Nothing is worse than taking out a dirty and rusty grill brush and trying to scrape the grill grates. Those filthy grill brush bristles are useless when it’s time to freshen up your grill.
At Carnivore Style, we agree that a proper grill brush is essential for the grill cleaning process, but certainly not one filled with rust.
We decided to bring you a quick guide on how to maintain your favorite BBQ grill brush. These tips also apply if you have a new grill brush.
Quick Summary
- Cleaning a grill brush involves regular cleaning, using special products for stainless steel brushes, and storage in a cool, dry place.
- Using crumpled aluminum foil can pre-clean grill racks before using the brush. Quick rinsing after use helps preserve the bristles.
- According to a 2012 study published in the National Library of Medicine, six people experienced abdominal pain between May 2009 and November 2010 due to inadvertent swallowing of grill brush bristles, revealing the importance of proper grill brush handling and cleaning [1].
- Heating the grill to its maximum temperature before brushing can burn off excess food pieces, making the cleaning process more effective.
When Should You Clean A Grill Brush
This may seem obvious, but a grill brush should be cleaned when covered in dirt and grime.
When the dirty brush gets past the point of no return, then it’s time to toss them out. If your grill brush starts to rust, then we recommend getting the best grill brush you're willing to afford.
How To Clean A Grill Brush
Step 1
We recommend that you purchase a second grill brush with stainless steel bristles since it makes it easier to keep the grill brush clean.
Rub both of the brushes together with the metal bristles facing each other to dislodge any large food particles or debris, as well as a few bristles already too damaged for use.
Use full force to remove the debris, but don’t damage the loose bristles.
Also Read: How to Clean a Grill Without a Brush
Step 2
Get a bucket and fill it up with warm soapy water. Put your wire grill brush into the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes. Scrub the wire bristles against each other for a few minutes with water and dish soap to loosen up any oil particles to clean the wire grill brush.
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General Care Tips For Grill Brushes
Tip #1: According to a 2001 article in Scientific American, stainless steel brushes won’t rust like a brass grill brush [2]. However, some of the loose bristles might fall out. With these bristle brushes, you can buy a special stainless steel cleaning product to maintain the bristles. Make sure you use one that is safe for your grilling surface.
Tip #2: While cleaning, most grill brushes are used against cast-iron grates. The abrasive properties can cause your BBQ grill brush to become warped or damaged while cleaning. You can use a piece of crumpled up aluminum foil to pre-clean your grill rack before you use your grill brush.
Tip #3: You should always store your BBQ grilling brush in a cool and dry place. Don’t just leave it outside, like some people do, once you are done grilling. We recommend storing it inside with other utensils to uphold proper grill brush care.
Tip #4: You don’t always have to do a deep cleaning, but we recommend that you always do a quick cleaning after using your grill brush. We recommend rinsing it off thoroughly to remove any BBQ sauce or charred meat. This will help preserve the bristles for much longer.
Tip #5: Before you brush off your BBQ grill racks, we recommend setting your grill to its maximum temperature with the lid closed for 10 or 15 minutes. This will burn off any excess BBQ food pieces.
Read More: Best BBQ & Grill Cleaners
References
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22451548/
2.https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-doesnt-stainless-stee/
