You can find special grill cleaning products that might make it easier to remove stuck-on food, but you can also use a simple mix of soap and water. If you decide to use a grill cleaner, make sure to wash your grill well with water to get rid of any leftover chemicals.
What You’ll Need:
- Grill brush (a coarse or wire-bristle brush is fine)
- Paper grocery bag
- Tub with water and dish soap
- Cloth rag
- Aluminum foil
Cleaning the Outside of Your Charcoal Grill
Cleaning the outside of your grill is just as important as cleaning the inside to keep it looking fresh. Since outdoor grills face rain, dirt, dust, and pollen, follow these three easy steps to clean the outside:
- Wash the charcoal grill cover with water (using a hose is easy).
- Scrub the outside with soapy water and a cloth rag.
- Rinse off any leftover soap with water.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Charcoal Grill
Here’s a straightforward guide to deep cleaning the inside of your charcoal grill, which deals with heavy heat, smoke, and food buildup:
- Place the lid upside down on the ground and close the vent to keep water inside while scrubbing.
- Rinse the bowl well with water from a hose or your tub. Some people soak the lid to loosen debris, but you can start scrubbing right away.
- Add soapy water to the lid and scrub with your steel brush. You might need to rinse and repeat a few times.
- After cleaning the lid, rinse it thoroughly.
- Let the lid air dry, then give it one final scrub with the steel brush. Remember to empty the ashes into your paper bag for safe disposal.
- Before your next barbecue, heat the grill to burn off any leftover food or smoke residue.
How to Clean Charcoal Grill Grates
Grill grates get the most food buildup but are also the easiest part of the grill to clean. Use heat to help loosen the debris. Here’s what to do:
- Turn on the grill and let it heat up to a high temperature for 10 minutes.
- Use your steel brush to scrub off any remaining bits of burned food. You can also use balled-up aluminum foil as an alternative to a brush. Just be careful and use tongs when scrubbing with aluminum foil to avoid touching the hot grates.
- Now, your grill is ready for cooking!
When to Clean Your Charcoal Grill
Clean your grill at the beginning of the season and every 2-3 weeks if you use it regularly. Also, give it a thorough cleaning before storing it away for the fall or winter.
How to Safely Remove Rust from a Charcoal Grill
To clean your grill grate naturally, follow these steps:
- In a large tub, mix a solution of two parts white vinegar to one part water.
- Take the grate off your grill and submerge it in the solution.
- Let it soak for several hours, or even overnight, to loosen any debris.
- After soaking, remove the grate and use an old cloth to scrub off any rust.
- Rinse the grate with water, and it will look like new!
If you notice any rust spots on the grill grate, remove them promptly. The mix of heat and rust can be harmful to your health.