|
Household
Hints & HELP!
Summer
Grilling - Tips for Cleaning Your Outdoor Grill
submitted
by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article will appear in the August
1, 2004 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.
Outdoor
grilling is one of summertime’s delights. Even basic
foods seem to taste better when cooked outdoors. Whether
the grill of choice is charcoal or gas, these tips will
help keep it in peak performance. Begin by checking the
grill manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning
requirements.
Rust
is the major enemy of charcoal grills—and the major
cause of rust is failing to clean out the ashes regularly.
To do this, turn off the grill, make sure it’s completely
cool. Then, remove the grates from inside the grill. If
there’s no ash catcher underneath the bowl, use a garden
trowel to scoop out the ashes.
If
the grill has an ash catcher, be sure to clean it, too,
once the ashes are removed. Carefully discard ashes in a
plastic trash bag. Otherwise, they will fly all over, covering
everything (including yourself) with soot.
Clean
the grate and the inside of the grill with a spray-on over
cleaner. Check the label to make sure the cleaning product
is safe for both these surfaces, and follow the grill manufacturer’s
use instructions. Let the cleaner sit long enough to soften
the accumulated grease and grime. Then, wipe the cleaner
off with paper towels. Follow by washing with a hand dishwashing
detergent and water. Clean the outside of the grill, too,
using a warm detergent and water solution and a non-abrasive
cloth. Rinse and wipe dry.
Gas
grills should be checked to make sure there are no leaks
or blockages. Make sure the grill is turned off and completely
cool. Then, inspect the burner and gas supply tubes for
spider webs, grease build-up, rusted areas—anything
that would slow down the gas flow. Clean these areas following
the grill manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Clean
a gas grill after every use by turning the grill on “high”
and letting it “cook” for 10 to 15 minutes with
the lid closed. Turn off the grill and let it cool slightly.
Then, loosen the residue with a brass bristle brush. Once
the grill is completely cool, wipe the inside and outside
surfaces with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Rinse
and wipe dry.
Good
maintenance will extend the life and working of the grill.
 Back
to Household Hints & HELP
|
