AnswerLine • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Oven Cleaning

May 23, 2016 Marcia Steed 1 Comment

Dirty oven clean oven

Tis the season for Spring cleaning! For many of us that includes the oven. It is suggested to clean your oven monthly and wipe down the oven door weekly. Dirty ovens are less efficient at reaching temperatures and crusty buildup can impact the taste of food or even cause a fire.

AnswerLine’s recommended way to clean an electric oven is to preheat the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and place a bowl of boiling water on the bottom shelf and a bowl of ammonia (about ½ cup ) on the top shelf. Close the oven door and let set overnight. Wipe down and scrub with a nonabrasive scrubber if necessary the next day. This procedure is not recommended for gas ovens with pilot lights for safety reasons. For gas ovens place a bowl of water in the oven and turn the oven on high for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the steam to loosen dried on food and grease overnight.

If spills do happen, sprinkle salt on the spills when warm and scrub with 3 tablespoons washing soda (which can be purchased at the grocery store) mixed into 1 quart warm water.

The next blog will address the recommended way to clean oven racks.

Marcia Steed

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling.

December 7, 2023

Cleaning Household Equipment

1 Comment

Cleaning your dishwasher

March 21, 2016 Beth Marrs

Have you had problems with your dishwasher not cleaning well or growing mold? Here are dishwasher2 some tips on cleaning your dishwasher to make sure that your dishes come out clean and sanitized.

Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential for ensuring that your dishes are spotless and free from harmful bacteria. For those who want to keep their entire kitchen in top shape, enlisting the help of professionals like Puget Sound Cleaners can make a world of difference. These experts not only handle deep cleaning tasks but also offer tips and advice on maintaining a healthy, clean home environment.

Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential for ensuring that your dishes are spotless and free from harmful bacteria. Regular cleaning and upkeep can prevent the buildup of grime, which might otherwise compromise the hygiene of your kitchen. For those who prefer a hands-off approach, professional cleaning services can be an invaluable asset.
When choosing a cleaning service more at hand can help, it’s important to find one with a reputation for thoroughness and reliability, such as Capable Clean. They specialize in not only addressing deep cleaning needs but also providing expert advice on maintaining a pristine home environment. By investing in such services, you can ensure that every corner of your kitchen, including your dishwasher, remains in top condition, contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable living space.
For those who prioritize both quality and efficiency, Clean Services is an excellent choice. Their commitment to excellence means every job is handled with precision, from routine maintenance to more specialized cleaning tasks. Trusting professionals like Crystal Clean Services, you can feel confident that your home will be cared for meticulously, freeing up your time for more important aspects of your life while ensuring that your space remains immaculate.
Mold requires nutrients and moisture which can both be found in a dishwasher. The first thing to check is the filter to make sure there is no food left in it. To get to the filter remove the bottom rack. Usually it is either in the middle or back on the bottom of the dishwasher. Then clean any food or gunk that might be in it. If your dishwasher is attached to your garbage disposal it is always a good idea to run it before you start your dishwasher to make sure there is no food remaining in the sink drain. Also check the silverware drawer to make sure there is no food caught in it. It can easily hide in that spot!
Check the door gaskets to make sure that there is no mold growing. Look on the sides of the gaskets since often water can get trapped there and mold can grow. If that is a problem you may need to wipe the gaskets dry after you empty the dishwasher.
If the inside of your dishwasher is NOT stainless steel try getting a bucket with 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of bleach. Remove the racks and use a brush to scrub the inside of your machine. If there are small areas try an old toothbrush. I try and save some for just these kind of projects. Make sure you aren’t mixing the bleach with any other cleaning products and wear gloves to protect your hands. After cleaning run the dishwasher empty to rinse out the bleach residue.
If your dishwasher inside is stainless steel don’t use the bleach solution since it could damage it. Instead try cleaning with vinegar. Getting on the inside with a brush or toothbrush and using the vinegar will get in all the areas that need to be cleaned. If there is an area (most commonly right inside the door on the bottom) where mold is growing try soaking some paper towels in vinegar and laying them on that area to soften and clean. Then scrub with the brush again.
Remember I said earlier that mold grows with food and moisture so use the heated dry setting. This will not only make your dishes dryer when they are clean but also dries out the inside of the machine. If you plan to be gone and not using your dishwasher regularly it might be a good idea to leave the door open slightly to make sure that any moisture that might be in it will have the opportunity to dry and not cause a mold problem.
One last thought…check the holes on the spray arm to make sure they are not clogged. Sometimes hard water can plug the holes and not allow the water to circulate in the dishwasher. If you find any that are plugged remove the spray arm to clean it.

