Cleaning burnt cast-iron barbecue grates is no easy task. The metal can be tough to remove, and the cleaning process may require harsh chemicals, which are harmful to hands and skin. If you’re looking for a safer method, try using household items like vinegar, oven cleaner and baking soda.
Steps to clean cast iron barbeque grill
Prepare the grill for cleaning by removing the cooking grate and any metal objects such as utensils.
Remove ash from the grates using a wire brush or an ash vacuum, then place the grates in a spare garbage bag. Seal the bag and put it out with your regular trash on collection day. You could also sweep the ashes outside and discard them. If you’re using a trash bag, tie it shut before putting it out with your regular garbage.
Prepare a cleaning solution consisting of 1 cup distilled white vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons salt. Leave the grates in the vinegar mixture for about 20 minutes, then scrub off the blackened or burnt-on residue with a brush. Rinse the grates with water and allow them to dry before replacing them on the barbecue.
Make one final solution consisting of 1 cup dishwashing liquid in 1 gallon water. Place the grates in the solution, seal the bucket, then shake it vigorously for one minute to saturate the grates. Scrub again with a brush to remove black marks, rinse with water and allow the grates to dry.
Remove dirt from rust by applying a coat of vegetable oil to the affected area with a cloth or paper towel. Stand the grill up in an old pail with a few inches of kitty litter, then cover it with more litter for additional drainage. Let the grill sit overnight so that the kitty litter can absorb excess moisture.
Remove rust from small sections of cast iron with a wire brush, then dab on a small amount of vegetable oil to protect against future corrosion. Make sure not to wear gloves or use tools around bare skin when you’re using rubbing alcohol as it can cause irritation. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly before using the grill again.
How do you care for cast iron BBQ grills?
After using the grill, wipe down the grates with a dry paper towel or cloth. If any food residue remains on the grates, use tongs to remove it and scrub them with a stiff wire brush to remove dirt before placing them on the grill surface.
Before putting away your barbecue, allow it to cool completely. Store it in an area with good ventilation, and check it periodically for any rust or chipping paint that can indicate deteriorating quality.
Before you use the barbecue again, give it a thorough clean using 1 cup distilled white vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons salt which will help remove any lingering odors from your last cooking session. Rinse the grill well with water and allow it to dry thoroughly before using.
Never use soap or detergent on the grates of your barbecue, as they will damage the metal surface by breaking down its natural nonstick properties.
Regularly oil your cast iron barbeque grills with a protective layer of vegetable oil to prevent rust.
Don’t move a hot barbecue grill around, as the metal could become misshapen. Always allow it to cool completely before moving it to another location for storage.
Don’t clean your barbeque with steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers, as this can damage the surface of the metal.
After cleaning and before storing your barbecue grill, wipe it down with a thin layer of vegetable oil to prevent rust from forming during storage. Remember to store the grill in an area with plenty of ventilation so that any excess oil doesn’t get into contact with anything else.
If you want to remove rust stains on the surface of your barbecue grate, use a wire brush and rub the affected area in circles to remove all residue before wiping over with a cloth or paper towel soaked in vegetable oil.
If you don’t want to risk using steel wool on any rust stains that won’t come off with a wire brush, apply some kitty litter to the affected area and leave it overnight so that the litter can absorb any excess moisture. After this, sweep over the area with a wire brush and wipe with vegetable oil before using again.
We can see that it takes some effort and diligence to clean a cast iron BBQ grill. But the results are well worth the effort, as this type of barbecue is not only long-lasting but also gives the meat an extra special scrumptious taste.
Hi there! I'm James, and I'm passionate about making your home life easier and more enjoyable. I've spent years testing and researching appliances, from high-tech gadgets to everyday essentials. My goal is to share honest reviews, helpful tips, and buying guides so you can find the perfect appliances for your needs and budget.