A flat-top grill is an amazing tool for anyone who loves to grill but hates the mess of a traditional charcoal or gas grill, and it’s great if you want to cook multiple types of meat without having to wait in between.
However, if you don’t take care of your flat top, then it can quickly become the most disgusting thing in your kitchen, which is why it’s so important to know how to clean your flat top grill.
How to clean flat top Grill.
- How to season your grill
- How to quickly clean your flat top
- Keeping your grill looking nice between deep cleans
- Why you should clean the grates by hand
- How often you should deep clean your grill
- Avoid cleaning agents
- Stay safe while cleaning hot surfaces
- Final words of wisdom
Here are 8 ways to quickly and easily clean your flat-top grill every time you use it!
1) How to season your grill
Start by preheating your grill on the highest setting. Next, use tongs to turn all of the food over so that it is cooked on both sides.
Rinse off any visible grease with a wad of paper towels and then wipe down the cooking surface again with a fresh batch of paper towels.
Finally, rub a thin layer of vegetable oil across the cooking surface. As soon as you can see a thin sheen across the entire surface, you’re done!
2) How to quickly clean your flat top
1. Rinse your grill thoroughly with hot water, then scrub it with a sponge or brush.
2. Mix 1⁄2 cup of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 3 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the grill (careful not to get any on your food!).
3. Pour 1⁄2 cup of baking soda on top of the grill surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing it off with a wet brush or sponge.
4. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot over high heat until it starts boiling and pour it over the entire flat top grill surface to loosen any stubborn burnt bits that might be stuck there before you scrub them off with a wet sponge or brush.
3) Keeping your grill looking nice between deep cleans
Cleaning your grill is a great way to maintain its longevity. It also helps extend the life of the finish, which can be expensive if you have to replace it prematurely.
The best thing you can do is keep a clean kitchen rag close by while you cook and wipe down the cooking surface after every use.
You can also use an inexpensive nylon scrubber with steel wool in between deep cleans, but make sure that the steel wool is new or unused so that you don’t scratch the cooking surface.
- Keep a clean kitchen rag close by while you cook and wipe down the cooking surface after every use.
- Use an inexpensive nylon scrubber with steel wool in between deep cleans.
- Make sure that the steel wool is new or unused so that you don’t scratch the cooking surface.
- Wash all dishes before storing them to prevent food from drying onto them and make cleanup harder later on.
- Dispose of anything not safe for food preparation as soon as possible.
- Store knives on the edge instead of flat to prevent bacteria growth
4) Why you should clean the grates by hand
One of the most important things you can do for your grill is clean the grates. A dirty grate will prevent heat from escaping, meaning that food won’t cook as evenly or thoroughly.
Dirty grates also build up a layer of carbonized grease, which can lead to flare-ups and smoke.
If you don’t want charred food, you must take a few minutes each time you use your grill to clean the grates.
5) How often you should deep clean your grill
- Every day – Remove excess grease, meat residue, and other debris after each use.
- Before every cook – Give the entire surface a good scrub with a wire brush or scouring pad, then rinse with hot water.
- Once a week – Apply oven cleaner, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub off the grime with steel wool or an abrasive pad before rinsing thoroughly with hot water.
- Once per month – Mix baking soda into warm water in a spray bottle, shake well and spray on the grill grate; let sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing clean with steel wool or an abrasive pad; rinse thoroughly with cold water (repeat if necessary).
- Once per year – Use a mild acid like white vinegar or lemon juice on your grill surface, making sure to cover the whole area. Let sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing clean with steel wool or an abrasive pad. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- When your barbecue starts to look dirty overall – Lightly sand down the cooking grid using medium grit sandpaper until the shiny metal is revealed and re-season as needed with the oil of choice.
6) Avoid cleaning agents – they are bad for your health and won’t make it cleaner
- Remove any leftover food by scraping the grill with a metal spatula.
- Allow the grill to cool and then use a damp cloth or paper towels soaked in water or cooking oil to wipe down the surface.
- Scrub stubborn stuck-on residue with a wire brush.
- Rinse with hot soapy water, rinse, then dry thoroughly (preferably using a dish towel) before storing away for next use.
7) Stay safe while cleaning hot surfaces
It’s important to keep in mind that while you’re cleaning your grill, it will be very hot.
Don’t start this process unless you have a fire extinguisher, oven mitts, or pot holders on hand.
If you have any pets around your grill, make sure they are somewhere safe before you start the project.
Keep an eye on the weather as well- if there is snow or ice in the forecast for later in the day, make sure to clean your grill earlier so that it doesn’t become covered by ice overnight.
8) Final words of wisdom
We all know that cleaning is the worst, but with these tips, you can reduce your scrubbing time and get back to cooking sooner.
If you’re in a hurry, here are some quick tips for cleaning a flat-top grill:
1. Start by scraping off any large pieces of food from the grill surface.
2. Spray the grates with a degreaser and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush or steel wool pad (make sure it’s not too hot).
3. After wiping down the grates, use ammonia or white vinegar in hot water (1/4 cup of each) to remove grease and any lingering smells from your grills.
4. Rinse well with hot water after using either product.