One of the joys of barbecuing is how simple its components are. All you need are a flame, grill and some meat or vegetables, and you’re all set for the perfect summer meal.
To ensure your food tastes its best, it’s important to regularly clean your barbecue grill so that food debris from past cookouts don’t affect your meal. Sure, you may brush the grill to get rid of large leftovers when you’re done for the evening, but what about the small caked-on food scraps that aren’t so easy?
Before turning in for the evening, head over to your kitchen and grab these everyday items that’ll have your outdoor kitchen and BBQ looking like brand new.
Aluminum Foil and Vinegar
There are infinite uses for vinegar as a cleaning product around the home, and your backyard is no different. While your grill is still hot, grab a spray bottle filled with vinegar and saturate your grill. The acid in the vinegar will break down the stubborn stuck-on debris.
Next, crumple a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball and scrub your grill (being careful not to burn your hands). Compared to a brush, you’ll be able to use more force and get the surface even cleaner. If you want to be less wasteful, use any aluminum foil that you used during your meal prep (but make sure the side that didn’t touch your food is on the outside).
Onion
This is a great technique if you’re cleaning your grill before cooking. First, peel and cut an onion in half, and then attach one half to a barbecue fork (flat side of the onion facing down). Heat up your grill to a high temperature, and then rub the onion all over the grill. Your grill will be clean thanks to onion’s antibacterial properties, plus the steam generated will help loosen up any stuck-on food scraps. Plus, it will smell amazing and season your food!
Bonus: If you’re using a charcoal grill, throw the onion in with the charcoal once you’re done. The smoke from the onion will give your meal even more seasoning.
But Don’t Over-Clean!
Now that you’re all set to have the cleanest grill in your neighbourhood, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to have a spotless grill all the time. Believe it or not, the black caked-on food debris actually helps protect your grill from rust.
Your cleaning frequency will vary depending on how much grilling you do, but in general, a few deep cleans per month should do the trick. Just make sure that you oil your grill after cleaning to prevent your food from sticking.
If you want to give your outdoor kitchen and BBQ a deep cleaning, search for a Barbecue Equipment and Service Specialist in your area today! When the weather changes, be sure to properly winterize your outdoor kitchen to ensure it’s in good shape for next year!
Article Updated June 2022
