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How to Clean Your Braai Grid
Braai Hack: The Best Way to Clean Your Braai Grid
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of planning your next braai—sunshine, good company, and the irresistible scent of meat on the fire. But that excitement can quickly fade if you open your braai only to find last year’s grid covered in old grease and grime.
Whether it’s the start of braai season or the end of a legendary grill session, cleaning your braai grid properly makes all the difference. A clean grid not only helps your food taste better but also prevents flare-ups, burnt-on residue, and unpleasant odours. Here’s how to tackle the mess and keep your grid in top condition.
Step 1: Soak It Right
If you’ve got access to a large sink or a deep container, start by giving your grid a proper soak. Fill it with hot water, add a generous squirt of dishwashing liquid, and pour in a cup of white vinegar. Leave the grid to soak for at least 30 minutes—longer if the grime is stubborn.
Pro Tip:
Using a kettle braai with a lid? Place a foil tray filled with equal parts water and vinegar on the grid, light the coals, and close the lid. The steam will naturally loosen stuck-on residue.
Step 2: Scrub Like a Pro
Once it’s had a good soak, use a wire brush or scrunched-up aluminium foil to scrub the grid thoroughly. Focus on the corners and joints, where grease tends to cling.
For seriously caked-on grime, make a powerful paste with white vinegar, salt, and bicarbonate of soda. Apply the paste to the problem areas and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing again. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step 3: Mid-Braai Freshen-Up
If your grid isn’t dirty enough for a deep clean but could use a quick refresh, use this simple trick. Cut a lemon or onion in half, and rub the cut side over the hot grid bars using tongs or a braai fork. This helps remove residue, adds a hint of flavour, and keeps your grid fresh between uses.
Keep It Clean, Keep It Tasty
Cleaning your braai grid might not be the most glamorous part of outdoor cooking, but it’s one of the most important. A clean grid gives your meat those perfect sear marks, prevents unpleasant flavours, and ensures every bite tastes as good as it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soak it in hot water with dishwashing liquid and white vinegar, then scrub with a wire brush or foil. For tough grime, use a vinegar, salt, and bicarb paste.
Scrunch up aluminium foil into a ball and use it to scrub the grid. It’s an effective alternative to a wire brush for removing stuck-on residue.
Yes, white vinegar helps break down grease and grime. You can soak the grid in it or use it as part of a paste with salt and bicarbonate of soda.
Rub a hot grid with a cut onion or lemon using tongs. This removes residue, freshens the grid, and adds flavour to your food.
Ideally, after every braai once it has cooled. At the very least, deep-clean it at the start or end of braai season to avoid long-term build-up.
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