After a great picnic or family gathering outdoors, the last thing you want to do is pick up a brush and wash the barbecue grill. However, this work cannot be avoided and must be done as soon as possible: it is better to remove dirt and grease in a timely manner, without waiting for the next use. The following methods will not only help you clean the grate quickly and effectively, but will also not deprive you of the pleasure of your favorite dish.
How to keep your grill in good condition?
It is important to keep your grill in good condition if you want your food to taste good.
Here are some tips that can extend the life of your grill: Instead of using liquid fuel, use other means to light your grill. They also affect the condition of your dish. Try cooking with indirect heat
This way, food won't stick and you won't have as much trouble cleaning it up. Grease the grill with a small amount of oil (whether butter or sunflower) before use. This will prevent food from sticking to the grill, making subsequent cleanup easier. It's easier to clean the grill while it's still hot, especially any rust or food residue.
It’s better not to put it off, even if you urgently need to sit down at the table and eat. When not in use, store your grill under a tarp. Thus, it will be well protected from environmental changes and will not oxidize from moisture.
Video material
Use the grill grate correctly, clean it in a timely manner, and then you will not have to limit yourself on vacation in preparing not always healthy, but delicious dishes. And this is the key to your excellent mood.
Keeping your grill clean and in good condition is of the utmost importance if you want it to last a long time and produce lots of delicious food. Whether your grill is gas or charcoal, it needs to be cleaned after every use to remove bacteria and food particles that have stuck to the surface. Follow these simple instructions to get your grill ready for barbecue season.
Cleaning in nature
The most difficult thing is to decide on a cleaning method in nature, because the possibilities are limited, there is not such a wide selection of different products as at home. In fact, everything is not as complicated as it seems at first glance. There are many different options on how to restore shine and beauty to your inventory.
One of the easiest ways is to leave a grate on the grass overnight. The dew that has fallen will dissolve the grease, making it easy to wash off the dirt from the product. All you have to do is rinse it in soapy water and it will be as good as new.
If dew is not expected, you can soak the grate in a large basin or barrel of water, to which you should add a little vinegar. With its help, grease and other contaminants will quickly lag behind the metal.
You can easily clean the grate with sand and a metal brush.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Using white vinegar in combination with baking soda can not only be a good cleaner but also a disinfectant. Pour 1 tablespoon of baking soda into a cup. Put on household gloves and grab a dish brush. Pour a small amount of vinegar into the baking soda. The reaction will occur in the form of foam. Dip the brush into the sizzling mixture and wipe the grate with it. Rinse and dry.
Brush for cleaning the grill grate. Illustration taken from open sources.
There are special steel or brass brushes for cleaning grills. Thanks to its very stiff bristles, this brush is able to remove stubborn dirt that is stuck to the grill. To remove dirt, place the cooled grate on sheets of newspaper and scrub with a brush. Apply a small amount of any dishwashing detergent to a dishwashing sponge, wipe the grate and then rinse with water and wipe dry.
Carbon removers
In the latter case, it is most difficult to clean all surfaces, since many hard-to-reach places remain. The design may include a fat receiver (as, for example, in Redmond grills), but there are also options without this part. To understand how to quickly clean your grill, read the instructions.
Expert opinion
Ksenia Diyanova, expert on beauty, purity, harmony
Ask me any questions, I will be happy to answer!
Lack of proper care will lead to damage to the product and the fact that it will lose its attractive appearance and technical characteristics. Before cleaning the grill, be sure to unplug it and wait until the surface has cooled. How to clean a barbecue or grill grate Ask me all your questions, I will be happy to answer!
Means for washing barbecue grills
Household chemicals
Barbecue outdoors is a favorite form of recreation for people. When this event is held at the dacha or in a rural house, there are no problems with how to clean the grill grate at home. Usually they use traditional dishwashing detergent, such as “Fairy”, “Gala”. They are in every kitchen. Since sprays and gels perfectly break down fat, this procedure does not take much time. The only condition is not to leave the process for another day, do it quickly. Dried remains of meat and sauce are difficult to wash off.
Coca Cola
Soda is perfect for cleaning equipment in the field.
It’s more difficult when you need to wash the grate from carbon deposits in nature. A reliable way is to use a carbonated drink such as Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Usually they are stocked up for recreation, and one 1.5 liter bottle should be saved for washing the grill or skewers. A barbecue is placed in a plastic whole bag, a drink is poured, tied, placed in a place where no one will step on or tear it, and left overnight. In the morning all you have to do is rinse it, maybe in the nearest body of water.
Incandescent or oven
There are even simpler ways to get your grill in order - heat it over a fire. Any remaining meat and sauce will burn. The problem will be to clean the scale from the rods. This can be done at home using dishwashing detergent. At the dacha or in the village, you can use the oven for the same purpose. If you put the barbecue in the grass overnight, all you have to do in the morning is wipe it down. But the dew must fall, otherwise this technique makes no sense.
