There’s nothing like a great ceramic grill to cook your delicious vegetables and juicy meats. In order to keep it in good working condition though, you have to be diligent about cleaning it properly. Here are some tips on doing just that.
When you use natural lump charcoal, it creates ash every time you use it. The ash can build up blocking airflow, so it’s important to remove it. Once the charcoal is extinguished, you can scoop out the ashes. You can mix up mild detergent with water to clean the outside of the grill. Just spray the mixture on the ceramics and hardware and wipe off the dirt with a clean cloth. If you see any surface rust on the unfinished hardware, you can easily remove it with medium grade steel wool. The rust on painted areas can be treated with rust-inhibiting paint. The inside of your grill also needs to be cleaned if the black substance on your grill begins to flake or if you have mold or mildew on it. You can clean it by heating the grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes and then letting it cool. Once it has cooled completely, you can remove the internal components and use a soft bristle brush to clean the inside. Be sure to remove the residue at the bottom as well. Once you’re done, you can put the internal components back inside. Clean the cooking grate when it’s still warm by wiping it with a lemon that’s cut in half and then cleaning it with a paper towel. For stuck-on grime, use a grill cleaner, such as a Billy Bar. You don’t want to use a wire grill brush though because it can damage the porcelain coating. Wiping the top vent with a clean cloth when it’s warm is a good idea. If the gaskets have deteriorated, replace them.
Cleaning your ceramic grill will help keep it in tip-top condition. The grill will perform better and your food will taste better, so take a little time to clean yours. A little work will make a big difference in the lifetime of your grill.