It’s grilling season and you want your barbeque to be in top shape, so you’re trying to find a cost efficient, easy and reliable way to clean your grill. Vinegar is a very good choice. In fact, it can penetrate grease and cooked-on food, it is natural, cost-efficient, and easy to use.
It is important to clean your grill after every use, even if you haven’t been using your grill, it is exposed to the elements and can look pretty grimy after a while.
There are also benefits of a well maintained grill:
- Better flavour and appearance that deliver a rustic, smoky vibe; some foods taste better grilled than others.
- A longer lifespan of your grill and less bbq grill repairs
- Better hygiene and safety because it reduces the risk of a fire and prevents contamination, which goes hand in hand with a consistent grate cleaning schedule to help you avoid flare-ups.
Why choose vinegar over commercial grill cleaning products?
Vinegar’s eco-friendliness comes from its natural composition, biodegradability, non-toxic nature, and minimal environmental impact, making it a sustainable choice for various cleaning needs including your barbecue. Let’s dive into the details.
Eco-friendly
Vinegar is eco-friendly because it is biodegradable and breaks down easily. Its primary component, acetic acid, degrades into water and carbon dioxide which are both harmless and naturally occurring substances.
Non-toxic
Vinegar is non-toxic which means it poses minimal risk for people and poochies unlike many commercial cleaners that contain harsh chemicals which can be harmful to our health. Vinegar doesn’t produce harmful fumes or residues.
Minimal environmental impact
Vinegar has a low production footprint; meaning, vinegar has a lower environmental impact compared to many synthetic cleaning products. It is made by fermenting sources like grain or fruit which is less resource demanding then other cleaning agents.
Reduces reliance on harmful chemicals
By using vinegar you can avoid using synthetic cleaners that may contain sulfates, phosphates, or other harmful chemicals. These substances contribute to pollution and environmental degradation, so by using vinegar you are contributing to a greener planet!
Reusable and recyclable packaging
Vinegar is commonly sold in glass bottles or recyclable containers, if disposed of properly these materials have a lower ecological footprint than single use plastics or non-recyclable packaging.
Cost-effective
Vinegar is an inexpensive cleaning solution which can reduce the overall use of cleaning products and packaging waste. A single bottle of vinegar can be used for all kinds of cleaning, minimizing the need for multiple specialized cleaners. Goodbye cluttered cabinets.
Why is vinegar used more often than other natural cleaning products?
Vinegar is used more often than other natural cleaning products because it is so much cheaper. Let’s take lemon juice for example. It’s a great natural cleaner for your grill and leaves a fresh scent, however it costs about double for a 32 ounce bottle. Save that stuff for those tasty marinades.
You can also clean your grill with onions. Adrian Davila, owner-operator at Davila’s BBQ, says to ‘cut a large onion in half, crosswise. Grab half of it and rub down the length of the grill, following the lines of the grates. It’s just like cleaning a plate in your sink’.
Although using onions is a quick way to clean your grill it only removes light amounts of residue. Onions aren’t as strong as lemon juice and lemon juice isn’t as cost efficient or strong as vinegar.
Vinegar has a pH of around 2.5 and the acetic acid in it can interact with both polar and nonpolar substances due to its molecular structure, making it versatile in breaking down a variety of greases. While lemon juice has a pH of around 2.0 and the citric acid in it is a more complex organic acid, it is a larger and more complex structure that can sometimes limit its ability to penetrate deeply into certain types of grime. So, it may not be as powerful as acetic acid for some residue.
If you’re looking for a lighter cleaning and a pleasant scent opt for lemon juice, but if you are looking for a stronger cleaning opt for vinegar.
No wonder why vinegar is the most commonly used natural cleaning product!
How do I clean my barbecue using vinegar?
Cleaning your barbecue using vinegar is a simple process. Here’s how.
Materials needed:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Brush or Scraper (rolled up aluminum foil also works well).
- Cloth or sponge
Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat the grill (optional)
- Mix water with vinegar into a spray bottle (in a 1:1 ratio)
- Spray the mixture on the grill grates
- Let it sit for a few minutes so it can soak in
- Scrub the grates using a brush, scraper, or aluminum foil
- Wipe down with a cloth or a sponge
- Rinse thoroughly with water
Additional tips and tricks
- Use vinegar for different parts of the grill (grates, burners etc.)
- Combine vinegar with baking soda for a quicker and more efficient clean.
- Ensure proper ventilation while cleaning the grill, especially if you’re sensitive to fumes and strong scents.
- Make sure to avoid contact with the grill if you’ve preheated it. We also recommend wearing gloves and using heat-resistant tools.
Precautions and considerations
- We advise you to preheat your grill, as it helps loosen grime and negate the need for stronger cleaners. Preheating your grill can also help evaporate moisture which prevents rust from forming.
- Don’t forget to rinse your grill after cleaning; this will remove any trailing odors and remove any cleaner residue.
- Vinegar is an amazing cleaning solution for most circumstances, but it may not handle extremely neglected grills. If that’s the case, consider this top grill cleaner for serious buildup—yet always aim for natural solutions like white vinegar when possible.
Looking for a natural, deeper cleaning?
Using white vinegar can be a cost-effective, strong, quick, natural and environmentally friendly way to clean your grill. By keeping your barbecue in great shape, you will always be ready to fire up the grill and have a great summer feast. But, if you ever need a deeper cleaning, you can contact the professionals here at San Diego BBQ.
Remember, when it comes to cleaning your grill, don’t be sour—vinegar’s got the power!
