tA trick that you will definitely use again and again this summer is to clean your grill with an onion. Right. As baking season heats up, there’s an easier way to clean baked goods after baking that avoids the use of detergents and caustic cleaners.
With just half a fresh onion, you can break down coals and residue in seconds without scrubbing and combing. All you need is a white onion and a baking fork. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to clean your grill with onions and other general tips to take care of your grill all summer.
How to clean your grill with an onion
1. Never use water directly on cast iron mesh
Do not use water directly on cast iron grills—water can cause them to rust, which will hinder the success of future grills. Use the onion hack instead (more on that below) or use a cast iron-friendly natural grill cleaner.
if you do not with cast iron net, water is okay, especially for deep cleaning at the end of the season. To do this, remove the grates and soak them in a bath of soapy water (or with a water-vinegar solution). You can also dip your grill brush in some water to help scrape off any debris from the grill after grilling.
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2. Use an onion to clean the grill
After you finish baking, let the grill continue. Then, glue half of the white onion to the top of the baking fork and rub it face down along the grill. The heat combined with the natural antibacterial properties of the onion will melt away any stubborn sticky or charcoal sauce. Remember: The grills should be hot, so use a fork or tongs to hold the onions (you don’t want to burn your hands). And if the food is really stuck, try using a natural acid, such as lemon juice or white wine vinegar, to speed up the process.
For those of you with a charcoal grill, save that onion to reduce food waste. When you’re done, throw it over the hot coals and let the smoky flavor soak into whatever you cook next.
3. Shave off excess carbon
Each time you use your grill, grease builds up on its parts and the smoke evaporates into carbon, the tiny pieces that stay in your grill’s hood. To prevent dirt and carbon from getting into your food, you should scrape the hood, drip plate and burners regularly.
As you soak those grills, use a grill brush along the hood to remove debris and excess carbon. (Note: Metal grill brushes are best used at the end of the season, not every day because the bristles can break off and stick to your food.) This Weber grill brush uses a grill brush. wear-resistant stainless steel. And this Grilling Brush & Scraper Set ($14) removes any nasty build-up without leaving a scratch.
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