Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror, and temperatures are starting to rise, which means it’s officially grilling season. Nothing says summer like grilled corn on the cob, juicy burgers, and fresh salads. Between weeknight dinners, summer holidays, and cookouts, your grill is likely to get some heavy use. Just like a busy kitchen stove, a grill must be cleaned regularly. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning your charcoal grill for the season.
Why Do I Need To Clean My Grill?
Beyond tasting last year’s steaks on this year’s chicken, cooking on a dirty grill can cause some serious health problems. According to a 2013 report, the average grill contains 1.7 million bacteria per square centimeter (FYI, that’s dirtier than most toilet seats). Lingering remnants of food can easily stick to the rough surfaces of your barbecue grates and the inside of the lid. This risk of bacteria and mold can have a major impact on the food you cook at your next barbecue. It’s not only gross, but it can pass along foodborne illnesses to you and your family.
Depending on the outdoor environment and how you store your grill throughout the year, you risk external contaminants entering your charcoal grill as well. That can be something as small as germs and insects to rodents (eek!).
If the safety concerns aren’t enough to convince you to clean your grill, it’s worth considering that the built-up grime can impact the flavor of your food. As food cooks on the grates, carbon accumulates and develops a layer of film on the iron. This creates a barrier that distributes the heat from the flames unevenly. So when your steaks hit the grill, it’ll be harder to achieve those picture-perfect grill marks and reach the ideal internal temperature.
A dirty grill also increases the likelihood of food sticking to the grates, regardless of how well you preheat the grill.
How Often Should I Clean My Grill?
The short answer? It depends on how intensely you clean it and how often you use the grill. But in general, you should give your grill grates a good wipe down after every use and dedicate time to deep cleaning at least once a year.
But if you’re grilling multiple times a week this summer, it’s a good idea to repeat that process even more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to clean the grill at the beginning and end of grilling season.
How To Clean Your Charcoal Grill
Contrary to popular belief, heating up the grill doesn’t thoroughly clean it. But it is an important first step. We recommend cleaning your grill as soon as your food makes it to the plate while the grates are still hot.
We know, we know, you’re hungry. But the heat makes it significantly easier to release the burnt-on residue during clean-up. Think of it this way: Your steaks can get optimal resting time, and you’ll be left with a clean grill.
So, what tools should you use for scrubbing? If you have a wire grill brush lying around your house, it’s time to throw it away. The CDC says these metal bristles can dislodge and end up in your food, leading to serious health problems.
Luckily, other products can keep your grill clean without posing a safety hazard. This grill brush from Cuisinart uses a sponge to wipe away any gunk from the grates. And if that’s not powerful enough, you can also use the accompanying metal scraper or steam attachment to lift any stubborn remnants.
Delish Senior Food Director Robert Seixas also recommends using a crumpled-up ball of aluminum foil to clean up your grill. Just hold it with a pair of tongs and let the rough edges work their magic.
How To Deep Clean Your Charcoal Grill
Every once in a while, you should clean every element of your grill, not just the parts that directly touch your food.
Weber suggests removing any remaining debris and ash from the bowl before giving it a good scrub with dish soap and a stainless steel bristle brush. You can repeat the same process with the underside of the lid too.
Then it’s time to give those grates some TLC. There are a few options for breaking down all of that residue. But one thing to keep in mind is that you want to avoid exposing them to water for a prolonged period of time. Many charcoal grill grates are made of cast iron. And just like your favorite all-purpose pans, they can get rusty when soaked in water.
Instead, opt for a strong degreaser. The best store-bought product you can use is a can of Easy-Off. Once your grates are cool, place them in a well-ventilated space and spray every nook and cranny. Allow the chemicals to work their magic for 30 to 45 minutes, then scrub off the gunk and rinse thoroughly.
If you’re hesitant to use harsh chemicals or have grates made of a more delicate material like coated steel or porcelain, no worries! Make a paste with dish soap and baking soda, spread it all over your cooled grates, and let them hang out for at least 45 minutes. Then, use a nylon bristle brush or scour sponge to scrub the grates.