Soda and vinegar
It is recommended to leave the lattice in the mixture for several hours.
If it happens that you don’t have any detergent at hand, you can use the available products that are available in every home. Take a wide container to fit the grill, put it there, fill it with water, add baking soda and vinegar. You can pour and sprinkle by eye. Let soak for 1-2 hours, then wash. Wipe with a kitchen towel to prevent rust.
Ammonia solution
Ammonia also perfectly breaks down fat. It is often included in a car first aid kit. Place the grid in cellophane, pour a bottle of product into it, tie tightly, and leave overnight. In the morning, rinse in the nearest body of water. If this is not the case, then lubricate the grill with any available detergent - liquid, laundry soap, give it time to soak, then wash it in the usual way.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=GwEK0Q8ssvU
How to remove frozen fat
Most people remember that they need to clean their equipment before their next picnic. They are looking for ways to clean their grill grates without much effort. Simple remedies will not be able to help them, because the dirt is firmly ingrained and rust has appeared.
Sometimes nothing works to remove old fat; even a metal brush does not help. The reason is that all people make the same mistake. They are trying to wash away the dried dirt. The task is made easier by preheating the product, during which the fat melts. You can also pre-soak the equipment in heated water. Then they begin further cleaning using special products and a metal brush.
Using a special brush will make it easier to clean the grate from grease.
Cleaning the barbecue grill (grill, barbecue) immediately after use
High temperatures make cleaning the grill much easier. Each time after frying, leave the grill on the fire for 10 minutes so that it warms up thoroughly. This will burn off the remaining food, and the brush will take care of the coals.
If you haven't already purchased a good long-handled grill brush, consider purchasing one. This advice will probably be more useful to those who have purchased an expensive barbecue or grill. The curved handle makes cleaning easier, and some brush manufacturers promise that special bristles even remove grease residue.
We will offer owners of inexpensive grilles the old-fashioned method: crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a tight ball, squeeze it with tongs or your hand, and work on the blackened bars of the grill. It's best to clean metal when it's hot, so don't forget to wear gloves.
This cleaning is quite enough so that the taste of the meat is not affected. But sometimes, at least once a year, it is necessary to carry out more serious procedures if you want the grille to last you longer.
Oiling the grate helps prevent food from sticking while cooking. Dampen a paper towel with a little oil and rub the grates. Be careful: too much oil can cause a nice and unexpected flare-up of fire.
How to clean a barbecue or grill grate
For perfectionists, we offer inexpensive options for cleaning grill grates. Using the same methods, but without the use of metal sponges and foil, the external parts of a stationary or portable grill and barbecue are well washed. As a rule, the outer surface of the devices is non-stick, therefore, as always: test the effect of the substance on an insignificant and inconspicuous area.
Cleaning the Grill with Vinegar
Those who think that vinegar is only needed for marinating shish kebab are deeply mistaken! Vinegar works great for cleaning your grill and you won't have to worry about harmful chemicals getting into your food.
All you need:
- vinegar;
- spray;
- water;
- sheet of aluminum foil.
Dilute table vinegar with water one to one, shake in a bottle. Without sparing, spray on dirt. Wait 10 minutes for the vinegar to absorb into the carbon deposits. At this time, fold the foil into a tight roll and moisten it with clean, undiluted vinegar. Treat the surface of the grill with foil, if necessary, additionally spray the water-vinegar mixture. No rinsing required.
Wash the external parts of the grill with the same solution. Instead of foil, use rags or cotton cloth.
Deep cleaning the grill grate
If you find that the steps described above did not lead to the desired result, try another method. As with the previous method, you will need vinegar to clean the barbecue grate. Additionally, prepare baking soda and a large plastic bag (garbage bag, for example).
Place the grate in the bag. Mix a cup of vinegar and half a cup of soda in a metal or plastic container. Pour the sizzling solution onto the rods, tie the bag and leave overnight.
In the morning, rinse all the mess off the metal. You may have to scrub some particularly burnt areas with a brush, but it’s unlikely. Don't forget to oil the rods if you don't want to leave half the meat on the grill!
The best store-bought anti-carbon products
If the grate is covered with too much carbon deposits and it is not possible to remove it using simple home methods, you can use professional chemicals.
Some manufacturers of grills and accessories also produce branded cleaning products that you can use without worry.
Among the universal products, it is worth highlighting several popular cleaning compositions.
Schumanit ★5.0
A well-known product for cleaning contaminated surfaces. Its high cost is justified by its quick and effective effect on burnt grease and dirt.
Schumanite contains aggressive alkalis that cannot be used for cleaning enamel, aluminum and other surfaces that are not resistant to aggressive chemicals.
User rating: 5
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Amway ★5.0
This concentrate does an excellent job even of old stains. It does not settle on the surface, is easily washed off, and removes not only burnt organic matter, but also the unpleasant odor remaining from it.
