A Grill Master’s Guide on How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  So, you’re thinking about investing in a new charcoal grill for your weekend cookouts. Or anytime for that matter. 

While this may be one of the best ideas you’ve had when it comes to making outstanding dishes, there is one thing that you must consider. How to clean a charcoal grill.

A charcoal grill is much different from a propane or gas grill. The maintenance is just a little more tedious, but, we promise you the food will taste better.

If you’re wondering if this is really the right decision, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about cleaning a charcoal grill. 

Photo by Jo Jo on Unsplash

How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

Whether it’s football season, Spring fever, or regular ole summertime cookouts you’re after, owning and using a charcoal grill is one of the most rewarding cooking experiences you can have at your disposal. The only drawback is that it requires a bit more hands-on approach when keeping it clean so that your foods will cook properly and taste right.

We’re sure these charcoal grill cleaning tips will help you make the right choice when it comes time to get the fire cranking. Let’s take a look. 

Charcoal Grill Deep Clean Essentials

The most essential grilling tools are those that help you cook great grub. But, beyond the spatula, tongs, and basting brush are tools that will come in handy for preparing your grill to cook the food up right. 

The number one item you’ll need is a wire grill grate brush. This handy little tool comes in handy anytime throughout the cooking process and before and after your grill is actually in use.

You can scrape the grill grate as soon as your food is removed from the grill to ensure that nothing sticks and dries (and, gasp, rots). You can also use it before you put your food on the grill just to be sure everything is clean and smooth.

Otherwise, having a little liquid dish soap on hand can’t hurt either. Use a rubber tub filled with water and soapy suds to disinfect and clean your grill grate.

Kickoff to Grilling Season

Beyond these basic tips for cleaning, there are tricks and methods to each season of grill use for your outdoor kitchen to maintain its best efficiency.

For starters, some of you might put your grill away in the winter and bring it back out during the spring or summer season. No shame if you put it away dirty, but that means you have a little more work to do before you can start grilling those decadent steaks and fillets. 

The best way to clean your grill after a long season in the garage or shed is to simply pull it out and light a fire. The flames will burn off any leftover residue and ensure there are no spiders or insects hiding about. Then, scrape the grill grate with your wire brush, dump any leftover ashes, and start fresh!

During Grilling Season

As you continue to use your grill, the ashes will build up which can not only keep the flames from burning but also cause your food to taste ashy. 

You should empty your ash receptacle at least every couple of weeks depending on how often you use your grill. Also, make sure to clean the inside of the lid to remove smoke residue, grease, and other debris that may build up. Leaving grease and residue can cause your grill to catch on fire.

You can use soapy water and a sponge to clean out the rest of the grill. It doesn’t have to be sparkling and looking new. The point is to get the residue out of there so that your food tastes fresh when you use it next.

When Grilling Season is Over

Now that grilling season is coming to a close, it’s almost time to put it back in the garage or shed for a few months. In order to avoid the hassle of cleaning it before you’re itching to cook next spring, you should make sure it’s nice and clean before you put it away.

First things first, remove the ashes and wash out the lid and bowl. These areas should be relatively easy to clean if you’ve been maintaining your grill throughout the cooking season.

Clean the cooking grate with your wire brush and then oil it. This will prevent rust.

Finally, cover your grill with a weatherproof grill cover, even if you’re keeping it in the garage. The elements have a funny way of affecting steel and metal that isn’t properly covered and your garage is likely to have moisture no matter how insulated it is. 

Charcoal Grill Maintenance Is Essential for a Properly Working Grill

Now that you know how to clean a charcoal grill, it’s time to start grilling! Just remember to clean your grill after each use. Don’t forget to make sure the ashes are cool before you dump them and use a safe container to dispose of them to alleviate hazards or other messes.

Keeping your grill clean is easy if you follow the tips outlined here. It will also make your food cook better and taste more delicious. Not to mention that your grill will last longer.

We hope you found this post helpful so that you can have the best meals cooked safely and efficiently. Check out the rest of our blog for more tips on the things you need to know the most about.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

What Is The Best Driveway Material

The Study Accessories Plan

Entry Hall Update

Teen Closet Makeover & Reveal

The Study/Office Space Plan

A Pantry Refresh & Organization

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Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world!  Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!   

Toodles,