Hopefully these cleaning steps will help! If you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at AnswerLine.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

September 25, 2024

Cleaning Household Equipment

Clothes Dryer Safety

March 7, 2016 Liz Meimann

Clothes dryer safety is not a topic that we think about very often, even though I use my dryer on dryer2 almost a daily basis. I do try to take care of the easy maintenance but I don’t always take the time to thoroughly clean the vent system for my dryer. Here are a few easy steps we can take to avoid a clothes dryer fire.

Do use a professional to install the dryer.
Be sure the lint filter is in place before starting the dryer.
ALWAYS clean the lint filter before starting a new dryer load.
Be sure the dryer vent that exhausts air from the dryer is clean and sturdy.
Don’t overload your dryer. Smaller loads will dry quicker.
Don’t run the dryer if you are planning to leave home or when you are sleeping.
Be sure the outlet for the dryer is connected properly and grounded.
This time of year, be sure the dryer outlet outside is not blocked by snow or ice.
Keep flammable items away from the dryer.
Don’t put clothing that has come in contact with flammable liquids like gasoline into the dryer. Let them air outside and dry before washing. If you still can smell an odor after washing, don’t put them in the dryer.

I know that I will thoroughly clean the vent system on my dryer this weekend. The last thing we need is a dryer fire.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

Use the Correct Canner for Home Food Preservation

February 15, 2016 Beth Marrs 3 Comments

People of all ages have started gardening and are home canning to preserve their produce. Knowing the correct steps to safely preserve their bounty is important and something that we love to teach here at AnswerLine. One question that we often get asked is “Can a pressure cooker be used for home food preservation instead of a pressure canner?” The answer is NO, they are not the same! The similarity is that they both trap steam and build up pressure inside the pot. This happens when the lid, which has a gasket, forms an airtight seal when it is in the locked position. The pressure then builds up and the high temperature destroys microorganisms more quickly in pressure canning or it cooks food canner1 faster in pressure cooking.

Here are some of the differences between the two.

Pressure cookers or pressure saucepans

*Used to rapidly cook meats, vegetables and other foods for meals.

*They heat and cool too quickly to be safely used for pressure canning meats and vegetables in jars

*They are smaller in size and will not hold 4 quart jars.

*Many have no way to regulate the pressure since they have low, medium and high settings. Even the ones with weighted gauges may not accurately regulate the pressure.

Pressure canners

*Designed to can low acid foods like vegetables and meat.

*To be considered a pressure canner they must hold more than 4 Quart jars.

*They use a dial or weighted gauge to make sure you are maintaining adequate pressure.

*When canning recipes are being developed, the researchers place a thermocouple into the coldest spot in the jar. They need to know that the cold spot gets hot enough long enough to kill bacteria that may be present. Researchers calculate processing time by adding the time it takes the vessel to get up to pressure, the time at pressure, and the cooling down time. Shortening any of these times will result in an under processed and unsafe product.

Make sure you are using the correct canner when you are doing home food preservation. Using a pressure cooker or pressure saucepan could make your home canned foods unsafe.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

February 10, 2025

Food Preservation, Food Safety Household Equipment

3 Comments

Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

February 8, 2016 Liz Meimann 1 Comment

One of my favorite conveniences in my kitchen is my garbage disposal. I wanted one for many years and my husband finally installed one two years ago. I have learned that a garbage disposal requires regular maintenance to run well.

