BBQ weather is here and just in time for your first party, we have the 5 tips to get your grill cleaned up and ready to serve up some great meals this summer!
While some newer BBQs have "clean" options on their dial, that's for regular maintenance and not for a once a year cleaning. If you want to have your BBQ last, continue to work well and keep your meals safe, here are the tips you need to get your grill in tip-top shape for BBQ season this summer!
1. Get the right tools to clean the appropriate grill:
- Skip steel wool- it can scratch and damage the grills
- thin flexible venturi brush
- stiff-bristle wire brush for heavy duty clean-ups (with brass bristles, not steel)
- Brass bristles
- Scraper (most brushes have a scraper on the end)
- Skip the special bbq cleaners and use liquid soap or vinegar and water (no bleach or chlorine please!)
Throw out any tools that are losing bristles or not in good shape. They can do more damage then help, so spend the money on new ones each year.
2. The BBQ must be cool and disconnected to all fuel sources. Remove the interior pieces (grills, racks, grates, burners) and set these aside on some newspaper or a tarp.
- Scrap greases from the lid and scoop out all ashes and soot.
- Wash the inside of the BBQ with mild soap and water (or water and vinegar).
- Dry with towels
3. Use wire brushes, soap and water to scrub the interior pieces before you reassemble the grill.
- Brush the burner and make sure that the gas holes are clear (bugs love to clog these up). Use a thin wire brush to clean them up so they are unclogged and safe.
4. Replace briquettes or lava rocks every year. They help distribute heat evenly and help flavor food by vaporizing the drippings that fall on them.
5. If you BBQ is looking worn on the outside, no need to replace it just yet. Grab some paint at your local Walmart or hardware store and you can give it a quick makeover!
Other tips:
Your BBQ needs a major cleaning at least once a year, but don't forget to give it a good clean after each use. Scraping off stuck on food and debris will help it last longer and avoid transfer to your next grilled meal.
Remember that just a thin layer of vegetable oil before you grill, can help keep cleaning to a minimum and help with sticking.
Don't get stuck hosting a party when the gas tank runs out. Get a great gauge or keep a spare FULL tank in the garage.
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