13 Grilling Hacks You Need This Summer

Pre-BBQ cleaning hacks

Green cleaning for the grill

Grill cleaners often contain harsh chemicals. But if you want to remove rust and sanitize your grill, you can use a simple lemon. Just cut in half and rub on the grill grate.

Get set for BBQ season

Make sure your outdoor grill is prepped anytime you want to call it into action. Clean the grates by placing them in the tub and covering with very hot water and 1 cup each ammonia and dishwasher detergent. Cover with old fabric softener sheets and soak overnight. The next day, don your rubber gloves, scrub away, and watch the grease dissolve.

Check out Grammar Girl's article "Grill or Grille?" to remember when to use which spelling. 

Grill-cleaning muscle for less

Save on expensive grill cleaners by simply using WD-40 instead. Get rid of charred food stuck to the grill by removing it from the barbecue and spraying it with the oil. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe off and clean with soap and water.

Post-BBQ cleaning hacks

Foil that mess

When you’re done grilling, place a large piece of aluminum foil over the entire top of your grill, then put the top back on and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The caked-on mess from the burgers and hot dogs will turn to ash.

The cleaner from the produce section

Your barbecued chicken was a hit, but your grill is a mess. What to do? Poke half an onion, dipped in vegetable oil, on your grill fork, and scrub it over the hot grates. The onion’s enzymes will break down grime, and the oil will help soften the grilled-on gunk.

Nutrition Diva's article "Does Grilled Meat Cause Cancer?" discusses how to minimize the health risks sometimes found in grilled meat. 

Today’s news: a clean grill

Another great way to clean your grill is with wet newspaper. After cooking, just place it on a warm grill for 1 hour with the lid closed. You’ll be amazed how easily the grime comes off.

Dress your grill

Don’t spend big money on a grill cover! Just look for an inexpensive poncho at a discount store—it’ll do the trick and protect your grill just as well.

Protect your grill

Make sure squirrels, mice, and other critters don’t chew through the rubber pipeline that connects your propane tank with your grill—reinforce the entire thing with duct tape. This step is a good idea for anything else in your yard made out of rubber, as it’s a favorite chew toy of rodents...

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