Transformation Tuesday: How to Clean and Maintain Your Charcoal or Gas Grill
- By US Casehouse
- Dec 15, 2014
Here at US Casehouse, we’re big on staying clean and organized. Making your space the best it can be—the way you want it to be—frees your mind to focus on the important things and gives you more time to enjoy what you love and care about most.
That’s why we decided to start a “Transformation Tuesday” blog series to share our ideas and tips on how to transform your space for the better—whether from dirty to clean, messy to organized, or cluttered to tidy! Results include increased productivity, happiness, and peace of mind. :)
Today’s topic is how to clean your charcoal or gas grill.
We will cover what supplies you need, how to clean your charcoal or gas grill grates, how to clean your grill exterior, and how to maintain your grill so you will have great tasting food and extend the life of your grill.
Supplies:
Grill (wire) brush or grill stone - Before using your grill brush, make sure all of its bristles are in good condition and not coming out. Always replace your grill brush if you have any concerns with its bristles.
Cooking oil or vegetable oil
Charcoal Grill Grate Cleaning:
Grill surface is cleaned while it is still hot.
If your grill brush does not dispense water: Sprinkle water onto your grill brush before brushing the grates to create the effect of steam cleaning when you brush the grates.
If your grill brush does dispense water: Make sure to utilize that feature to steam clean your grill grates.
Gas Grill Grate Cleaning:
Burners MUST BE TURNED OFF before you begin cleaning!
If you are using a grill stone: No water is necessary since the stone itself will remove dirt and residue.
Grill Exterior Cleaning:
For stainless steel lids:
Start by using hot, soapy water to remove any remaining grease and food grime. Always rub with the grain of the stainless steel if you are using a sponge to scrub away tough residue; going against the grain will damage the grill’s appearance. Use warm water to rinse off all of the soap and residue, and then dry the surface with a clean wiper or paper towel. After the grill is dry, you can polish the surface with a wiper or a stainless steel cleaner.
For powder-coated steel lids:
Use water and a mild dishwashing soap to remove residue. Dry the lid with paper towels or microfiber wipers. DO NOT use a stainless steel polish on this surface.
For porcelain-coated steel lids:
Use water and a mild dishwashing soap to carefully remove any residue. This type of lid is very fragile and should be treated like glass when you are cleaning it. Dry the lid with paper towels or microfiber wipers.
You can polish this lid with glass cleaner.
Grill Maintenance:
For charcoal grills: After every use you should clean your grill grate. Remove all of the charcoal (when it is no longer hot) and the ashes from the ash catcher. Use your grill brush to sweep out any cooked-on food and ashes from the bed of the grill.
For gas grills: After every use you should clean your grill grate. Don’t be misled by the ‘Clean’ knob on your grill—you still need to actually clean it yourself. (You can use the ‘Clean’ knob to preheat your grill, but it will not fully clean your grill after being used.) Use your grill brush to clean off the sides and lid of the grill.
Keep your outdoor grill covered with a grill cover whenever it is not in use. This will help protect it from the elements.
If your grill is sitting on a surface other than grass or dirt, place a grill mat or tarp beneath the grill to catch any food, grease, or other debris.
Make sure you’ve read your grill instruction manual and warranty, and keep both handy, especially in case you need to reorder parts.
Locate your grill at least 10 feet away from your house (or any building), and do not place your grill near/under anything flammable.
Always make sure the venturi tube is clear of any debris and properly in place over the gas valve before turning on a gas grill.
What will you be cooking on the grill this summer? Happy Grilling!
