How to Clean Outdoor BBQ Grills?
Hello everyone, this is Daisy. Today I want to educate you on how to clean outdoor barbecue grills. Most people think that corten steel bbq grills don't need to be cleaned and just need to be wiped down. That idea is limited.
In my experience, continuous cleaning is key. A dirty BBQ grill poses health and safety risks, but cleaning the grill with a good grill brush or grill bricks after each use can also avoid a more laborious deep cleaning. Here's how to clean your grill quickly and easily, so read on!
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I. Why Should You Clean Your Grill?
Health and Safety
On a small bbq grill charcoal or backyard BBQ grill, the accumulation of grease, burnt food residue, and bacteria can pose food safety hazards, including mold and carcinogens (such as those produced by the burning of fats and oils at the high temperatures of the charcoal and grill).
The high temperatures of a corten BBQ grill can kill some bacteria, but not all, so physical cleaning is the only way to eliminate the health risk.
Performance Maintenance Points
Grease buildup can clog the charcoal BBQ grill's vents, affecting temperature control and even causing flare-ups due to overheating.
A clean corten BBQ grill ensures even searing and rich, smoky flavors, and prevents old food residue from flavoring new dishes.
II. What Do You Need to Clean a Corten Grill?
Grill Preparation
- Preheat and Quick Wipe: Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking and scrape off any residue with a grill brush while it is still hot, once the residue has softened.
- Preheat & Quick Scrub: Preheat the BBQ grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking on the barbecue smoker or backyard BBQ grill. When the residue is soft, scrape it off with a grill brush while it is still hot.
Post-Grill Cleaning Routine
- Immediate Cleanup: Clean the grill within 30 minutes after it has cooled, before residue has hardened and is easier to remove, especially for high frequency outdoor bbq grill kitchen.
- Frequency of deep cleaning: 4-6 times per use or once a month, depending on how often the backyard BBQ grill is used).
III. Essential Tools for Cleaning Corten BBQ Grills
| Tool |
Purpose |
| Insulated Gloves |
Prevents burns when cleaning and keeps grease off hands. |
| Stiff-Bristled Grill Brush |
Stiff-bristled grill brush Used to brush grill grates and spice bars to remove stubborn food residue. |
| Plastic/Metal Scraper |
Scrape away stubborn grease (use a metal scraper with caution to avoid damaging weathered steel rust). |
| Soapy Water and Sponge |
Clean interior surfaces and removable parts (e.g. grease tray). |
| Microfiber Cloth |
Wipe exterior, dry surfaces and polish stainless steel parts. |
| Natural Cleaners |
Such as onion, lemon, or baking soda + vinegar mix for gentle grease removal. |
IV. How to Clean a Corten Grill-A Step by Step
Quick Cleaning After Each Use (For Small Charcoal BBQ Grills)
1. Cool the grill: Make sure the corten BBQ grill is completely cool (wait 1-2 hours) to avoid burns.
2. Scrape out debris: Use a grill brush to clean the charcoal BBQ grill grates to make it easier to remove food crumbs while the grill is still warm.
3. Grease: Dip a paper towel in vegetable oil (held in tongs) and wipe grates to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface for the next grill.
4. Clean the grease tank: Use a metal scraper to scrape away the grease buildup in the grease tank to ease the burden of deep cleaning.
Time required: 10-15 minutes
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Deep Cleaning (For Patio Grills / High Frequency Use Scenarios)
1. Safety precautions: Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation to avoid inhalation of cleaning agents, especially with regard to the risk of chemical residues in the small bbq grill charcoal.
2. Disassembly of parts: Remove the metal BBQ grill, the seasoning bar, the grease tray and the grease reservoir and soak in a bucket of hot soapy water for 1-2 hours (large weather-resistant steel grills can be processed in batches).
3. Brush the interior: Use a grill brush and scraper to clean the interior walls and lid of the outdoor BBQ grill, pushing residue into the bottom or grease tray.
4. Component cleaning:
-Charcoal grill: allow ashes to cool and pour into trash can (can be used for composting), wipe bottom with a damp cloth to dust.
-Grease Tray/Grease Tank: Pour out residue, scrape grease with a spatula, rinse with soapy water and wipe dry.
5. Rinsing and Drying: Rinse the interior with a low-pressure water gun and sponge out the accumulated water; apply a thin layer of oil to protect the rust layer of the outdoor kitchen grill after the grill is thoroughly dry.
6. Exterior Maintenance: Wipe the weathering steel exterior with soapy water and polish the stainless steel parts with non-staining cleaner.
Time Consumption: 1-2 hours
V. How to Clean the Base of a Corten BBQ Grill?
Base Maintenance
Charcoal grills: Clean up ashes as they cool to avoid clogging vents; wipe base with a damp rag dipped in a neutral cleaner.
Corten BBQ grill: Spray wash base with degreaser to remove grease splatters; check that vents are clear.
Exterior Care
Clean the surface of the cheap barbecue grill with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding the use of steel wool balls to damage the natural rust layer.
If there are stubborn grease stains, spray diluted white vinegar solution and leave it for 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
VI. Homemade Natural Cleaning Solutions
Baking Soda + Vinegar Paste
Baking soda and vinegar mixed into a paste according to 1:1, coated in the best outdoor grill grates, let stand for 10 minutes after scrubbing with a wire brush, rinse with water.
Onion/Lemon Scrub
Cut the white onion in half, fix with a fork and wipe the warm outdoor bbq grill, using natural enzymes to break down the charred residue; lemon slices can be used to remove the fishy and brighten the rub.
VII. Tips for Keeping Your Grill Clean
Storage Suggestions
- Cover the small outdoor grill with a waterproof cover when it is idle to avoid rain eroding the rust layer of weather-resistant steel.
- Prioritize storage in a dry place (e.g. shed) to reduce excessive oxidation caused by humidity.
Portable Grill Handling
- Use a portable bag with padding when moving to prevent the charcoal barbecue grill from bumping and scratching the stand.
- Check that parts are secure before moving to avoid dislodging during transportation.
Component Replacement
Regularly check outdoor barbecue grill grates, burners and igniters, and replace worn parts (e.g. rusty grill grates, malfunctioning igniter) in time to ensure stable performance of the small portable bbq grill.
VIII. Additional Corten BBQ Grill Maintenance Tips
- Clean after preheating: High-temperature grills make it easier to remove residue, which can be quickly brushed off before each barbecue.
- Grease Tank Management: Clean the grease tank in time to avoid the risk of fire caused by grease overflow.
- Grill Oil Seal: Oil the metal BBQ grill after cleaning to extend the life of the weathering steel and improve food release for the next grill.
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