How to clean a charcoal grill?
What’s the best way to clean a charcoal grill?
How to clean your My BBQ Table built-in grill?
My BBQ Table sets come with a removable charcoal grill. In this guide we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic, everything you might find useful if you already own or plan to buy a charcoal grill like this. While in some ways these grills are unique — they are much easier to use and clean, the same cleaning techniques could be applied also to others.
Do You Need to Clean a Charcoal Grill?
Is it even necessary, and if yes — how often should you do it?
First of all, yes, it’s necessary. Same like you wash a cooking pan, a barbecue grill also requires cleaning. Secondly, only light cleaning of the grate and the grill is necessary after every use. More deep cleaning is recommended once or twice a season, or once a month if you use your grill a lot.
How to Clean a Charcoal Grill (My BBQ Table)?
How to keep a grill clean?
Just follow these 5 simple steps.
1. Brush the Grate With a Grill Brush
Better do it soon after you’ve finished cooking.
It’s easier to loosen the bits of food when the grate is still warm.
2. Let Your Grill Cool Down
It’s best to let it cool down naturally.
My BBQ Table sets come with a removable charcoal grill, and are super easy to clean. You can easily take the grill out, and put it on its stand. It will fasten the process, while allowing you to easier clean the table or to set it up for something else. By taking it out, you’ll also make your BBQ table last longer and look just as good after a year as it looks now.
3. Brush the Grate One More Time
To get rid of the last bits of food that may still be there.
The grate is the part of the grill that you place food on. That’s the only part of the grill that comes in contact with the food, hence it’s important to keep it clean and well-kept. It’s also for your own safety, clean grate means less chance of grilling flare-ups. You can skip this point if you were cooking your food in a pan.
Use the included handles to remove the grate safely.
4. Wash the Grate, If Necessary
It’s easier to do it while it’s still warm.
You can use a special cleaner or make your own.
Here’s how you can make your own cleaner for grill — mix 250 ml of water with 250 ml of vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake it and spray the grates with this mixture. Let it sit for some 10 – 15 minutes. Afterwards clean it off with a cloth or sponge.
5. Empty the Grill of All Ash
Some do it every time, others — not so often.
It’s better to do it every time you’re cleaning a charcoal grill. If you do so, it will make things much easier in the long run — it will be easier for you to keep your barbecue grill clean and ready for a party.
![Grill grate - My BBQ Table](https://mybbqtable.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Grill-grate-My-BBQ-Table.jpg)
My BBQ Table
How to Clean Charcoal Grill Grates (Deep Cleaning)?
Once in a while every barbecue grill needs a deep cleaning.
There are two simple ways to clean charcoal grill grates.
- You can use a special charcoal grill cleaner solution.
It’s available in almost any supermarket around the world.
You will still need a cloth, sponge or brush for cleaning.
- Make your own cleaning solution.
Alternatively you can also make your own cleaning solution from vinegar and water. Mix 250 ml of water with 250 ml of vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle. Spray the grates with this mixture, and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes. Afterwards clean it off with a cloth or sponge.
Important note! If it’s already an old charcoal BBQ grill, one you’ve been using for a couple of seasons already, don’t be too hard when cleaning it. Especially if you haven’t been cleaning it too much before. Don’t try to make it look brand new and shiny again. The dark layer it may have by now protect it also against rust and corrosion.
How to Clean a Charcoal Grill Without a Wire Brush?
What if you don’t have a wire brush?
How can you clean the grate without one?
It’s not a problem, as it can be done also without it. Here are 2 ways how you clean a grill without a wire brush. The best part about both methods is the fact that all you need is either a piece of aluminum foil or one half of an onion. Yes, an onion. Wiping the grate with an onion, makes it much easier to clean it, by loosening stuck-on bits of food.
For the best result do it shortly after you’ve finished cooking.
For more tips see our Charcoal Grilling 101.
Happy grilling!