Best Ways To Clean Your Grill After A Barbecue

Gas grill is a famous method to barbecue foods. It is widely used in both home and outdoor events. However, cleaning this device is not that easy. You should have proper instructions, to do that:

Tools Required

• Grill brush or scraper
• Soapy water
• Sponge or cloth
• Vinegar and baking soda (optional)
• Toothpick or paper clip (for burner tubes)
• Bucket

Instructions

After collecting all the required tools, you should follow the instructions below to clean your gas grill:

1. First, you need to make sure the gas supply is turned off and disconnect the propane tank or natural gas line. This prevents any possible fire catch.
2. You can also turn the burners on high for 10-15 minutes to burn off excess food and grease. Then, turn off the grill and let it cool, however, this is an optional step. So, do this if you have enough time.
3. After that, you need to take out the grates, and flame tamers. Also, you should remove other removable parts from the grill.
4. Now, it is time to place the grates in a bucket or water-filled sink. It will be better if you use warm soapy water. Then, you should leave it to soak for around 15-30 minutes.
5. You should scrub the flame tamers and burners with a brush. Then, you need to check the burner tubes for clogs, using a toothpick or paper clip to clear any debris from the holes.
6. You can also use a sponge or cloth dipped in soapy water to clean the inside of the grill, including the lid and walls. For stains, you can also use a paste of baking soda and water.
7. Then, you need to clean the grease with soapy water and dry it with a cloth.
8. Once everything is dry, you should reassemble the grates, flame tamers, and burners. Then, reconnect the gas supply.
9. Lastly, turn on the gas to check if it is working properly.

A charcoal grill is also a popular method to barbecue dishes. This method uses a high temperature and its smoky flavors are often preferred by people. After you have barbecued dishes, the grill cleaning task can be done by following the instructions below:

Tools Required

• Grill brush or scraper
• Soapy water
• Sponge or cloth
• Baking soda (optional)
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Bucket
• Trash bag

Instructions

1. You should start cleaning the charcoal grill by letting it cool completely after being used.
2. Then, you should remove the grill gates also empty the ashes into a metal container. Also, it is necessary that all the coals are extinguished completely. 
3. Now, it's time to disassemble parts for proper cleaning. Take out grates, ash catcher, and other removable parts.
4. Using a grill brush you should kindly clean the grates. You need to clean them properly so that there are no leftover food and food particles.
5. After that, you should soak the grates and other parts in soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. Then, you should scrub each part with a sponge or brush and then rinse with cold water.
6. Now, you should clean the inner parts of the grill using a stiff brush or scrapper. Just make sure you remove all the build-up debris and grease on their surface.
7. Then, it's time to empty the ash catcher and clean it with soapy water. To make the process effective you can use cold water and after rinsing dry it properly.
8. After that, you should use detergent and a damp cloth to clean the outer part of the grill. You can also use a stainless cleaner to thoroughly clean the grill if you are using stainless steel.
9. Once you have cleaned all the parts, just make sure you assemble the parts properly and refit the grill.
10. To prevent your grill from rusting, you can lightly coat it with oil after cleaning and reassembling.

The flat-top grill is a perfect grilling method that can cook almost everything and is convenient for any occasion. Once you have barbecued food, you should clean it properly before you use it another time. 

You can clean this grill with the following methods:

Tools Required

• Grill scraper or spatula
• Grill brush
• Warm water
• Dish soap or mild degreaser
• Cloth or paper towels
• Cooking oil (for seasoning)

Instructions

After you have collected all the required tools, you can start the process by following:

1. If you have barbecued on a flat-top grill, then you should let it cool for some time after being turned off. However, for easy cleaning, you should let it be in a warm condition which helps remove the stains fast.
2. With the use of a flat spatula or scrapper, you need to scrape off all the leftover food particles, grease, and debris. You can push the debris and dirt towards the grease trap.
3. Then, you should pour warm water on the surface of the grill. This will help loosen the stains and debris. For tougher stains, you can use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
4. With the use of a grill stone, a non-abrasive scouring pad, or a flat-top grill cleaning pad, you can scrub the surface thoroughly. For the best result, you can move the cleaning pad in circular motions to lift off grease and residue.
5. After that, you should rinse the clean water on the surface of the grill to clean the soap. You can also use a scrapper to push the excess water into the grease trap.
6. Now, you can use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the surface. This also helps to remove any water and residue left.
7. Finally, you have cleaned your flattop grill. Now, use a paper towel to put oil on the surface. This helps to prevent your grill from rusting and also helps in easy cooking the next time you use the grill.
8. Also, you should not forget to empty and clean the grease trap. For cleaning it properly, you can use soapy water after disposing of the grease.

