Summer is here and that means it’s time to fire up the grill for some delicious backyard cookouts. But before you start grilling, it’s important to make sure your grill is clean and in good working condition.
While commercial grill cleaners can be effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment. An alternative solution is to clean your grill with baking soda, which is natural, affordable, and just as effective.
This guide will show you how to use baking soda to clean your grill grates and exterior, and how often you should clean your grill for optimal performance and longevity.
So get ready to impress your friends and family with a shiny, clean grill and some perfectly grilled food this summer!
Let’s get cleaning.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- A Stiff-bristled brush
- A sponge or cloth
- Dish soap (optional)
Steps:
- Make your baking soda solution: In a small bowl, mix together 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water until it forms a paste. The paste should be thick enough to stick to the surfaces of the grill, but not too watery.
- Clean the grill grates: Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrape off any loose debris from the grill grates.
- Apply the paste: Using a sponge or cloth, generously apply the paste to the grill grates, paying special attention to areas with tough stains or buildup. Avoid using the paste on any heating elements or near the control knobs.
- Let it sit: Once the paste is applied, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the baking soda to break down and loosen the grime and stains.
- Scrub away: After letting the paste sit, use the stiff-bristled brush to scrub away the grime and stains. The baking soda paste should wipe away easily, revealing clean and shiny grill grates.
- Clean the exterior of the grill: Use a sponge or cloth dipped in the baking soda solution to clean the exterior of the grill. Be sure to wipe it clean with a damp cloth afterward.
- Finish it up: Once you have finished cleaning the grill, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining baking soda paste and then dry the grill completely.
It’s important to note that it’s best to clean the grill when it is cool and avoid using these solutions when the grill is hot.
Additionally, it’s recommended to use a mask and gloves for personal protection when cleaning the grill, as the dust and debris can be harmful to inhale or touch.
How Often Should You Clean Your Grill?
Here are some general guidelines for how often to clean your grill:
- Before Each Use: Before cooking on your grill, it’s a good idea to brush the grates with a wire brush to remove any built-up food particles or debris, also wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
- Once a Month: Cleaning your grill once a month is a good general rule of thumb to keep it in top condition. This will help prevent the buildup of grime and stains, which can negatively impact the performance and longevity of your grill.
- After Heavy Use: If you use your grill frequently, it may be necessary to clean it more often than once a month. Heavy use can lead to more buildup of grime and stains, so be sure to check the grill periodically and clean it as needed.
- After storing for a long time: If you store your grill for a long period, it’s also recommended to clean it before using it again.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are general guidelines and your particular circumstances may require more or less frequent cleaning. Be sure to check your grill’s manual for recommended cleaning schedule.
Additionally, don’t forget to check the propane tank and hoses before and after use, and to keep the area around the grill clean as well to prevent any accidents.
Conclusion:
Cleaning your grill with baking soda is an easy, natural, and effective solution. By following these steps, you will have a grill that is in top shape for your next backyard cookout.
Not only does baking soda help keep your grill in tip-top shape, but it also saves you money compared to commercial grill cleaners.
If you’re looking for more uses of baking soda, see How to Clean Water Thermos Naturally with Baking Soda.
Thanks for reading!
-Baking Soda Guy
Photo by Amar Preciado from Pexels
