Savory Grilling Through Simplified Cleaning

Mechanical cleaning is best described as cleaning using no chemicals relying on your tools instead.  An example of this is using sandpaper to clean wood, scouring pads to remove burnt-on food from metal pots and pans, aluminum foil balls to clean your grill grates or feather dusters to remove lint from your ceiling fans.   However, mechanical cleaning may not be able to remove residues, stains, and dirt left behind.  

Here is an excellent example of when a concentrated powder detergent like Powerizer Complete is necessary.  Whether we like it or not, chemicals are in everything.  Did you know that one single rose is made up of 58 primary chemicals?  What makes Powerizer ingredients are made up of mineral and  plant-based ingredients.  Our chemist was diligent in selecting the best ingredients to get the job done.  Powerizer is versatile and practical enough to clean tough jobs like your grill.

Cleaning your grill is necessary for the health and safety of the individuals consuming and preparing the foods cooked on them.  Besides, it’s especially important to take precautions to reduce the risk of fire, injuries, and attracting rodents to your home.  When cleaning a grill, there isn’t a more critical time than now for incorporating mechanical cleaning, elbow grease, and Powerizer to get the job done.

With Powerizer you can Pour it, Wipe it, Sponge It, Scrub it, Mop it and it can handle cleaning all parts of the grill.

Without having to explain the source of the flame or the anatomy of a Charcoal, Gas or Smoker Grill, we will assume they all have similar steps for cleaning and precautions one must consider before cleaning them.  

Here are a few friendly reminders:

• Set aside a few hours to accomplish your task so you’re not rushed and can thoroughly clean your grill.
• Please wait until the grill has cooled down before attempting to clean it.
• Always cover electrical components to avoid getting them wet.
• Be sure to inspect connections to fuel before and after cleaning to avoid breathing in gasses.
• Check fuel lines at the connecting parts by applying soapy water. If bubbles form, the next step is to tighten the valve.
• Always disconnect fuel and unplug it from electrical outlets during the cleaning process.
• Inspect your tools, especially wire brushes; they are well known and documented for breaking off and ending up in meats which are consumed and can cause serious injury.

Pre-Cleaning Steps

• First, scrape and brush the surfaces to remove all dirt and debris from the grill.
• Vacuum using a wet/dry shop vac or scoop out all debris before you apply any moisture to the interior or exterior surfaces of the grill it will help make the cleanup less messy.
• Try not to vacuum when the grill and debris are wet. Note: After cleaning with the shop vac, unplug it from the wall and separate the top from the canister. Empty the canister and rinse it thoroughly before switching to wet vacuuming.
• Whenever possible, remove parts from the grill such as the warming rack, cooking grate, burner plates, grease tray, and even the knobs if possible. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for instructions.
• Dedicate a metal container with a tamper-proof lid to dispose of ashes and grease to avoid spills and attracting rodents to them. It’s commonly known that raccoons are attracted to oil left in trays. Wait to empty your cans into your trash cans until the night before or the morning of your scheduled trash pick-up.
• Be sure to dry and oil all grate and racks after cleaning them to avoid rust and to help lessen the chances of food sticking to them, which results in less clean up after grilling. The most straightforward technique is to apply oil using a few layers of absorbent paper towel then throw it in the trash.  You may want to consider using avocado oil since it’s known to be one of the best oils for cooking with high heat. 

