Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Keep Your Barbeque Grill Clean So It Lasts

By Sara Derksen

One of the main reasons why BBQ grills tend to have a shorter lifespan than they should is that many people don't know how to clean a BBQ grill after using it. In many cases, we tend be lazy when it comes to cleaning the grill after a cookout in the backyard.

Rather than taking a brush to the baked on mess, a lot of people check out the situation and figure that they can leave it to the next day. Maybe you really intend to follow through, but it's not always easy or convenient to actually do it. And the dirty BBQ grill just gets covered up or put away out of sight, along with all the nasty bits of burned food and the greasy interior.

And before you know it, your barbeque gas grill simply isn't working. And the real downside to these circumstances is the ultimate effect on the taste of your next piece of meat if the grill remains dirty.

Since replacing a barbeque grill can be quite expensive, you really should learn to be more careful when it comes to upkeep on the grill that you already own. It's actually not that difficult to clean the grill after each use. In fact, it only takes a few minutes to scrub it, let it dry and then put it away.

Check out these simple ways to keep your barbeque clean and in top working order.

The first thing you have to do is remove those food particles that have burned to a crisp and stuck to the grill during cooking. Wait until the grill has completely cooled down and then scrub the inside with a stiff wire brush, preferably one made for this purpose. Clean the interior of the grill thoroughly. Don't use soap or chemical products, since the remains of these products will enter into your food the next time you cook.

When cleaning the grate, first detach it from the BBQ and then give it a good wash with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach as you clean up the burned bits that are stuck on the grill.

To remove stubborn food particles, soak the grate for a few minutes and then vigorously brush it to remove the charred bits of food. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any traces of soap. Then allow the grate to air dry before placing it back in the grill.

When your BBQ is not in use, it's wise to keep it covered or stored away in a dry place so it won't rust. - 15485

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