Preparing for the Summer BBQs: Why Deep Cleaning Is Essential | Maid4Condos
Close

Preparing for the Summer BBQs: Why Deep Cleaning Is Essential

Preparing for the Summer BBQs: Why Deep Cleaning Is Essential
July 5, 2024

Torontonians look forward to BBQ season with relish, anticipating the day they can fire up the grill to prepare their favourite carnivorous meals. However, that BBQ is exposed to all kinds of germs left behind from the ghosts of barbecues past, which means it needs a deep cleaning to prepare for the new season’s feasts.

In this article, we will explain why deep cleaning your BBQ is essential and how to achieve a pristine grill for safe, flavourful summer dining with tips from the pros at our deep cleaning services in Toronto.

Preparing for the summer BBQs: Why deep cleaning is essential

Why a Clean Grill Is Crucial

A clean grill is a first-of-summer must for several reasons:

  • Your grill can harbour harmful bacteria and food-borne illnesses that can make your guests sick.
  • All that burnt-on crust from past meals will interfere with the flavour of everything you cook.
  • Debris also attracts pests, which can leave behind unthinkable things, including feces and urine.
  • You’re less likely to experience those tiresome flare-ups that can burn your food.
  • Such flare-ups can also increase the risk of the fire getting out of control.
  • A deep cleaning of your entire grill keeps it looking its best.
  • Deep cleaning maintains the durability of your grill’s surfaces.
  • A clean grill makes it easier to maintain control of temperatures for an easier cooking experience. 
  • Foods are more likely to be evenly cooked to the proper internal temperatures. 

Do I just need to clean my grill for the first BBQ of the season?

We certainly hope you’re cleaning your BBQ after each use! This is the only way to prevent all of the above issues. However, you only require a deep cleaning once a year at the beginning of the grilling season, twice with an extra cleaning at the end of the season if you use your grill frequently.

What’s the best way to clean my grill after use?

This is good to know because the better you become at cleaning after use, the less deep cleaning your BBQ will require at the beginning of the season. Here are some tips:

  • Heat your grill to high heat and let it burn off the leftover bits for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Turn the heat off, and then let your BBQ cool down until it is warm to the touch. 
  • Using a wire brush, remove the debris from the grill/grate.
  • Wipe down the grate and any messes on the grill’s exterior with a damp clean cloth using mild dish soap and warm water.
  • Rinse everything off with clean water.
  • Let the grill air dry.

What’s the difference between a deep clean and an after-use clean?

A deep clean tackles every surface by removing the grates and other removable parts to safely disinfect the entire grill. Cleaning after use helps maintain your grill and remove food debris that can attract pests, while avoiding foodborne illness.

How do I deep clean my grill?

Before you begin, review the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you don’t do anything that might damage your BBQ. You can then follow these steps to achieve a deep clean (unless they are not recommended by the manufacturer):

  • Heat your grill to high heat and let it burn away the leftover parts for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let your BBQ cool down until it is warm to the touch. 
  • Using a wire brush, remove the debris from the grill/grate.
  • Allow the grill to completely cool down and remove the grates and other removable parts.
  • Clean the parts in warm, soapy water using a mild dish detergent.
  • Rinse and dry them with a clean cloth.
  • Scrape off debris and burnt-on food in the interior.
  • Wipe down the inside of the grill and pellet hopper (if you have one) using a clean, soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water.
  • Rinse everything down with a clean, damp cloth. 
  • Dry all the surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Follow the user’s manual instructions to remove and clean the burners using a wire brush and warm, soapy water.
  • Rinse and dry them thoroughly.
  • Clean the igniter with a wire brush to remove built-up grease.
  • Use a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water or a stainless steel cleaner, if appropriate, to wipe down the entire exterior.
  • Rinse and dry the exterior.
  • Once everything is clean and dry, you can return all the parts.

How can I maintain my grill to optimize performance?

It really depends on the type of grill you own. Again, we suggest reading your user’s manual to understand what the manufacturer recommends. However, there are some general rules to help keep your grill in good shape, such as the following:

  • Clean your grill after each use to avoid grease and food debris buildup that can ruin the taste of your food and increase the risk of flare-ups and fires.
  • Keep an eye on your grill, and repair or replace any worn parts.
  • Invest in a suitable cover to protect your grill from the elements.
  • Store your grill in a dry area over the winter if space allows.
  • Pay attention to how your thermometer functions, and replace it if it seems to be off.
  • If you have fuel lines, check them often to make sure they aren’t worn or damaged.

Can I use eco-friendly cleaning products on my grates?

One of the easiest natural cleaners is a mix of vinegar and baking powder to tackle debris and grease. You can remove the grates and sprinkle them with the baking powder, and then spritz the powder with vinegar. Allow it to fizz to loosen the debris, then scrub the debris away and rinse and dry off the grate before returning it to the grill. 

What happens if my grates are rusty?

It’s essential to remove the rust before using the grate again. First, use a wire brush to remove loose rust, and then soak the grate in a mix of equal parts vinegar and wire.

After a few hours, check to see if the rust has dissolved. Rinse off the vinegar and dry the grate. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to prevent it from rusting again. If the rust does not come off, replace the grate.

Contact the Cleaning Experts

Although cleaning your BBQ is a hassle, it’s the only way to enjoy top-notch meals, avoid foodborne illnesses, and maintain your Godlike status as the grill king or queen.

Just like your BBQ, the rest of your house or condo needs the occasional deep clean, too. The start of summer is a perfect time to bring in the cleaning professionals at Maid4Condos to kick off the warmer months with a much-needed deep cleaning. We’ll scour your home from top to bottom, tackling dirt, dust and grime until you’re living in a fresh, clean oasis. 

Interested in starting your summer off with deep cleaning services in Toronto? Click here for an online quote. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Share , Like & Engage On Social Media: