FoodRevive your grill for the season: simple tricks for a sparkling clean

Revive your grill for the season: simple tricks for a sparkling clean

Cleaning a grill can be simple and enjoyable. You just need to know the way.
Cleaning a grill can be simple and enjoyable. You just need to know the way.
Images source: © Canva | JanPietruszka

1:51 PM EDT, April 12, 2024

For many of us, the start of the grilling season feels like a true holiday. However, before inviting your friends over for a garden party, one very important aspect must be considered. It's crucial to ensure that even the oldest and most used grill looks like new. This concern isn't just about aesthetics but also about health.

A dirty grill can significantly dampen the joy of grilling. It's not only our sense of aesthetics that takes a hit but also the troubling thought of our food absorbing the smell of last year's grilled meats. This can turn every bite into an unpleasant experience. A burnt, black grate can mar our visual and taste experience and our stomachs. Upon microscopic examination, one might be startled by what's found. Mold is merely the beginning. In extreme cases, dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can be present.

Grill Cleaning

Cleaning the grate doesn't have to be a daunting task. Fortunately, several tricks can help make this chore easy, sparing you from hours of scrubbing and potential blisters. You probably already have everything you need at home. Ensure you have a stiff brush, a metal scraper, and a few sponges. Ready? Then, let's dive in!

Baking Soda

One effective method involves baking soda. Known for its versatility, baking soda is as helpful for cleaning as cooking. This time, mix the soda with hydrogen peroxide instead of water. These components form a thick paste. Spread it over the dirty grate and scrub it with a stiff brush. In no time, your grill will be sparkling again.

Onion

Another technique employs the humble onion. This healthy vegetable is surprisingly effective at tackling burn marks on the grate. Simply halve an onion, skewer one of the halves, and rub it over the hot grate. It's a perfect solution for ongoing grill maintenance, helping you prevent future issues.

The final method combines vinegar and salt. Soak the dirty grate in a vinegar solution to clean it with this method, then scrub it with coarse salt. If you have only salt, there's no need to worry. Place the grate on foil and coat it with salt. Put it into a preheated oven. Once the salt turns brown, remove the grate carefully, let it cool down, and then wipe it with a moist cloth. The results will surely impress you!

Cleaning the grill? Use an onion!
Cleaning the grill? Use an onion!© Canva
Related content