Maintaining and cleaning your garbage disposal is essential to keeping it in good working condition. However, sometimes the disposal can become clogged or malfunction due to improper use or build-up of debris. In such cases, it may be necessary to dispose of the waste in a dumpster. If you are in need of reliable and affordable dumpster rentals in the Appleton area, consider checking out Appleton dumpster rentals. With a variety of sizes to choose from, you can find the perfect dumpster for your waste disposal needs. By properly disposing of your waste, you can not only keep your garbage disposal running smoothly but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Follow these tips to keep your garbage disposal working like new.

If you’re a resident in Seminole Heights, facing such a situation, consider exploring Dumpster Rental in Seminole Heights, FL for reliable and convenient waste management solutions. Whether dealing with a clogged disposal or excess waste accumulation, having access to dumpster rental services ensures a practical approach to handling such situations effectively. With these measures in place, maintaining the functionality of garbage disposals becomes not only a matter of personal convenience but also a collective effort towards sustainable waste management practices.

Furthermore, efficient waste management extends beyond residential areas, encompassing various industrial and commercial sectors. In densely populated regions like Eaton County, Michigan, where urban activities generate significant waste, the necessity for streamlined waste disposal solutions is paramount. Dumpster Rental Services In Eaton County, Michigan also provide a vital resource for businesses and communities alike, offering scalable options to manage waste efficiently. Embracing such services not only enhances the cleanliness and aesthetics of urban areas but also contributes to the broader objective of promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within communities.

Indeed, effective waste management is imperative not only for residential areas but also for commercial sectors to maintain cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Commercial businesses can greatly benefit from initiatives like trade waste bins, which provide tailored solutions for managing waste generated in various industries. Just as residential areas rely on streamlined waste disposal solutions, commercial businesses also play a vital role in fostering cleaner and more sustainable communities through responsible waste management practices facilitated by initiatives like waste bins.

Daily Care: Flush the disposal with hot soapy water once daily. Fill the sink with hot soapy water. Turn the disposal on and empty the sink. Remove the rubber gasket and scrub.

Monthly Care: Deep cleaning on a semi-regular schedule will keep build up down and help sharpen the blades. Flush the disposal to remove any small food particles. Grind some ice cubes to clean the blades.

For a more thorough cleaning, pour ½ cup baking soda into the disposal. Slowly add 1 cup of vinegar to the soda. Let this mixture fizz in the disposal for 10 minutes; heat a large pan of water to a boil. Carefully and slowly pour the water into the disposal. Remove the gasket and scrub it in hot soapy water. If you want a fresh smell, grind some citrus peels.

Removing Blockages: If you are careful this will be an infrequent occurrence. Be very careful when removing blockages.

Start by turning off the fuse to the disposal. Double check by trying to turn the disposal on, if power is shut off properly it should NOT run. Next, remove the rubber gasket and using a flashlight look for the blockage. Use a pliers or tongs to remove the object or block. Be cautious around the disposal blades; try not to damage them or your hands. Once the blockage has been removed, replace the gasket and turn the power back on.

I have not yet had to remove a blockage from my disposal but I do follow the daily and monthly care routines. My disposal runs like new.

Liz Meimann

Gifts for Canners

May 28, 2015 Beth Marrs

Do you have family members that are interested in home food preservation? Here are some great gift ideas that anyone would be interested in receiving!

The 37th edition of Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving offers 200 pages that will guide you while you learn about preserving. This book provides information about equipment and step-by-step instructions for each preserving method. Also included are over 500 recipes for canning, pickling, dehydrating, freezing food, and much more!

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has now published a 6th edition of its popular book, So Easy To Preserve. The book is new as of September 2014. Chapters include Preserving Food, Canning, Pickled Products, Sweet Spreads and Syrups, Freezing and Drying. Ordering information is available on the So Easy to Preserve website.

Clearjel® is a chemically modified corn starch that produces excellent sauce consistency even after fillings are canned and baked. Other available starches break down when used in these pie fillings, causing a runny sauce consistency. Make sure that you are using the regular Clear Jel® and not the instant type. It is not readily available in a grocery store but is available online. A one pound package will make approximately 7-9 quarts of pie filling.

