Cooking on the grill is one of the best parts of warm weather. But it's important to keep the grill clean, say the cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID – for the flavour of food and to help the grill last longer.
Here's how to clean it:
Inside: Dry scrub any cooked on food from grates, burners and inside surfaces with a non-scratch sponge or nylon brush. Then wash surfaces with dish soap and water, rinse well, and dry thoroughly. Consider replacing grates if they're rusty or chipping.
Outside: Wipe off stainless-steel and enameled surfaces with warm soapy water and wipe dry. To prevent streaking on stainless steel, go in the direction of the finish.
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 paper clip.
After Cooking: Run the burners on high for five minutes. Then carefully turn them off and scrub the grates with a grill brush or a ball of foil pinched between tongs. If you don't have time (because everyone wants to eat), here's what you can do later:
- 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.
