Barbecues are a great source of fun and relaxation for you and your family on Cape Cod. Barbecue grills can get dirty very quickly, though. To keep your barbecue clean all summer long, follow these steps:
· Clean the Barbecue Grates
If you’re cooking something greasy or fatty, it’ll burn on the grill and leave a mess that’s tough to clean. Barbecue grates can be cleaned with a wire brush, but if they’re filthy, consider soaking them in a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar before scrubbing.
· Clean Your Barbecue Chimney
Barbecue chimneys are one of the primary sources of flare-ups, so they need to be cleaned regularly. Barbecue chimneys are like big tubes made of metal mesh. The inside is usually blackened with carbon, which turns into ash when heated again (at the next barbecue party). Take your chimney outside and run an oxy-acetylene torch back and forth over the inside mesh to burn off the carbon.
· Clean Your Barbecue Burner
Burners are usually pretty dirty because they hold oil, fat, and grease after you finish barbecuing. To clean them, soak a paper towel in water and dish detergent, then lay it on top of all four burners before turning on your propane tank. The gas will dissolve the gunk quickly, so it will be easy to wipe off.
· Clean Your Barbecue Grates After Every Barbecue
Barbecuing is messy, so you want to clean your grates after every use to avoid leaving bits of burnt food on there for too long. If your barbecue grates are dirty enough that you can’t clean them with a wire brush, soak them in water and dish detergent overnight before scrubbing.
· Clean Your Barbecue Basket
Barbecue baskets hold the food while it’s cooking. They’re usually made of stainless steel, so they turn black when heated repeatedly. Barbecue baskets have a vent on the side that helps release steam and smoke, but it can also cause flames to flare up. To clean a barbecue basket, fill it with vinegar and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it off with water.
· Clean Your Barbecue Outside Storage
Barbecues are messy even when they aren’t being used, so you want to keep your outdoor storage clean. Barbecue cabinets and covers should be wiped down with a mild dish detergent and water once a week. Barbecue grills should also be covered when they’re not in use to avoid splatters that could burn on later.
Need help keeping your barbecue clean? We can help!