This product does not contain harsh chemicals, making it suitable for cleaning grates with non-stick coatings.
User rating: 5
What Yandex Market can offer us:
Top House ★5.0
A reliable product for cleaning metal products from dirt and grease.
It has a soft effect, creates a protective film on the surface of the grille, without leaving streaks.
User rating: 5
What Yandex Market can offer us:
Dr.Beckman ★4.7
Stainless steel cleaning foam quickly removes dirt, grease, mucus and fingerprints.
This product can also be used to clean aluminum, glass and even plastic products.
User rating: 4.7
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Prosept Cooky Grill ★4.5
Inexpensive and effective product. The bottle has a classic dispenser for spraying surfaces that need cleaning.
It has a pungent odor and contains concentrated alkalis, which is why it requires careful handling. Gloves will be required.
User rating: 4.5
What Yandex Market can offer us:
Types of gas stove grates
Before you understand how to clean the grate on a gas stove and choose one of the proposed methods, you need to carefully study the instructions for the device to find out for sure what material this part is made of. The grate of a gas stove can be metal, cast iron or steel; for each there are at least 5 effective ways to clean carbon deposits.
Cast iron grate
They are distinguished by their strength, heavy weight, and durability. The main advantage of a cast iron grate on a gas stove, which can be cleaned at home, is its reasonable cost. Such a cast iron part retains heat remarkably well, but, most importantly, does not sag under the weight of pots or pans. However, cleaning the cast iron grate on a gas stove will require some effort. Remember that prolonged exposure to water and scraping off fat with sharp objects or strong abrasives will negatively affect cast iron and lead to peeling of the material.
Enameled steel grille
Made of durable metal coated with special enamel. They have a lot of advantages:
- aesthetics;
- ease;
- water resistance.
You can clean such an enameled gas stove grate from grease and carbon deposits using a brush with soft or medium-hard hair. It is also not contraindicated to use household chemicals. Strong abrasive products are not contraindicated for cleaning the gas stove grate from gas deposits at home. Nevertheless, you should not get carried away with them, otherwise the life of the product will be significantly reduced.
Stainless steel grid
Experienced housewives will confirm that this material is the most durable. Such a gas stove grate can be washed without fear under running water or cleaned with a brush using even the most caustic detergent. It is stainless steel that is chosen by manufacturers of modern gas stoves as a material for grates. There are more than 5 best ways to help clean such a grate on a gas stove quickly and efficiently.
What can you use to clean it?
Grilling surfaces are made from a variety of materials, each with its own characteristics and varying resistance to chemical or mechanical cleaning agents.
Before you start ridding your product of carbon deposits, it is important to understand which method of dealing with dirt is acceptable for your product. Cast iron . A popular option, since gratings made from this material are quite durable and inexpensive. However, cleaning cast iron products using abrasives or sharp objects that are too hard is not recommended, as the material may begin to flake off.
Enamel or any other non-stick coating . Scrapers, metal brushes, sand or other abrasives are contraindicated for such products. With harsh mechanical processing, there is a high risk of damaging the coating, as a result of which it will lose its basic properties, and the only thing left to do is throw away the grille.
If you own such an accessory, we advise you to avoid heavy contamination and use gentle, mild cleaning agents. The best solution is to wash immediately after use.
Stainless steel . The most unpretentious material that is not afraid of even the most aggressive chemicals. Unlike cast iron, stainless steel can be washed under water for a long time, cleaned with hard brushes or treated with concentrated alkali.
Traditional methods
Special chemicals break down fat and help remove dirt. But they are not suitable for many people because they contain harmful substances. Opponents of household chemicals can use traditional methods. There are many tools that can effectively solve the problem of how to quickly clean the grate.
| № | Name of the product | Principle of the procedure |
| 1 | Heating and scraping | The grill is heated over fire. The fats on the grate surface will burn off, and old dirt will acquire a loose structure, after which it will be much easier to remove. The leftover food will become embers that will fall off on their own. Then they move on to the next stage. Treat the grate with a special grill brush and scrape off any remaining burnt residue. If you don’t have a metal brush, you can use a piece of crumpled up foil. At the final stage, the product is washed with warm water. This method allows you to remove residual lard, meat and onions. |
| 2 | Ammonia solution | This is one of the effective methods to quickly clean your barbecue grill after a picnic. The procedure is performed using ammonia, a large, tight bag. The grill is placed in a bag and ammonia is poured in so that it completely covers its surface. The plastic bag is tied tightly and left overnight. In the morning, wash the product thoroughly with hot water. |
| 3 | Soda and vinegar | The products are mixed in equal proportions. The skewers and mesh are placed in a bag, the prepared solution is poured in, tied tightly, and left for a couple of hours. Then wipe the metal products with a damp sponge. |
| 4 | Soap solution | It is considered the best cleaning method to boil the grill in a soapy solution. Fill a large container with water, add crushed laundry soap, and place it on the fire. After the solution boils, a metal product is immersed in it. Boil in this way for about half an hour, turn off the heat. After the utensils have cooled, they take them out and wash them. |
| 5 | Coca Cola | This drink has long been famous for its ability to clean pipes well. But this is not his only advantage. It has also proven its effectiveness in the fight against smoke. The equipment for preparing barbecue is placed in a large container and filled with drink. One hour is enough for the dirt to completely remove. At the end, the grate is treated with a hard sponge and washed. |
Almost all of the folk remedies listed are found in every home. Therefore, the question of how to clean the grate at home is quite simple to solve. Each person will be able to choose the ideal option for themselves.
Coca Cola
Soap solution Calcination Soda, vinegar and citric acid will help get rid of old fat
Soak in ammonia solution
An ammonia solution will save you from washing the grill during the holiday and leave monotonous work in the morning. Prepare a tight bag and 3-4 bottles of 10% ammonia in advance.
Place all barbecue equipment in a bag and pour ammonia inside. The bag must be tightly closed, but before doing this, remove all the air from inside so that the cellophane fits tightly to the grill and skewers. Shake the bag a little so that the ammonia covers the entire surface of the accessories. Leave the workpiece overnight, and in the morning, rinse the grill thoroughly: first with detergent and then with running water.
If you do not want to use detergent, soak the equipment in a soapy solution: heat water in a large saucepan and grate the soap, then fill the grate with liquid and leave for 30-40 minutes. After the specified time has passed, carefully remove the equipment, rinse with water and wipe with a towel.
How to clean a barbecue grill from grease and carbon deposits - methods
The already well-known trick with aluminum paper balls will come in handy here too. Relevant if you didn’t bring a metal sponge on the road.
Expert opinion
Ekaterina Korneva, expert in the field of care, cleanliness and beauty
I will help you understand all the intricacies.
In principle, saving yourself from the hard and unpleasant work of washing off stubborn carbon deposits is not so difficult. Sometimes it is not possible to cope with old stains even with the use of a metal scraper. Fifth method If you have any questions, please contact me, I will be happy to answer!
Why do you need to clean your barbecue grill periodically?
We, as adherents of cleanliness, would like to exaggerate things a little and write that bacteria developing on a dirty barbecue grill are very dangerous and harmful. But that's not true. All living creatures that have bred over the winter will die from contact with open fire.
The main, and perhaps the only reason why barbecue utensils should be washed is taste. Burnt fats and oils impart a disgusting taste to meat. You don't want your steak to go straight from the fire to the trash.
In addition, food residues burnt on the grill from previous use prevent the cook from turning the food (if you cook on a stationary grill), the kebab burns, and you won’t be able to receive compliments for your skill.
The methods for cleaning the grate are the same for inexpensive portable options, grills, and barbecues.
From unpleasant odors
If you have grilled fish, a not-so-pleasant odor lingers on the grill after cooking. Cooking meat later will not be very pleasant. Fortunately, there are 2 ways to get rid of unpleasant odor:
Water with vinegar
Always finish by rinsing the grill grate with vinegar and water. This will prevent cleaning odors from escaping during the next preparation.
Lemon
If there is still a fishy smell on the grill, take half a lemon and gently rub it over the grill grates. Then dampen a sheet of paper towel. Place it on a wire rack and swipe to remove the lemon. Wipe with a dry cloth.
Why clean your grill?
Health concerns are the most important reason to clean your grill. Grilling itself is not the healthiest form of cooking. In addition, burnt food residue stuck to the grates is not only carcinogenic, but also provides excellent conditions for bacterial growth. Because of this, it is very easy to get poisoned.
Taste is also important. Grilling on dirty grates causes old food debris to stick to fresh neck or wing pieces and makes them taste bitter and unappetizing. The grill must also be cleaned so that it serves us for as long as possible. General cleaning sometimes requires the use of harsh products, which means the device breaks down faster.
Operating the BBQ/Grill
Following a few guidelines for maintaining your grill will not only help extend the life of your grill, but will also ensure that the food you cook on it tastes great. Light cleaning should be done after each use of the grill, especially for those models that are stored outdoors.
While the barbecue is still warm after cooking, use a brush or sprayer to apply vegetable oil to the barbecue grill. Then, armed with a spatula or wire brush, use sufficient force to begin removing the burnt-on fat layer. While the metal is hot, this procedure is easy to do. The carbon deposits are removed quickly and without any extra effort. Then wipe the grate from excess oil and ash particles with a paper towel.
If you do not plan to use the barbecue in the next week, it is better to clean it of ash and remaining coals. To some extent, this will protect it from corrosion and deterioration in appearance, since excess moisture will have nowhere to accumulate. Cool the grill thoroughly and make sure it is completely dry. Only after this can it be closed and stored.
BBQ and grill
Dried residues of fat after frying shish kebab are much more difficult to wash off than still fresh soot / Photo: vosaduly.ru
We recommend cleaning frying structures immediately after preparing food. The fat will not have time to harden and it will be easier to wash it off. Wait a little while until you can touch the grill or barbecue with your hands and get to work.
Grab a wire brush, iron sponge, or oven scraper from home. To remove grease, both a special barbecue liquid and regular dishwashing detergent are suitable.
If you frequently fry food on the barbecue, purchase a special metal brush for quick cleaning / Photo: housetime.pro
Rinse the frypot generously, apply detergent to the sponge, and carefully remove any carbon deposits. Rub lightly so as not to scratch the coating of the grill. Then turn the structure over, shake out the dirt, rinse with water and wash again. The barbecue or grill does not need to be polished to a shine, as there will still be traces of coal inside. It is enough to remove fresh dirt.
If you forget to clean the fryer one time, no harm will happen. However, this cannot be done regularly. Due to the accumulated residues of ash, coals and soot, the meat will burn and be poorly cooked inside. Another disadvantage is the unpleasant aroma that may accompany the prepared dish.
Useful ideas on how to clean a cast iron grate from a gas stove
Expensive gas stoves in most cases are equipped with cast iron grates. Although this material is heavy, it is quite fragile, so you need to be careful when handling it.
Never boil cast iron grates in a solution with citric acid. This product destroys the structure of the metal
How to clean a part without resorting to chemical reactions
If you don't want to damage your hands and metal with hazardous chemical compounds that destroy the material, then why not use a wire brush. To do this, the gas stove part must be dry. Take a long bristled metal brush, put it on the drill and thoroughly sand all the strips of the grating. Then wash off the fat particles in warm water and detergent.
It is not recommended to clean gas grates mechanically too often. It's thinning the metal
How to clean the grate on a gas stove or fire: caution is key here
At home, this method can only be implemented if you have a private house, and then you need to open windows and doors. In an apartment, this option is dangerous due to fire of surfaces, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. This procedure is easier to perform at a fire (it is better to use a grill). Place the grate on the grill with an open fire for a few minutes on one side, and then on the other. Wait until the flame burns through all the strips. Then put out the fire and remove the device with thick rags. After cooling, wash it in warm water and rub with a sponge.
Do not grab the gas stand with your bare hands, it is hot and you will get burned.How to clean a cast iron grate from a gas stove using laundry soap
Pre-prepare a metal container into which the grill will completely fit. Use your neighbors' help if you don't have another spare gas stove. Grate a bar of 72% laundry soap and place it in a basin. Fill with water so that it slightly covers the grate. Now add 150ml PVA glue and simmer for 60 minutes. Place the hot grate into cold water and scrub well with a wire brush until the grease is completely free.
Cleaning with laundry soap takes a lot of time, however, the stove grate remains clean for a long time
Step-by-step instructions with photos
In reality, the cleaning process is not so difficult: there is no need to burn anything or use super-toxic chemicals. All you need is the most common hand soap, which is found in almost every home, and a sponge.
The process itself is so simple that even a child can repeat it.
First you need to evenly distribute the soap over the surface of the grate. This can be made easier by placing a plastic bag underneath.
This method can be called gentle, because in this case no firing or metal brushes are used and the metal surface remains intact.
If any harsh mechanical impacts are applied to the grille, the galvanic coating, under which there is the most ordinary metal, will inevitably wear off.
The grill stand is usually stored somewhere outdoors, so it very quickly becomes covered with a noble layer of iron oxide, or simply rust.
After the soap has been evenly distributed over the surface of the grate, it should be packed in a plastic bag and left for a day or two.
After 24 hours, the bag with the soapy stand can be unpacked again and easily cleaned with a soft dish brush.
For people who have used this method many times, everything worked out great: after using regular hand soap, the grate became almost like new.
You can also experiment with dishwashing detergents or others. This way the result can become even more effective.
How not to wash your grill?
Let's look at a few common mistakes made when cleaning kitchen appliances. If you avoid them, the device will last much longer.
Here's how not to clean your grill:
- Water the device with running water. If water gets inside the case, it will cause a short circuit the next time you turn it on. In addition, wet parts are much more likely to be damaged by corrosion.
- Use steel wool, scrapers, and abrasive powders. These products leave scratches on the enamel and non-stick coating.
- Empty the grease receptacle into the sink drain. Fat emulsion can clog the siphon or become a medium for the development of harmful microorganisms.
By using the right set of cleaning products and avoiding mistakes, you can easily clean your grill and extend the life of the unit.
Cooking barbecue is an integral tradition of any picnic. But then you have to eliminate the consequences of the gatherings. A mountain of dirty, oily dishes awaits the good-natured owners. But the most difficult thing to wash is barbecue equipment. The question arises, how to clean the grill after barbecue using various available means. To solve this problem, you can use household chemicals and folk remedies. But when a non-professional gets down to business, all his efforts end in failure
That’s why it’s so important to understand the rules for effective cleansing.
Choosing a detergent
In many ways, choosing the right detergent helps to avoid labor costs when cleaning kitchen utensils. Today there is a huge selection of compounds that break down fatty film and effectively remove carbon deposits.
Special cleaning compounds
We are talking about cleaning solutions that contain complex compositions of carbon-breaking substances. Some companies that produce kitchen equipment (for example, Bork) themselves produce specialized detergents for cleaning cast iron or aluminum surfaces. Others (for example, Redmond and Tefal) provide a list of recommended products in the instructions for their devices.
Most cleaning compounds for removing carbon deposits from grills (for example, Amway or Schumanite) are available in spray form. Simply spray the product onto a damp, cooled surface and wait until it eats away the grease. After this, the surface is thoroughly washed with water.
Strong surfactants found in detergents can be hazardous if they come into contact with food, eyes or skin. Therefore, before work, read the instructions and, if necessary, wear gloves and other protective equipment. And don’t forget to thoroughly rinse off any remaining product.
Folk remedies
These are improvised compositions that can be prepared from improvised means and products found in any kitchen. Their main advantage compared to factory solutions is availability, low cost and chemical safety.
How to properly clean a grill grate from carbon deposits: effective methods
With a grill at home, you can delight your family and friends by bringing them together around the table with delicious food. A roast or any other dish cooked on the grill has a distinct flavor of burnt wood, smoke and charcoal. Meat, vegetables, pizza - everything tastes better on the grill. Every good cook knows that cleaning the grill is very important because it cooks the food that will go on the table.
It must be clean not only before, but also after use. There is nothing mysterious about how to clean your grill, just don't leave it for later. Cooked and cleaned! And every three or four months you need to do a thorough cleaning to keep it in good condition. It is advisable not to neglect this, otherwise the grill may rust and deteriorate.
Steps
Cleaning your gas grill
- Clean burners and pipes.
When barbecue season begins, you'll want to give your grill a thorough cleaning. Before you begin, make sure your propane tank is unplugged.
Clean the grill.
Cover all gas valves with aluminum foil to keep them dry (to prevent rust). Using soapy warm water, wash all external and internal surfaces and dry them with a clean, dry towel. When finished, reattach the gas pipes and burners.
- Use a long-handled wire brush to scrub away any caked-on debris.
- Burn fat and debris.
Place the briquettes, close the lid and heat the grill to high temperature for 15 minutes. This will remove all the grease from the grate, making it easier to clean.
- Let the grill sit and cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove the grate and briquettes for cooking. Wash the grate in soapy water, using a grill brush to remove any stuck-on grease. A wire sponge can also be used to remove stuck dirt.
Dry the grill with a clean, dry towel and replace the briquettes and grill.
Clean the grill grate with a brush after each use. Remove all bits and pieces of food.
- Pay special attention to the area around briquettes or lava rocks, as food often falls through the grate. Remove any food particles and wipe everything down with a rag.
Once it has cooled, cover it to protect it from contamination. Cover gas lines to prevent insects from getting inside.
Cleaning your charcoal grill
At the beginning of grilling season, make sure to remove all old ashes and clean the outside of your grill. Stock up on coal so you're prepared. Follow a grill cleaning routine after every cookout to ensure it is kept in tip-top condition.
- Preheat the grill.
Before you start cooking, light the charcoal briquettes, place the grate over the fire and cover with a lid. Let the grill preheat for 10-20 minutes.
- Allowing the grill to warm up will melt any old grease on the grate and make cleaning easier.
Take a long-handled grill brush (preferably one with stiff wire bristles) and scrub the grate, removing any stuck-on particles. If you don't have a brush, you can clean the grill with crumpled aluminum foil held in long tongs.
- Clean your grill to remove any grease, stuck marinade, spices, or melted cheese that may have seeped through the grilled food.
The grill is very easy to stain with meat sticks, especially delicate fish. It is recommended to cook fish dishes on aluminum foil, which should be placed on top of the grill to avoid burning and breaking.
If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, you can skip the brushing step and place the rack directly in the oven.
Grease the grate.
Once you've cleaned the grill, fold the paper towel into quarters to create a sponge. Dip a towel into the vegetable oil and, using long tongs, coat the grates with oil.
Recycle coal.
Give the charcoal two days to cool completely, then wrap it in thick aluminum foil and place it in a fireproof container. It could be a metal bucket or a tin can.
Cover the grill.
Proper storage is an important part of keeping your grill clean. A grill cover protects your grill from rust and debris, especially if your grill is stored outdoors.
