Here's a breakdown on how to clean your grill, keeping in mind the type of grill (gas or charcoal) and the level of cleaning required:
General After-Every-Use Cleaning (for both gas and charcoal grills):
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Heat up the grill: Turn your grill on high for 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen food residue and grease.
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Brush off debris: While the grill is hot, use a grill brush with stiff bristles to scrape off any leftover food particles from the grates. Push the debris down into the grease tray or catch pan below.
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Turn off the grill and let it cool slightly. It should be cool enough to touch comfortably but still warm.
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Clean the grates more thoroughly: Once the grill is cooler, dip your grill brush in soapy water (you can use dish soap or a grill-specific cleaner) and scrub the grates again. Rinse the grates with clean water if needed.
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Empty and clean the grease tray/catch pan: Discard the used grease and wash the tray with warm soapy water. You can also use baking soda to tackle stubborn grease.
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Clean the exterior of the grill: Wipe down the grill's exterior with a damp cloth to remove any splatters or dirt.
Additional Cleaning for Gas Grills:
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Cleaning the burners: Occasionally (every month or two), inspect the gas grill's burners for blockages from grease or debris. You might need to use a long, thin tool (like a pipe cleaner) to clear any clogs. Consult your grill's manual for specific instructions on burner disassembly and cleaning if needed.
Additional Cleaning for Charcoal Grills:
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Letting the coals burn out completely: After grilling with charcoal, let the coals burn out entirely until they are gray and ashen. This can take an hour or more.
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Ash removal: Once the coals are cool, dispose of the ashes in a metal container with a lid. Never dispose of hot coals in the trash.
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Cleaning the charcoal grate: Use a grill brush to remove ash and debris from the charcoal grate. You can also empty and clean the ash catcher (the pan below the charcoal grate) with warm soapy water.