Grilling is a staple activity for many people, especially during summertime. It provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and bond with family and friends. However, after the braai (sometimes called a Barbecue or BBQ), we're often left with a dirty braai grid.
Why Clean Your Braai Grid?
A dirty braai grid may not only compromise your food's taste but also pose serious health risks. Leftover grease and food particles can become breeding grounds for bacteria and eventually cause food poisoning. Furthermore, the grease buildup can cause flare-ups, leading to dangerous fires.
How To Clean Your Braai Grid
The After Braai Cleaning Stage
The first thing you should do after your braai is to brush the grill grates while they are still hot with a high-quality wire grill brush to remove any food debris.
Once your grill has cooled down, remove the grills and place them in a sink or on a flat surface nearby.
Cleaning The Braai Grid
You will need a few items for the cleaning process:
- A bucket of warm water
- A quality sponge with an abrasive side
- Soap
- Vinegar
Start the cleaning process by soaking the grates in warm, soapy water for about an hour. This loosens stubborn stains and grease stains. Once soaked, use a sponge to scrub the grates vigorously. You may want to add vinegar to the water to help with greasy stains.
For the charcoal braai type, disposable aluminium foil/platters can be placed on the metal bracing of the braai grid to prevent food from sticking on it. Although this is not always guaranteed, it helps to reduce the amount of cleaning that needs to be carried out.
Drying The Braai Grid
After the cleaning, rinse the grates thoroughly with clean water and dry using a towel or natural sunlight. Place them in the sun to dry naturally before storing them. This is an excellent option because it allows the sun to kill off any remaining bacteria while also facilitating the drying process. Natural drying may not be ideal for some, especially when there isn't any sunshine available.
Maintaining The Braai Grid
Cleaning alone isn't enough to keep your braai grid healthy and safe to use. Here are two ways to keep it functioning well:
- Oil your grates: Cooking oil helps prevent food from sticking to the grill as well as rusting. Use a paper towel, dip it into oil, and rub the surface of the grate.
- Cover the braai grid: Braai grid covers are protective weather-resistant materials that prevent rust, corrosion, and extreme weather from damaging your grill.
Conclusion
If you want to use your braai grid for years to come, it's essential to keep it clean regularly. Dirty grates don't only affect the food's taste, but they can also pose serious health risks. Clean the braai grid properly, dry it naturally, and don't forget to maintain it regularly.
