How to Effectively Clean Porcelain Coated Grill Grates
Grilling outdoors is a must-do activity for many families during summer. The sizzling aroma of meat, veggies, and sauces is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But as enjoyable as the experience may be, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if the grill grates are not properly maintained.
Over time, porcelain coated grill grates can accumulate grease, charred residue, and food particles, making them harder to clean. In this article, we will share some tips on how to clean porcelain coated grill grates effectively and maintain them.
1. Why Cleaning Porcelain Coated Grill Grates Matters
Keeping porcelain coated grill grates clean is essential due to several reasons:
Hygiene Reasons: Old food bits and bacteria that reside on uncleaned grills can cause severe health problems in individuals who use them again.
Improved Taste of Food: Uncleaned residual deposits alter the taste of grilled food since they hinder flavor transmission from the heat sources to the food.
Prolonged Lifespan of Grill: Keeping your grill in good condition ensures its longevity since old residues sticking on the surfaces cause rusting and make them more prone to damage.
2. Materials Required for Cleaning
To properly clean your porcelain coated grill grates, you’ll need these materials:
Soft Wire Brushes: Use soft brushes specially designed for cleaning porcelain coatings. Avoid using wire brushes made for iron or steel as they keep scratches and might harm porcelain surfaces.
Mild Detergent: An Eco-Friendly detergent solution such as vinegar and baking soda is ideal because it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like triclosan or phosphates.
Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are highly absorbent and attract fine dust, making them ideal for wiping down your grill grates thoroughly.
Water Hose: A water hose provides the necessary pressure to rinse off dirt from the grates.
3. Steps for Cleaning Porcelain Coated Grill Grates
These steps will help you clean your porcelain coated grill grates more effectively:
i. Preparing the Grates for Cleaning:
Before you get started, prepare the grill for cleaning:
– Disconnect the gas source
– Heat up the grill first.
This ensures that the food debris and grease loosen, making it easy to clean once it cools down to a manageable temperature.
ii. Using Soft Brushes to Remove as Much Buildup as Possible:
After heating up the grill, use a soft wire brush to remove as much of the buildup as possible. Be gentle with scrubbing to avoid damaging porcelain coating surface, and scrape away any thick chunks that have stuck onto the grates.
Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers since they damage delicate porcelain surfaces. Also, don’t use handles made of metal or wood since they can harm porcelain coatings.
iii. Applying Mild Detergent Solution:
Mix your eco-friendly detergent solution in a bucket of water and soak a metal wire brush with soft bristles into it.
Gently scrub over the grate’s surface with this brush’s help, ensuring you cover all areas covered with debris and excess grease until it is removed completely. Finally, rinse everything down with warm water from a garden hose pipe.
iv. Removing Any Remaining Stains or Spots:
Some stains or charred residue might be too stubborn to remove using detergent solution alone. In such cases, you could try natural vinegar solutions by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar together.
Apply the solution over the stains or spots and let it soak for an hour. After that, scrub carefully until the spot disappears. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure scrubbing and lifting the coating off in the process.
4. Tips & Tricks for Maintaining Porcelain Coated Grill Grates
The following tips will assist you in prolonging your porcelain coated grill grates lifespan:
– Avoid using harsh brushes since they scratch porcelain surfaces.
– Clean your grill after every use to keep it free of leftover grease and food debris.
– Season your grates before each use by rubbing butter or cooking oil over the surface to maintain their nonstick coating.
– Store your grill with a covering to slow down rusting due to weather exposure.
– Tips for removing Burnt on Grease:
For any remnants of charcoal or burnt on grease, try soaking them overnight in a mixture of hot water and baking soda, which softens them for easier removal.
5. Precautions to Take While Cleaning Porcelain Coated Grill Grates
When cleaning porcelain coated grill grates, protect yourself by taking these precautions:
i. Disconnect the gas source before cleaning
ii. Wear protective gloves before handling used scented products and rushing using harsh scrubbers
iii. Do not use harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces as made evident earlier while discussing materials required for cleaning.
6. Frequently Asked Questions on Cleaning Porcelain Coated Grill Grates
1.Can you clean porcelain grates with baking soda?
Yes. Baking soda works effectively in cleaning porcelain coated grill grates by soaking it overnight mixed with warm water.
2. Should I oil my porcelain coated grill grates?
Vinegar, salt, or lemon juice are known to remove any impurities left behind by seasoning methods before each cooking session.
3. What is the lifespan of porcelain coated grill grates?
The lifespan of porcelain coated grills depends on how you use them and how often you clean them properly.
4. How long does it take to clean porcelain coated grill grates?
Using this guide, cleaning shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes, depending on the extent of dirt and debris gunked onto its surface.
7. Conclusion: Keep Your Porcelain Coated Grill Grates Fresh and Clean:
Grilling is an outdoor activity cherished by many, but it only becomes enjoyable when the surfaces are clean and ready to use. To ensure that your porcelain coated grill grates provide an optimal cooking experience and last longer, periodic cleaning is necessary.
We have provided useful tips on how to clean porcelain coated grill grates effectively with mild detergents, soft brushes, and vinegar solutions while noting vital precautionary measures not to overlook.
By using these guidelines, you can be sure to get the most out of your grilling season repeatedly. Happy grilling!
Can I clean porcelain coated grill grates with a wire brush?
Yes, you can clean porcelain coated grill grates with a wire brush, but you need to use one that has nylon or soft bristles. Avoid using metal brushes because they can scratch the surface and remove the porcelain coating.
How often should I clean porcelain coated grill grates?
Clean your porcelain coated grill grates after every use, especially if you cook fatty foods like burgers or bacon. Wait until the grill is cool to touch then scrape any debris from the grate using a nylon brush.
What is the best way to clean porcelain coated grill grates?
The best way to clean porcelain coated grill grates is to use warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents because they can damage the coating. You can also make your own cleaning solution using equal parts vinegar and water.
Can I use an oven cleaner on porcelain coated grill grates?
No, you should not use an oven cleaner on porcelain coated grill grates because it contains harsh chemicals that can damage the coating. Stick to using warm water and a non-abrasive sponge for regular cleaning, and make your own cleaning solution using vinegar and water for stubborn stains.