- The cover protects not only the grill, but also other utensils from rust and dirt.
Grill covers can be lightweight in warm weather, and some companies make thick, durable covers for winter grill storage.
Cleaning your electric grill
An electric grill, whether indoor or outdoor, has real advantages (no fuel source required!), but there are also disadvantages (no smoky flavor to the food). Luckily, cleaning an electric grill is a snap.
- Turn off the grill.
When you are finished cooking, turn off and unplug the grill. Let it cool before you start cleaning.
- Clean the grease traps.
Most electric grills have built-in cups to catch juices and grease that are released during cooking. These cups need to be washed after each use.
- Remove the cups according to the instructions. Empty them in the trash bin.
Wash the grease trap either in the dishwasher (if it is designed for that purpose) or by hand with warm water and soap.
- Wipe it off.
Use a paper towel to remove any excess grease or food. Some models have removable frying panels. These panels can also be washed either in the dishwasher or by hand with warm water and soap.
- Follow the printed instructions for your grill model to ensure all features are covered.
Do not submerge the entire grill in water. This is an electrical device that may be damaged in water.
Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most environmentally friendly cleaning solutions for grills and other metal surfaces. Lemon juice and cola are also excellent rust dissolvers!
Soda and Vinegar Paste
Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most environmentally friendly cleaning solutions for grills and other metal surfaces.
Take a glass of baking soda and gradually add vinegar to it until you obtain a soft, homogeneous mass. Use a regular sponge or a metal sponge to apply a small amount of paste to the grill grate. Leave for 20-30 minutes, then scrub the grate with a stiff sponge until all rust is removed. To scrub away thick layers of rust, use a paste with an abrasive sponge. Rinse with water to remove residue.
Lemon juice and dishwashing liquid
Lemon juice dissolves rust as well as vinegar. Mix lemon juice with dishwashing liquid and water to create a thick, sticky mixture. Apply this mixture to the rusty grill grate and cover with plastic wrap to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly. Leave it like this for 24 hours. After this, remove the plastic film and scrub the grill with a stiff sponge or brush, and then rinse thoroughly with water.
Cola
Carbonated drinks such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola contain phosphoric acid, and it is the main component of most commercially available rust remover cleaners. And since buying a bottle of cola is easier than searching for special powder, it can also be used to clean your grill!
Buy two or three liters of cola. Pour into a bowl or tray with high edges and place the grill grate there so that the liquid completely covers it. Leave to soak overnight. The next day, remove the grate and clean off any rust and carbon deposits with a wire brush or sponge. Rinse with water. If rust stains still remain, repeat the process.
Important:
In addition to phosphoric acid, cola drinks contain sugar and other substances that attract insects and bacteria. Therefore, rinse the grill thoroughly!
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And fresh vegetables cooked on coals. To do this, it is more convenient to use a barbecue grill rather than skewers; one problem is that it can be very difficult to clean.
I know from myself how difficult it is sometimes to clean a grill or barbecue grate. But I found a solution to this problem. I suggest you use my findings.
How to clean a cast iron gas stove grate
Steam cleaning
It is necessary to treat contaminated areas with a steam generator at a temperature of 140°C. In this case, you need to use a round nozzle with stiff bristles. True, she will not get to hard-to-reach places.
If you don’t have a steam generator, you can pour water into a baking tray and place it in the lower part of the oven, and place a stove rack on top. You will have to make sure that the water does not completely evaporate and constantly add it until all the dirt falls off the grate under the influence of water vapor.
Incandescent
It is best to burn it over a fire, somewhere outside the city. Or at home, it’s better to do this in the summer so that you can open the windows in addition to turning on the hood. After all, the smell will be terrible.
The grate must be installed so that the part that we want to ignite is above the fire. And let it be over the fire until the impurities begin to fall off en masse. At the end of the process, move the grate or remove it from the heat.
How to clean a barbecue grill? Simple and effective methods
Everyone knows how delicious chicken legs, shish kebab, and sausages are when cooked over a fire using a grill grate. Definitely, these dishes deserve great attention. Currently, there are many kitchen utensils on the market for preparing them. Skewers cannot give such a comfortable and convenient result during cooking and transportation. But the grill grate can compensate for all the shortcomings of the skewers. Now it is used by many folk cooks. The only factor in which skewers win over wire racks is ease of cleaning after use. But still, practicality takes over. After a picnic and feast, we wonder how to clean the grill grate. Today we will look at simple and convenient methods that can easily cope with such a problem.
What is the best rust remover for metal?
Best rust remover
- Best Overall: Evapo-Rust is the original, super safe rust remover.
- Best on a Budget: Whink Rust Remover.
- Best all-around solution: WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.
- Best for Home: Iron Out Rust Stain Remover Spray.
- Best for Heavy Duty: Corroseal Primer for Water Based Rust Converters.