The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving contains 400 tested recipes that are easy to understand with detailed instructions to preserve your foods safely. It includes everything from salsas and savory sauces to pickling, chutneys, relishes and of course, jams, jellies, and fruit spreads, such as: Mango-Raspberry Jam, Damson Plum Jam Crab Apple Jelly, Green Pepper Jelly Spiced Red Cabbage, Pickled Asparagus Roasted Red Pepper Spread, Tomatillo Salsa Brandied Apple Rings, Apricot-Date Chutney. Excellent for new to advanced canners.

Another possible idea is to print off these publications published by Iowa State Extension and Outreach’s Preserve the Taste of Summer. Also available are hands-on workshops in several areas across the state taught by our ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach Nutrition and Wellness Specialists.

With these resources your canner will have tested, reliable information, equipment and recipes to preserve their foods.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

February 12, 2025

Food Preservation, Food Safety, recipes Household Equipment

Power Outage and Food Safety

May 18, 2015 Beth Marrs 2 Comments

We receive many calls during the spring and summer regarding power outages and freezer and refrigerator food safety. The callers may have experienced extreme weather conditions such as a severe storm or flooding, or other reasons.

One of the best ways to mitigate these risks is to have a reliable backup power solution in place. Vertiv UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems are designed to keep critical appliances running, providing that extra layer of security when power goes out unexpectedly. By incorporating a UPS system into your home or business setup, you can ensure that perishable food remains safe, and other essential devices stay operational during power interruptions, preventing unnecessary waste and stress.

What foods can you keep and what needs to be tossed? That depends. If your freezer is full, your frozen food can remain safe for three days, but if it is on the emptier side and the temperatures are warm, it may not last as long. Here are some guidelines for what to keep and what to dispose of and what steps to take in this situation:

Refrigerator

Without power, refrigerators keep food cool for four to six hours.
Place block of ice in a container in the refrigerator to keep food cooler.
Do NOT open the refrigerator.

Freezer

If power is interrupted, do NOT open the freezer unnecessarily.
If the freezer is full and you keep the door closed, the food will stay frozen about two-three days. If the freezer is not full, group packages together so they stay cold longer.
If you anticipate the power going off, turn the freezer control to the lowest temperature setting. If you have several days without power, act quickly. Get dry ice and put it in the freezer before the food starts to thaw. For a 20-cubic-feet, full freezer, 50 pounds of dry ice keeps food frozen for four days. To use dry ice, place cardboard on top of the food. Put the dry ice on top of the cardboard. Handle it with gloves and have the room well ventilated. Caution: be certain of good ventilation in the room. Carbon dioxide gas can accumulate and cause loss of consciousness/asphyxiation.
If power will be out more than a few days, transfer foods as quickly as possible to another freezer or a commercial locker.
Do not put food out on the snow-the sun may cause warming.

Check When the Home Freezer Stops for additional information.

After Power is Restored

Check food temperatures. If food is above 40 degrees, you need to determine how long it was at 40 degrees. If food items were above 40 degrees longer than two hours, throw away the food.
For frozen foods, look for ice crystals and check temperature.
Throw away perishables such as meat and poultry leftovers.

Do Not Refreeze

Food that has thawed completely and is warmer than 40 degrees, especially meat, poultry and seafood.
Prepared, cooked foods such as pizza, hot dishes, stews and soups.
Foods with off colors or odors.
Creamed foods, pudding or other low-acid foods that have thawed.

Safe to Refreeze

Foods that still contain ice crystals
Bread, cake, cookies, doughnuts
Nuts, flour, cereal
Raw meat and poultry that is 40 degrees or less
Cheese, butter

For more information, call AnswerLine and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

May 23, 2025

Food Preparation, Food Preservation, Food Safety, Home Environment Household Equipment

2 Comments

The Many Uses of Baking Soda

March 19, 2015 Beth Marrs 4 Comments

Baking soda is something that everyone has in their cupboards to use in baking but it has so many other uses as well. Did you know that more than 100 tons of baking soda was used to clean the Statue of Liberty’s inner copper walls during its 1986 restoration? If it is good enough for the Statue of Liberty just think of the ways that it can be used in your home!

