A charcoal grill is a way to go if you want to treat yourself to meat full of smoky flavors. But what if, after grilling, the meat comes out stale and smells like trash?
Bad news, guys! Your charcoal grill is in need of some deep cleaning. Oh, yes! We know it is not easy to clean a charcoal grill.
But don’t worry, we are here with a detailed guide on “how to clean the charcoal grill”? This will assist you in cleaning your grill with perfection.
But wait! First, let us tell you why you must clean your charcoal grill regularly.
Why Should You Clean Your Charcoal Grill?
Do you think your charcoal grill doesn’t need cleaning because it looks clean?
Flash news! It only seems clean.
Every time you use your grill, the meat, oil, sauces, and spices leave the residue behind. This residue is not only fatal for your health, but it also harms the quality of your grill.
Therefore, it is vital to check your grill and clean it after every use to prolong its life. Here are more reasons to clean your grill timely.
Reason#1: To Get Rid of Bacteria
Small food residues on the grates of your charcoal grill attract a lot of bacteria. These bacteria are then transferred to your meat during grilling and cause diseases.
Cleaning your charcoal grill after every use is an appropriate way to eliminate them.
Reason#2: To Avoid Pests
What most of the pests look for is something edible. When you don’t clean your charcoal grill, the aroma of leftover food particles attract different pests.
These pests contaminate your charcoal grill and make it unhealthy to use. Therefore, cleaning your charcoal grill after every use is necessary to keep pests away.
Reason#3: To Cook Tasty Meat
When you cook meat on an unclean grill, it absorbs terrible flavors of rotten meat residues attached to grates.
This ruin the taste of your grilled meat. Therefore, cleaning the grill properly is required to remove residues and have delicious grilled meat.
How to Clean Charcoal Grill? Step by Step Guide
Now you know the reasons behind proper cleaning of your charcoal grill. So, it’s time to head towards the step-wise guide to clean your charcoal grill.
Supplies Required
- Gloves
- Hot Water
- Soap or detergent
- Long-handled stiff wire brush
- Sponge or a scrubber
- A hand towel
- Vinegar and soda (Optional)
Step#1: Clean the Grates
First of all, clean grates with a long-handled, stiff-wire brush. An aluminum foil will also do the trick for you if you don’t have a brush.
Rub the grates with a brush thoroughly to remove any food residues. After that, rinse them with water and again wash using soap or detergent.
Using a detergent will eliminate leftover grime and bacteria. Then let the grates dry.
Step#2: Remove the Grates
Remove grates from the charcoal grill. These grates can easily be removed just by using your bare hands.
If you do not remove the grates, you will not be able to clean the inner part of the grill effectively.
Step#3: Get Rid of the Ash
When you are done with the grates, it is time to move toward the body. After removing the grates, you will have access to ash present in the grill.
Remove this ash with the help of a giant spatula. However, the most convenient way is to tilt your grill downward and let the ash come out.
Ash will be messy, so you have to be careful. Place it in a plastic container or a bag to dispose of it without creating a mess.
Step#4: Clean the Inner Part of the Grill
After removing the ash, it’s time to deep clean the whole body with hot water, soap, and a sponge.
Hot water is necessary to loosen the grease, soap will obliterate it, and a sponge will help scrub out the sticky grime.
Rinse it again with clear water after scrubbing.
Step#5: Wash the Surface of the Grill
It’s time to move towards the outer body of the grill. This contains a lot of stains, bacteria, grease, and many other things. So, proper cleaning is required for it as well.
Hot water will again come in handy here to remove grease and stains.
Make a solution of hot water and dishwashing soap. Dip the scrubber in the solution and start scrubbing the body. After that, rinse it with water.
Pro Tip: To scrub the stubborn grime without hassle, add vinegar and soda to the cleaning solution. Apply it to the surface and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
Step#6: Dry and Assemble
It’s time to dry your charcoal grill. If you let it sit without drying, the dampness will cause the rusting of grates.
So, dry it with a hand towel and then let it stand in the open air for a few minutes.
Step#7: Cover Your Grill
After drying the grill, it is better to cover it. A weather-resistant cover will be more helpful, especially if you keep your grill in the backyard.
Precautions and Suggestions
Washing Gloves
When cleaning the grill, always wear gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and cuts.
Handle Ash with Care
Handle the ash with great care. Ensure that the ash is fully cold. Otherwise, you may burn your hands or other body parts.
Grease the Grates
After cleaning and drying out the grates, grease them with vegetable oil to prevent rusting and sticking of food.
Also Read: Can I Use Charcoal Grill in Apartment?
Conclusion
We believe that our guide on How to clean the charcoal grill after use?” will help you clean your charcoal grill efficiently. Make sure to follow all the steps accurately to increase the life of your grill and the taste of your food.
Firstly, remove the grates and wash them. Then remove the ash and deeply wash the inner side of the grill. After that, scrub the surface of the grill. Lastly, dry and cover the grill to prevent it from environmental hazards.
Still here? Head towards your backyard, clean your charcoal grill, and say goodbye to the funky taste and foul odor of grilled meat.
