how do i clean a bbq grill black charcoal bbq in backyard

How Do I Clean a BBQ Grill: Expert Tips for a Spotless BBQ

/4 Comments/in , , , /by Mary Hunt

Grilling season is here, but is your BBQ grill ready? If you’re wondering, “how do I clean a BBQ grill” because your grill looks more “yuck” than “yum,” don’t worry! With these simple, effective cleaning tips and tricks, you’ll have it sparkling in no time. From homemade degreasers to essential safety practices, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get that grill ready for some fantastic summer barbecues!

how do i clean a bbq grill black charcoal bbq in backyard

A couple of weeks ago, with all the confidence in the world that winter had passed, I got everything ready for our first outdoor barbecue of the season. The weather was perfect, ditto for the menu.

I pulled the cover off the grill and got a shock—and not of the electrical kind. Actually, I was more embarrassed than anything. The grill was a mess—inside and out. Yuck!

My only explanation is that the cold days of fall prompted me to throw the cover on while my inner procrastinator assured me I’d clean it later.

Granted, this grill is a few years old, but still. A dirty mess? You should have seen me fly into action. I grabbed a spray bottle of homemade degreaser (no time for more heavy-duty options) and went to work. In no time at all, it was clean enough, and we were back in business.

Assuming I’m not the only one who fails to do a deep clean on the outdoor grill after every use, today I have lots of really great grilling tips and tricks for cleaning and for great grilling, too.

Let’s hear it for summer—let the grilling begin!

The Best Homemade Degreaser for BBQ Grills

Cleaning your BBQ grill doesn’t have to be a chore with this simple, homemade degreaser. Follow these easy steps to get your grill sparkling clean.

What You’ll Need

How to Use the Homemade Degreaser

Pour the hot water, baking soda, Dawn dish soap, and lemon juice into a 16-oz spray bottle. Shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Spray the solution generously onto the grill grates and any other dirty surfaces. Use a grill brush or a scrubbing pad to scrub away the grease and grime. Wipe the grill clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

With this homemade degreaser, your BBQ grill will be ready for grilling season in no time!

Quick and Easy BBQ Grill Cleaning Methods

Here are two effective methods for cleaning a BBQ Grill that use common household items:

Newspaper Steam Clean Method

To use the newspaper steam clean method, start by firing up your grill to its highest setting and letting it get super hot. While the grill is heating up, soak a stack of newspapers in water until they are thoroughly saturated.

Once the grill is hot, turn it off and open the lid. Carefully lay the wet newspapers on top of the still-hot grill grates and then close the lid. The heat combined with the moisture from the newspapers will create a steam-cleaning effect. Let this process work for about 15 minutes.

Afterward, carefully open the lid, remove the soggy newspapers, and wipe the grates clean with a cloth or grill brush. This method is an easy and effective way to loosen and remove stubborn grease and grime from your BBQ grill.

Aluminum Foil Self-Cleaning Method

The aluminum foil self-cleaning method is a powerful DIY technique, ideal for gas or propane grills with a lid.

Begin by laying several sheets of aluminum foil over the grill rack, ensuring it is fully covered from side to side and front to back. Turn all the burners on high and close the lid. The aluminum foil will trap the heat, causing the temperature inside the grill to soar. This intense heat will burn off the grease and gunk, similar to the self-cleaning function of an oven.

Be sure to monitor the grill closely and do not leave it unattended. Allow it to clean for 20 to 30 minutes, then turn off the burners and let the grill cool down. Please use caution. This is an extreme cleaning method so a word to the wise should be sufficient.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning Solution

Product Image - Break-Up Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner

Break-Up Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner

For a heavy-duty cleaning solution to tackle stubborn grease and grime on your BBQ grill, consider using a commercial cleaner like Break-Up Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner. This powerful cleaner is specifically designed to cut through tough buildup, leaving your grill looking like new, and is available online, as well as in select supermarkets.

Essential Grilling Tools for Perfect BBQ

Before you get ready to grill, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These tools aren’t just nice to have—they’re practical necessities that can make all the difference in ensuring your cookout goes smoothly–minimizing mess and ensuring a perfect cook every time.