Use it to clean off sticky grease on pans or kitchen equipment (ex. waffle maker). The baking soda acts like an eraser to clean off the grease.
To clean a drain, pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of salt down the drain. Follow with ½ cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let it work for at least 15 minutes. Finish by pouring a tea kettle of boiling water down the drain.
Make a paste of baking soda and water in a small container. Apply the paste to your tooth brush to make your own toothpaste.
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over dry carpet to remove odors. Leave it on overnight and then vacuum in the morning.
If your plastic food containers have picked up a strong odor wash them in hot water and baking soda. Next sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda inside the container. Cover and let it stand for at least one hour or overnight. Wash as usual and the odor should be gone.
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge to erase crayon, pencil, ink and furniture scuffs from painted surfaces. Rinse when the mark is removed.
Are you getting black marks on your floor from your shoes? Rub the area with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse and wipe dry.
If you have a small grease fire in your kitchen pour baking soda on it to help put it out.
Sprinkle baking soda on baked on pans. Then add a little hot water and dish soap. Let it sit and absorb for several minutes then use a kitchen dish scrubber to remove the baked on food.
Do you have an oil spot in your garage? Sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and salt over it, let it soak to absorb and then sweep to remove.
Adding ½ cup baking soda to top loading machines or ¼ cup to front load washers help you to reduce the amount of bleach you need by half in your laundry.

With so many uses for both cooking and cleaning I keep a several containers of baking soda handy!

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

February 7, 2025

Cleaning, Home Environment, Laundry Household Equipment

4 Comments

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

January 19, 2015 Beth Marrs 1 Comment

Here in the upper Midwest plumbers have been busy with the recent cold snap. When the temperature plummets, the risk of pipes freezing goes up. In fact frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands of dollars in water damage for the home or business owner, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those in unheated interior spaces such as basement, attics, and garages. But pipes that run through your cabinets or that are against an exterior wall are also at risk. Here’s some advice from the American Red Cross on how to prevent your pipes from freezing as well as how to thaw them if they do.

FREEZING PIPE PREVENTION

During the cold weather months, take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Some may conflict with your desire to conserve water and heat, but the extra expense is nothing compared to a hefty repair bill. Here’s what to do.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)
Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 ⁰ F.
For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas.

THAWING FROZEN PIPES

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you probably have a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include those against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. If the water is still running, you can take the following steps but if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber. Plumbing professionals not only possess the expertise to identify and address frozen pipe issues promptly but can also provide invaluable services like Leak Detection Services in Reno, NV and beyond. By leveraging advanced technology and specialized equipment, these services enable early detection of leaks and potential pipe damage, helping homeowners mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of their plumbing systems.

Moreover, beyond the immediate concern of frozen pipes, homeowners can benefit from the comprehensive services offered by a Minneapolis plumber. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs and innovative leak detection technologies, these professionals serve as trusted guardians of residential plumbing systems. Whether it’s ensuring efficient water usage or safeguarding against potential leaks and water damage, their expertise offers peace of mind, allowing homeowners to navigate the seasons with confidence and comfort.

While thawing a frozen pipe can be a DIY project, it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous and cause further damage to your pipes if not done correctly. For a safe and effective solution, it’s recommended to seek the help of expert plumbing services. They can offer affordable plumbing solutions, including specialized tools and equipment to properly thaw your frozen pipes without causing any damage. Moreover, they can also assess your plumbing system to identify any underlying issues that may have caused the frozen pipes in the first place, ensuring that the problem doesn’t reoccur in the future.