Here is what you will need to clean and maintain your grill:

• Powerizer Complete: use one (1) scoop to one (1) gallon of water or make a more Concentrated Mixture for heavy-duty cleaning using one (1) scoop to 16 oz. of water in a squeeze bottle with a breathable tip. Do not use a spray bottle. We suggest making only enough solution for the job.  Always use up any remaining solution. Do not store a concentrated mixture of Powerizer in a closed container as it builds up pressure and will cause the bottle to expand.
• A tarp is optional for covering the surface below the grill
• Water for rinsing
• A large tub for soaking the parts removed from your grill
• Razor blade used in a holder for cleaning seams and removing debris off smooth surfaces
• Shop vac for vacuuming out ashes and debris that cannot be scooped out or removed by hand
• Old rags for wiping surfaces, applying Powerizer to surfaces and absorbing dirty water
• Microfiber cloths for polishing and absorbing clean water when necessary
• Hand dish scrubber
• Metal or Plastic container with a tamper-proof lid for disposing of ashes and grease
• Water hose attached to a faucet if possible.
• A scrubbing tool for cleaning your grates and metal racks.  Here are a few options:

1. A Grill Brush for cleaning grates it will reach down and around the sides of the grate wires and cover more areas.
2. A Grill Stone. Similar to a pumice stone it works well for scrubbing flat surfaces of the grate and are believed to be safer ensuring no wires will be left behind which could potentially end up in the food your preparing.
3. A Wooden Grill Scrubber has groves to mimic the space of the grates

• Tool for scooping debris such as ashes or leftover cooking fuel, (Charcoal, Grease, Wood Pellets) Here are a few options:

1. Metal Scoop (looks like an ice scooper)
2. Metal Spatula or putty knife (plastic or metal) research if your grates are ceramic or metal
3. Broom and Dustpan (prefer a smaller one)

Basic Grill Cleaning Instructions

Dissolve Powerizer Complete to your tub or basin for SOAKING using the desired dosage described above.  Use hot water from the tap to avoid having to scrub more.  Drop all removable components into the tub to soak while you work on cleaning the inside and lower parts of the grill.  NOTE: It makes sense to let the elements in the container soak until the last phase of cleaning. 

After vacuuming out the ashes and debris from all surfaces begin WIPING them with a wet cloth saturated with Powerizer.  For tough stains POUR Powerizer directly onto the affected areas add a little bit of water to make a cleanser concentrate and SCRUB the surfaces. It works best to let it sit 5-10 minutes to let the grease fighting active ingredients do their job.   The formulation is known to stay active for six to eight hours.  Use a SPONGE to add more solution to areas as needed.

Unlike bleach or other cleaners with harsh chemicals that can ruin finishes or be a catalyst for rust, Powerizer has a liquid glass like ingredient which will help PREVENT RUST build up. Its per-carbonate will help to REMOVE RUST.  If you choose to wear rubber gloves during the cleaning process, it’s usually because the job is dirty.  It won’t be because your hands are irritated.

Using your hand dish scrubber and your razor blade scrape and scour surfaces that need extra ELBOW GREASE.  The longer you keep the surfaces covered with Powerizer, the better. 

With Powerizer you must always finish with a RINSE of all surfaces using plain water to remove the detergent and all residues left behind.  The easiest way to do this is to attach a hose to the outdoor faucet and thoroughly rinse all surfaces.

Finally, remove the detached components from the soak tub and scrub, scrape or wipe all surfaces, and then rinse them with plain water.  Dry the surfaces entirely and replace them to their original location.

The last step is to POLISH surfaces when necessary. Powerizer will replace stainless steel cleaning products. Using a spray bottle filled with plain water spray a dry microfiber cloth just enough to dampen the rag and begin wiping the surface to polish and remove fingerprints and any leftover residues or watermarks.  You will not need to add more chemicals to your already clean surface to make sure the stainless steel is streak free — just another example of mechanical cleaning in action.

In Closing

Powerizer doesn’t come with an easy button for tough jobs like this.  However, as described above, Powerizer Complete will help to simplify the cleanup of your grill while you feel good about using a product that is safe for the environment, and it won't make you sick.  The powerful degreaser and hard water softener help to dissolve baked-on, caked-on, burnt-on messes, while its surfactant works in unison to suspend the dirt and oil in the water.  Powerizer Complete is free of harsh chemicals, fillers, or dyes so it will rinse clean with plain water so that no terrible fumes cloud your space the next time you decide to fire up the grill.