Grill mat

Product Image - GQC BBQ Grill Mat

GQC BBQ Grill Mats

I bless the day someone invented the grill mat. Made of silicone, it’s just a thin piece of flexible material that keeps hot surfaces clean. I lay a mat right on top of the grill, then the burgers on top of it. I don’t know how it happens but the burgers don’t stick, they grill up beautifully and the grill below stays perfectly clean.

I even line the bottom of my Breville Smart Oven with a grill mat! It doesn’t burn and any spillovers wipe away with no effort at all. I throw grill mats in the dishwasher and they come out like new.

Thermometer

Product Image - Thermopop 2

ThermoPop® 2

I’m convinced that the secret to good grilling is temperature control. I’m not talking about a dial on the grill itself, although that is handy—I mean the internal temperature of whatever you’re grilling. Keeping an eye on that is the secret. The easiest way is with a quick-read food thermometer.

This ThermoPop super handy, food thermometer gives super fast readings for whatever you’re cooking—and it easily rotates so you can see it no matter the angle required. Even better, it has a backlight! It comes in a bunch of cool colors. This is my old faithful because it’s simple to use and I know I can trust ThermoPop. I’ve had mine for years and it still works like new.

Marinades: The Secret to Tender Meat

Marinades can turn tough cuts into tender, juicy delights. Ensure your marinade has an acid like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine to break down meat fibers. Enzymes in wine, beer, cider, and soy sauce also help. For a full recipe, check out Flank Steak So Tender and Delicious They’ll Think It’s Filet Mignon.

Here’s a quick favorite marinade:

What You’ll Need

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 beef flank steak (or cut of choice)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and marinate the steak in a plastic bag for at least 8 hours. Grill on high for 7-8 minutes per side until medium (145°F). Slice against the grain and serve. For more details and other marinades, see the full recipe here.

Safety Tips for a Safe Grilling Experience

Outdoor grilling is a fun way to gather with family and friends, but safety should always be a priority. Here are some essential tips to keep everyone safe:

  • Location: Place your grill well away from your home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches to prevent any accidental fires.
  • Supervision: Never leave your grill unattended. Always keep an eye on it to ensure things don’t get out of control.
  • Cleanliness: Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below. This helps prevent flare-ups that can cause accidents.
  • Children and Pets: Keep kids and pets at a safe distance from the grill area to avoid burns and accidents.

Healthy Grilling Practices to Reduce Cancer Risk

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) cautions that certain grilling methods may increase cancer risk. To grill more healthily, consider these expert recommendations:

  • Avoid Direct Flames: Reduce direct exposure of meat to open flames and minimize prolonged cooking times to lower harmful chemical formation.
  • Pre-Cook in the Microwave: Use a microwave to partially cook meat before grilling. This shortens the time meat spends on high heat, reducing carcinogen production.
  • Frequent Flipping: Continuously turn meat over while grilling. This helps reduce the buildup of harmful substances compared to leaving it stationary.

For more detailed information, refer to the NCI Fact Sheet.

Resources

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Save $5.40 JohnBee Empty Spray Bottles (16oz/2Pack) - Adjustable Spray Bottles for Cleaning Solutions - No Leak and Clog - HDPE spray bottle For Plants, Pet, Vinegar, BBQ, and Rubbing Alcohol
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Diversey Break-Up Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner, Heavy Duty Grease Remover for Grill Grates, Ovens, Flat Tops & Vent Hoods, 19 oz Aerosol Spray
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Save $1.30 GQC BBQ Grill Mat, Non-Stick Grill Cooking Mat Teflon Reusable Barbecue Baking Mats, Heavy Duty,Easy to Clean - Works on Electric Grill Gas Charcoal BBQ (6X(33X40) cm)
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Save $6.00 TempPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking with Ambidextrous Backlit and Motion Sensing Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer for BBQ Grill Smoker Oil Fry Candy Instant Read (Previously ThermoPro)
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Question: What’s your go-to grilling tip for the perfect BBQ? Share your secrets with us!

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4 replies
  1. Janet A says:

    A word of caution for those who use grill brushes with metal bristles: an online pediatric ER doctor cautions that the bristles can break off, get stuck to the grill, and end up in meat. She has treated many patients who have had metal pieces lodged in their throats, tongues, and esophaguses.

    Reply
  2. Mike says:

    I love your column. I also read on a past post that you like cabbage.

    Well, so do I. Do you have and tips, tricks and recipes that you would like to share?

    A fan forever!

    Mike

    Reply

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