Lets Keep It Clean

Grilling food is fun but cleaning afterwards can be a handful. It is very important to clean the grill grate right away because leaving them can lead to corrosion. On top of that, leaving the clumps of food on the grate can result to having a bad flavor the next time it would be used for grilling. Before starting to clean the grate itself, it is important to empty the ashes and pieces of charcoal from the bottom of the grill. For those who maintain a garden, they can be placed on top of soil to prevent slugs and snails.

Interestingly, cleaning would be much simpler if it is done while the grate is still hot. If it already cooled then the best thing is reheat it a bit before starting to clean it. First, a cleaning brush for the clean is needed to remove charred bits and pieces stuck on the grill. There are ones made with metal bristles while others make use of stiff natural brush. Using a natural brush is advisable for porcelain-coated grill grates because using the one with metal bristles would scratch its surface. However, brushes with metal bristles are more effective in removing charred food. A steady flow of water by means of a garden hose can also be effective.

Once the grate is cleaned from soot, a sponge dipped in soapy water can be used. The soap can be washed away with a sponge with water. It would take care of the grease and smell. A slice of lemon can also make it fresher for the next batch of food to be grilled. Allow it to dry under the sun before storing it.

A very effective trick I learned along the way. After the meal is finished cooking take a piece of tin foil about the same size as your grates. Lay it over the grates shiny side down(I am not sure why) turn your gas grill on high or get your charcoal burning as hot as possible. Cover and let stand about 15 minutes. Cool down and take the foil and ball it up and use is as a scouring pad. Most of the left over trappings on your grate will have turned to ash and you can just wipe it off with the foil.