After hosting a successful backyard BBQ party, the charcoal grill cleaning is not exactly thrilling. Nevertheless, the greasy, ashy grime is ugly and capable to shorten your grill’s lifespan as well as affect the flavor of your next culinary masterpiece…..if ignored! To keep your grill in prime condition and ensure deliciously clean eats, here are some simple steps to attain a proper deep clean after every satisfying meal.

1. Let the grill cool down first

Alright, first things first – patience is key. Make sure that the fiery beast has fully rested and cooled down completely. Touching a hot grill is dangerous and can burn your hand. Once you are sure it is safe, get rid of any leftover charcoal or ash. Think of it as giving your grill a clean slate. A little shovel or ash tool will make this dusty task speedy.

2. Disassemble & scrape

To start cleaning the grill, partially disassemble. 

• Remove the cooking grates. 

• Take out the drip tray, which catches grease and food debris. 

• If your grill has heat deflectors remove those as they also accumulate the most grime. 

• Once you have the removable components set aside, use a sturdy grill brush or a metal scraper specifically designed for grill cleaning to remove any stuck-on food particles, charred residue, and hardened grease from the interior surfaces of the grill and the grates. 

• If you encounter particularly stubborn burnt bits that refuse to budge, fill a container or sink with warm, soapy water. Submerge the grates and other removable parts in the solution and allow them to soak. The warm, soapy water will help to loosen the baked-on deposits, making them easier to scrub away later.

3. Focus on the grates

The grates need special attention as they take the most punishment. If you own a Masterbuilt 800, cleaning is much easier because of its built-in grease management system and removable ash pans. Just empty the ash pan and scrape the residue from the grates. With a damp cloth wipe the grill from the inside. The Masterbuilt has high-heat burn-off feature, which helps to get rid of grease residue by running the grill at high temperatures for a short period.

A good deep clean also needs the right tools and cleaning supplies. You will find high-quality brushes, cleaning sprays, and degreasers at BBQs 2U, a top spot for all BBQ-related things. If you choose proper cleaning supplies the job becomes easy and helps to prevent rust and build-up. Visit their store to purchase everything needed to keep your grill in top condition.

4. Clean the interior & exterior

With a damp cloth dipped in mild soap wipe the grill from the inside. Remove grease buildup from the lid, walls and vents. For the exterior, a simple mixture of water and vinegar or stainless steel cleaner can restore the shine. If your grill has cast iron parts, apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.

5. Reassemble & maintain

After you clean everything, allow the grill to dry before reassembling all the parts securely. Regular maintenance such as cleaning grates after every use and emptying ash tray will make deep cleaning much easier in the future. 

A clean grill allows you to cook delicious food every time and enhances its lifespan. So, follow the guidelines and keep your charcoal grill in peak condition.  You will always stay prepared for another flawless cookout!