Whether it’s a stubborn clog, a malfunctioning water heater, or the need for a bathroom remodel, consulting a top-rated Caldwell plumbing service can provide the expertise needed to tackle any challenge. These professionals offer a range of services tailored to both residential and commercial needs, utilizing advanced techniques and quality materials to ensure long-lasting solutions. By entrusting your plumbing concerns to experienced professionals, you not only ensure the integrity of your home’s plumbing system but also save time and effort in managing maintenance and repairs.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, chances are others are frozen too.
If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen section is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

If you need supplemental heat, you can add a space heater to a room where pipes may be at risk.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

July 9, 2024

Consumer Management, Home Environment Household Equipment, Winter

1 Comment

CLEANING YOUR BARBECUE GRILL

June 5, 2014 Liz Meimann 5 Comments

With Father’s Day fast approaching, I’ve been reminiscing about grilling in the backyard with my dad. He had an award-winning recipe for Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops and my mouth waters to this day just remembering biting into them. He was a livestock producer so we always had an abundance of fresh meat cuts to barbecue on the old Weber charcoal grill, along with fresh-picked Iowa sweet corn and my mom’s fresh garden vegetables. Such good memories!

Cleaning the grill was not such a fun memory, however. Like most people, I still don’t enjoy cleaning the grill; but a dirty grill can mean off flavors and/or excess smoke the next time you barbecue. The following are steps we can take to make this “dirty job” easier:

GRATES:

BEFORE lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray on the grates. This cuts down cleanup time later. The grates need to be cleaned completely after every use. Use a stiff wire brush (or if you don’t have one, crumpled up aluminum foil works for this). Most people don’t know that it’s actually better to do this AFTER you cook while the grill is still warm as cooling hardens the food on the grate.

CHARCOAL GRILLS:

Many charcoal grills come with a handy ash catcher attached to the bottom. These grills still need to be cleaned after every use to help cut down on excess smoke and bad flavors. Simply brush out the ashes and cooked foods that have dropped to the bottom of the grill. Occasionally get in there and really scrape out that stuff that seems to develop on the bottom.. At least once a year, get out a bucket of soapy water and give it a really good clean and rinse.

GAS GRILLS:

Your gas grill may have a “clean” setting on the knobs. I’m sorry to report that this is not how you clean your grill. It will burn up stuff that has fallen down into the grill, but it doesn’t really clean it. Like a charcoal grill, you need to clean your gas grill after each use by cleaning the grates and brushing off the sides and lid. Regularly lift out the cooking grate and clean off the barrier above the burners. This might be lava rock, briquettes, or some variation of metal plates, and cooked on grease and food particles should be cleaned periodically.

Once a year, do a more thorough cleaning on your gas grill. To do this, start by disconnecting the gas and then lift out the grill parts layer by layer. Once you get down to the burners, inspect them thoroughly. Make sure nothing is blocking the flow of gas. If a burner is clogged, it will give you uneven heat and make for poor grilling. If you can clean it, do so, otherwise, replace it. If your grill uses lava rocks or ceramic briquettes you need to make sure that these are not too heavily encrusted with cooked on foods. If they are, replace them to avoid bad tasting smoke that dirty rocks can produce.

Take everything out of the gas grill and clean it completely with soapy water. Heat up the grill completely before you cook again to make sure that any leftover soap residue burns off.

One more handy tip: I use rubber or plastic gloves to clean my grill – it saves fingernails and keeps soot and grime off the hands.

Taking these steps to clean your grill regularly will help ensure delicious barbecued meals time after time. Make memories in the backyard with your friends and family and enjoy the summer grilling season – it flies by quickly!

Tag: Household Equipment

Oven Cleaning

Marcia Steed

Cleaning your dishwasher

Beth Marrs

Clothes Dryer Safety

Liz Meimann

Use the Correct Canner for Home Food Preservation

Beth Marrs

Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Liz Meimann

Gifts for Canners

Beth Marrs

Power Outage and Food Safety

Refrigerator

Freezer

After Power is Restored

Do Not Refreeze

Safe to Refreeze

Beth Marrs

The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Beth Marrs

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Beth Marrs

CLEANING YOUR BARBECUE GRILL

Liz Meimann

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