Why cleaning your charcoal BBQ grill is important
Before we dive into the specifics of how to clean a charcoal BBQ grill, let’s discuss why it’s important. Not only can leftover food and grease build up on the grates affect the flavor of your food, but it can also be a safety hazard. Excess grease and food particles can cause flare-ups and even start a fire. Plus, cleaning your grill regularly can extend its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
Gather your materials
The first step in cleaning your charcoal BBQ grill is to gather your materials. You’ll need a grill brush, a bucket of hot soapy water, a sponge, and a clean towel. You may also want to consider using gloves to protect your hands from the hot grates and any cleaning chemicals you may be using.
Scrub the grates
The main area that needs cleaning on your charcoal grill is the grates. Begin by heating up the grill for about 10-15 minutes to loosen any debris. Then, using a grill brush, scrub the grates to remove any leftover food or grease. It’s okay if there’s a little bit of residue left on the grates, as this can actually help prevent sticking next time you grill.
Clean the interior
After cleaning the grates, it’s time to move on to the interior of the grill. Use a sponge and hot soapy water to clean the inside walls and bottom of the grill. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent any rust from forming.
Empty the ash catcher
Finally, don’t forget to empty the ash catcher. If your grill has an ash catcher, simply remove it and dump the contents into a trash bag. If not, use a grill brush to sweep out any leftover ashes from the bottom of the grill.