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Oct 16 2022
Metal brush or brush
The simplest way, but quite effective, is to arm yourself with a regular metal brush or brush. To enhance the effect, you can add detergent.
However, if the utensil has not been used for a long time, its surface may turn black or even begin to rust. In this case, you will need professional household chemicals.
Attention! If you use any chemicals, you should carefully read the instructions and safety precautions. As for the household chemicals themselves, the usual products that everyone is used to seeing in the kitchen can only cope with minor stains
As for the household chemicals themselves, the usual products that everyone is used to seeing in the kitchen can only cope with minor stains.
In order to completely remove dirt from barbecue or grill utensils, you should use stronger ones: special gels or spray. Their main advantage is simplicity and economy, and the disadvantage is high price.
Coca Cola
Surely many have heard that with the help of this sweet soda you can remove any scale. When fighting fat, Cola will be a great help.
To do this, the barbecue accessories need to be placed in a bag or plastic container. Shake the drink well and pour it over the skewers. After some time, you need to check whether the dirt is easily removed: if not, then leave it for some more time.
Best ways
Rough mechanical impact and caustic chemicals destroy the non-stick coating, as well as the metal rods themselves. As a result, the grille quickly becomes covered with a layer of rust. In order for it to serve faithfully for many years, you need to give preference to gentle cleaning methods.
Manufacturers advise cleaning grill grates by baking or in soapy water.
Calcination
At temperatures exceeding 250 degrees, food debris, oil and all joints on the rods turn to ash. Baking is the easiest and most affordable way to clean the grill and its parts.
Cleaning instructions:
- After cooking, return the empty grate to its place. If necessary, add firewood. It is necessary for tongues of flame to appear.
- Leave the grate on the fire for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the fat and all organic residues will burn and turn into ash.
- If you do not have a barbecue, but a charcoal or gas grill, set the temperature to 280 degrees and heat the grate under the lid for 20 minutes.
- Brush off the ash with a wire brush.
If the grate does not have a non-stick coating, you can do without a brush. After removing it from the fire, sharply lower it under water, and then tap it on a hard surface. You can also replace the brush with a wad of aluminum foil. Pinch it with tongs and rub the hot rods. People also use a stale piece of bread for cleaning.
Soak
This method will come to the rescue if the picnic is over, the fire has gone out, and the dirty grill grate has returned home safely. To clean it you will need:
- liquid soap or dishwashing detergent;
- plastic bags according to size - 2 pcs.;
- sponge and stiff bristle brush.
So what we do:
- Unfold the bag and place the grill on it.
- Squeeze out the detergent and thoroughly coat the rods on both sides with a sponge.
- We wrap it in a bag, tie it and forget about it for the whole day (or better yet, for 2-3 days).
- Unwrap the bag and wash it with a brush under running water.
- The carbon deposits become very soft, pliable and easily come off the metal.
The advantage of soaking in a bag is obvious. You don't have to look for a suitable container, take up a sink or even a whole bathtub. Although, if you have a suitable vessel, you can simply add liquid soap and pour boiling water over the grill for 2-3 hours. The effect will be exactly the same.
What chemicals can be used to clean grill grates? Special products for cleaning grill grates are produced: Weber, Forester. They are intended for the care of grill equipment. If you have a regular barbecue, there is no point in buying them. But it is not recommended to use “Shumanit”, “Sanox” and other chemicals labeled “anti-fat”: they are poorly removed from the surface, can get into food and cause poisoning. Use safe chemicals intended for washing dishes.
How often should the grate be washed? The grill grate must be cleaned after each use. Food burns more strongly to contaminated rods, soot hardens and is more difficult to clean. When cooking, it gets into products, worsens their taste, appearance and negatively affects health.
How long can a grate last? From one to 6 years. The service life depends on the frequency of use and proper care. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Do not leave the grate wet. Do not try to clean it with steel wool, a knife or other sharp objects.
Cleaning the grate seems like a difficult and dirty job to many. This is due to the lack of information about alternative cleaning methods. There is no need to scrub it or treat it with chemicals while wearing gloves and a mask. In fact, everything is simple: to clean the rods, the grate must either be heated or left in soap for a day or two. No special equipment, manual labor or other hassle. But a good brush still won't hurt.
Treat with vinegar solution
- Wipe the outside of the barbecue with a damp cloth using a solution of baking soda and warm water. It will help you easily remove dirt from the walls.
- If the outer surface of your grill/barbecue is made of stainless steel, after washing you can wipe it with oil, which will act as a protector for your device.
Foil is a great alternative to a sponge. Using a small piece of aluminum foil you can get rid of fresh grease stains and carbon deposits. Crumple up a sheet of foil to form a tight ball, pinch it with tongs and carefully walk over the blackened rods. For hard-to-reach areas, use a vinegar solution: soak the ball in the liquid and treat the corners of the grate. Then wash the equipment with detergent and rinse under running water.
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