If you’re keen to know how to deep clean a charcoal grill or a gas one, then this blog is for you. We will show you how to clean your stainless-steel grill quickly and easily, so it’s sparkling and ready for your next braai.
What Causes a Gas or Charcoal Grill to be Dirty?
When cooking on a gas or charcoal grill, you are placing meat and other food ingredients directly onto the stainless-steel grill. Thanks to the high heat that grills generate, some of the sauce, liquid, and meat from the food will become burnt on, making it stick to the grill.
Leftover food particles will also tend to be left on the grill after the cooking has been done, which can lead to the growth of bacteria. By cleaning a charcoal grill or a gas one, you are removing this burnt food as well as getting rid of the build-up of potentially harmful bacteria too.
The Health Reasons for Cleaning a Gas or Charcoal Grill
With most cooking surfaces, there are a variety of health reasons why they should be regularly cleaned and deep cleaned – and the grill is no exception. Here are some very important reasons why regular charcoal or gas grill cleaning is essential.
#1 – Removing Harmful Carcinogens
Burnt-on food that stays behind on the grill is essentially charred. Experts tell us that burnt or charred food can be carcinogenic to our systems if ingested too often. If you repeatedly cook on burnt grills, you could be allowing the carcinogens from the burnt-on food to get into your meat.
#2 - Avoid Illness
Apart from burnt food, if leftover food particles from meat and sauce are not cleaned off of a grill after each use, they can remain on the grill which will encourage bacteria to grow. This bacterium, if left to multiply, can be potentially harmful to you and your family causing illnesses like food poisoning and an upset stomach.
#3 - Prevents Corrosion
Burnt food on a grill when left on the stainless steel over time, can cause corrosion on the steel grid resulting in the grid becoming unusable. If you clean off the burnt food and food particles well, you’ll be preventing any corrosion from occurring.
#4 - Enjoy More Delicious Food
Cooking your meat and food on a clean, sparkling stainless steel grid is both satisfying for your peace of mind and your stomach. Your food will be more delicious because it won’t be tainted with burnt food particles and bacteria that could be both potentially harmful and ugly to taste too.
For a step-by-step guide on the best way to clean a gas grill or a charcoal one, read our blog on How To Clean A Braai Grid which will work for both gas and charcoal grills.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gas or Charcoal Grill?
If you can clean your grill after every use, that would be ideal. However, we understand that life happens and it’s not always possible to take on the task after using it. If you can’t, then we do recommend giving your grill a deep clean at least once a week to avoid the build-up of bacteria.
Why is Handy Andy Perfect for Cleaning Gas & Charcoal Grills?
Are you wondering what the best grill cleaner to use is? At Cleanipedia, we recommend Handy Andy Cream Cleaner for this job! It’s a multipurpose cleaner that contains micro-crystals that penetrate and remove the toughest dirt. Pour the Handy Andy Cream Cleaner onto the burnt-on food and dirtiest parts of your grill directly and allow it to soak in and penetrate the dirt. Once you’ve washed and rinsed the grill, it will be as shiny as new.
For more home cleaning tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.