cleaning Outside the Grill
- Wipe off stainless-steel and enamelled surfaces with warm soapy water and wipe dry.
- To prevent streaking on stainless steel, go in the direction of the finish.
Cleaning the Propane Tank
- If the grill lacks spider guards, use a thin brush (an old baby bottle scrub brush is perfect) to clear out debris or insect nests from the tubes that connect gas to burners.
- Fire up the burners without the grates in place, and look for spots that aren’t flaming evenly. Once cool, clear any blockages in the burners with a paperclip.
PRO TIP
After cooking, Marla recommends running the burners on high for five minutes. Then turn them off and scrub the grates with a ball of foil pinched between tongs. If you don’t have time (because everyone wants to eat), heres what you can do after dinner:
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water.
- Coat the interior of the grill, close it, and let it sit for an hour to soften residue.
- Clean the grates with your brush, without the need for heat.
