Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill Cleaner
Datetime:2014-07-15 Hits:
Cleaning stainless-steel barbecue grates and grills is relatively simple provided you take the right steps to pretreat the grates. Though special wire grill brushes and specialized vegetable oil grilling spray for lubricating and seasoning grates are available, use everyday household items to perform the same cleaning and protection functions.
Protecting the Grill From the Start
For effective stainless-steel grill cleaning, perform a simple task before the first slab of meat touches the grate. Brand new grills require a seasoning process inside the grilling chamber--especially on the stainless steel grates. Household lard or vegetable shortening make the best agents for seasoning grill grates. Spread a thin layer of the grease on all surfaces--top, bottom and sides--of the cooking grates. Every inch should be covered. Then fire up the grill, close the lid and bring the temperature up to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the inside of the grill to heat at this temperature for one or two hours. The seasoning process is complete when the grease ceases to smoke and a dark protective coating bakes onto the grate and grill interior. Aside from providing a nonstick, rust-inhibiting layer, seasoning the grate and grilling chamber cleans away any factory impurities--such as chemical agents--that can foul food. Repeat this process after cleaning up from particularly messy grilling sessions or after every four or five grill uses to maintain the protective coating.
Cleaning Between Uses
Though many grilling enthusiasts use long-handled stiff wire grilling brushes to dislodge leftover food debris and other baked on char after grilling sessions, a common pantry item works just as well. Rather than buying a brush, tear off about two feet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and form it into a ball. Renowned grilling expert and author of the "Barbecue Bible," Steven Raichlen, recommends using grill brushes but lists the foil method as an effective plan B. The multiple jagged edges on the exterior of balled up foil form abrasive metal scrubbers capable of scouring off even tough, baked-on grill messes. Hold the foil ball on one side and scrub vigorously on the grate, running it parallel with the grate bars. Make sure the grate is cool to the touch before attempting this technique, as foil balls require your hands to come much closer to the cooking surface than when using long-handled grilling brushes.
Keeping It Covered
Keeping the grill covered between uses is essential to keeping it free from excess dirt, dust and rust caused by exposure to moisture. Though most grill manufacturers sell custom-fitted grill covers for their products, transform old nylon or treated canvas materials into effective covers for minimal or no cost. If you have an old canvas tent in the attic or garage, drape it over the grill and tie a piece of rope around the bottom to secure it from heavy winds. Old nylon parachutes or even recycled nylon windbreakers (for smaller grills) also make good grill covers.