You can also use other methods for cleaning the grill such as:

Vinegar Method

You can also use the vinegar method to clean stubborn stains and grill marks. Just follow the instructions below:

• First of all, you should take white vinegar and warm water and mix them together. Now, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. 
• After that you need to spray the vinegar solution onto the grill grates, also making sure they are well-coated.
• Then, it is time to leave it in solution for about 10-15 minutes.
• Now, you should use a grill brush or sponge to scrub the grates. At the same time, doing that it is better to focus on any areas with stubborn residue. Also, the vinegar helps break down grease and grime.
• After that, you can kindly rinse the grates with clean water in order to remove any remaining vinegar and debris. Also, you should wipe them down with a cloth or paper towel.
•  Lastly, you need to check if the grates are completely dry before using or storing them to prevent rust.

Steam Cleaning Method

Steam cleaning works best when cleaning with a cloth or paper towel. Just follow the instructions below to get the best result:

• First of all, you should turn on the grill setting it at high heat, and then close the lid. To loosen up any stuff and grease, preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Then fill a container or a metal bowl with water while the grill is being heated. Instead of the container, you can use a spray bottle also.
• After that, carefully open the lid and pour the water into the hot grates container. You can directly use a spray bottle also.
• With the use of a grill brush, you should scrub the grates while the grates are still hot. Interestingly, steam helps to remove the stains and grease quickly. However, it is better to use gloves to prevent burning.
• If you feel that grates require more scrubbing and cleaning, you may repeat the steaming and cleaning steps again.
• Once the grills are clean you should turn off the grill and let it be cool for some time.
• After that, you should use a paper towel to oil the grate's surface. This helps to prevent any possible rust and sticking.

Cleaning the grill after you have barbecued food normally takes 15 to 30 minutes. How thoroughly you clean and what method you follow matters when talking about the actual time taken to clean the grill. Here you can get the idea for cleaning:

Basic Cleaning

Basic cleaning takes around 15-30 minutes. You should brush the grates for around 3-5 minutes. Similarly, you should empty the grease trap within 2-3 minutes. After that, around  2-3 minutes are required to wipe down the exterior.

Deep Cleaning

For deep cleaning, you should give around 20-30 minutes. You should remove the grates and soak them for 10-15 minutes. Similarly, scrubbing the interior takes around 5-10 minutes. The time to clean burners/flame tamers (for gas grills) for about 5-10 minutes.

After you have grilled barbecued foods, have some patience and clean the grill before you jump into eating them. If you are in a hurry to serve then you may clean the grill after a few hours. But make sure you clean them on the same day so that it will be easy to remove stains. 

Similarly, it is necessary to clean the grill after a barbecue due to the following reasons:

Hygiene

Cleaning is obviously related to hygiene and just like other utensils you should clean the grill also after being used. Cleaning helps remove leftover food particles that grow bacteria if not cleaned on time.

Similarly, grease used while barbecuing also contributes to bacterial growth. So it is necessary to use the grill only after cleaning to help keep it safe and hygienic. 

Prevent Flaire Up

Do you know that excess grease can cause dangerous flare-ups during your next cookout? So, it is necessary to remove all the grease from the grill before you move to the next cooking.

Better Taste

Interestingly, clean grates prevent old, burnt food from affecting the flavor of your new dishes. Yes, you can upgrade the taste of your barbecue bliss when you prepare them on a clean grill. 

Longevity

Cleaning the grill and making it hygienic helps to keep the grill safe and durable. Regular cleaning prevents it from being rusted. There will be less chance of wear and tear and the device lasts long.

Proper Functionality

Removing dirt and debris further helps the grill maintain even heat distribution and proper airflow. It helps in the smooth functioning of the grill saving both time and texture.

Fire Safety

Cleaning grills also helps to reduce the risk of fires caused by grease buildup. So, you should make sure the grease or oil left in the grill is removed properly during the cleaning process.

To make the cleaning process effective you should know about some of the useful tips. Just follow the tips below and get the best result:

• While cleaning the grill it is better to prevent buildup and make cleaning easier. For that just brush the grates after each use while they are still warm. 
• To avoid any damage, you should use a good quality grill brush or scraper for grates. Also, you need to use soft sponges or cloths for other parts to avoid damage.
• For tougher spots and stains you should soak grates in soapy water. This helps to loosen residue before scrubbing.
• Your task will be easier if you use a grill scraper to remove the larger chunks of food. Instead of this scraper, you can also go for a crumpled ball of aluminum foil.
• It will be better if you place a metal bowl filled with water on the grates and cover it with a lid. Interestingly, the steam from this action will help you loosen the stains thereby helping in the easy removal of dirt.
• If you find it difficult to remove the tough stains, then you can use a paste of soda and water and then leave it in that paste for about 10-15 minutes. 
• When you clean the grates and inner sides of the grill, you should not forget to clean the outer part. Just use any detergent and start scrubbing outside the grill, it will help you get the best result.
• To prevent your grill from rusting and any possible sticking of food, you can kindly oil the surface with the help of a paper towel.
• Another thing to keep in mind while using a gas grill is checking the burners for blockages. You need to make sure the holes know the burners are free from any dirt and debris so that there will be even cooking the next time you use the grill.
• It is great to clean the grill after each use. Similarly, a deep cleaning is necessary at least once a year which includes changing the parts.