How To: Clean and Protect a Grill
by Renata Myers
It’s grilling season, which also means grill upkeep season. Taking care of the family grill doesn't have to be a yearly project. Whether dealing with a top-of-the-line model or a gets-the-job-done version, performing periodic tasks all summer long will ensure that grill sees many more seasons to come.Cleaning the Grill Grate The first order of business is cleaning the grill grate. The grill grate will see the most action, so most cleaning attention should be focused here.
Each time the grill is fired up, let the grate heat for about five minutes. This will burn away some food that may be remaining from the previous grilling. A grill brush and a little elbow grease will easily take care of the rest. A great grill brush is key here; a higher quality brush will do most of the work.
To Oil or Not to Oil? Oiling the grill grate helps prevent food from sticking when cooking. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little olive oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. A little olive oil goes a long way; be careful not to use too much.
But when should we use oil? If the food contains olive oil, there's no need to use oil afterward. If not, it's probably a good idea to use the oil after each grilling session to keep the grate in better shape.
Wait to Clean the Grate It’s actually best not to clean the blackened remains of the day’s feast from the grill grate immediately following the grilling session. Pick off any large pieces of food that may still remain, but leave the rest. The blackness encasing the grate will actually help protect it between cooking sessions.
Keep it Safe Covering the grill is a must if it is kept outdoors. Don't pinch pennies on a cover, because a cheap one will not protect as well from the elements. An ideal cover will fully encompass the grill and not allow any air or moisture to interact with it. Rust is a grill's worst enemy and will occur if not stored properly.
Renata Myers is a home cleaning expert and president of Pazeto Cleaning Service, serving Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties. For more information, call 267-388-7818 or visit PazetoService.com. July 2014.
