Cleaning Your Flat Top Grill
The first step in cleaning your flat top grill is to remove any food particles or debris. The best way to do this is with a putty knife or stiff bristled brush. Scrape the entire surface of the grill, being sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Once you’ve removed all the debris, it’s time to start cleaning.
DIY:
You have a few options when it comes to cleaning products. One popular option is vinegar. Vinegar is acidic, which means it will break down grease and grime easily. Plus, it’s natural and won’t damage your grill surface.
For best results, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the entire grill surface. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon brush or sponge. Rinse the surface with water and dry with a towel.
With this method, you’ll need to clean your grill more often – at least once a week. But it’s a good option if you’re looking for a natural cleaning solution.
Grill Cleaning Spray:
Another popular option is a grill cleaning spray. These products are designed specifically for cleaning grills and usually come in aerosol cans. Grill cleaning spray is a great option if you don’t want to deal with making your own cleaning solution.
To use, simply spray the entire grill surface and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a nylon brush or sponge and rinse with water. Dry with a towel.
This method is easy and effective, but it’s important to read the label before purchasing a grill cleaning spray. Some products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your grill surface. If you’re unsure which product to choose, ask a sales associate for help.
Grill Cleaning Gel:
The third option is a grill cleaning gel. These gels are similar to grill cleaning spray, but they come in a squeezable tube. Grill cleaning gel is a good option if you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and store.
To use, squirt the gel onto the grill surface and spread it around with a nylon brush or sponge. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water. Dry with a towel.
Like grill cleaning spray, some grill cleaning gels contain harsh chemicals. So be sure to read the label before purchasing.
CLR:
Another option is CLR, which is a commercial cleaner that’s specifically designed for removing tough stains like grease and grime. CLR can be used on both stainless steel and porcelain surfaces, so it’s perfect for use on flat-top grills. To use CLR, simply apply it to the surface of your grill with a sponge or cloth and scrub until the stain is gone. It’s that easy!
Rinse with water and dry with a towel when finished, but after that, make sure you let the grill dry properly. If there’s any moisture remaining, it could rust the surface of your grill. If that happens, it’s time for a new grill.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to clean your grill regularly. If you let grease and grime build up, it will be harder to remove. And no one wants to cook on a dirty grill!
How Often Should You Clean Your Flat Top Grill?
How often you need to clean your flat top grill depends on how often you use it. If you use it daily, you’ll need to give it a good cleaning at least once a week. However, if you only use it occasionally, you can get away with cleaning it every few weeks or even months. Just be sure to give it a quick wipe-down after each use so that debris doesn’t have a chance to build up. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate because the moisture from the environment can cause rusting too. So you’re not just looking out for the dirt and grime you may leave behind but also for moisture that can cause corrosion.
If your grill is starting to look rusty, it’s time for a more thorough cleaning. So try to avoid that happening in the first place and get to cleaning as the days go on!
Cleaning Your Flat Top Grill Grates
In addition to cleaning the grill surface, you’ll also need to clean the grill grates. These are the metal bars that your food sits on while it cooks. Over time, they can get caked with grease and debris, which can make them sticky and hard to clean.
The best way to clean grill grates is to soak them in a solution of hot water and dish soap for 30 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn grime. After soaking, scrub the grates with a stiff brush and rinse with water.
If your grill grates are particularly dirty, you may need to soak them overnight. To do this, mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar. Soak the grates in the solution for 12 hours, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.
Once your grill grates are clean, dry them with a clean cloth or towel. You can also put them back on the grill and heat them for 10 minutes to help remove any remaining moisture. Once you’re done, you can let them cool and rest for a few hours before using them again!
When you do, it’ll be like you’re cooking on a brand-new grill!
The Bottom Line:
A clean flat-top grill is the key to perfectly grilled food all year long. With our tips on how to clean your flat-top grill, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family at your next cookout!
