Ways to clean a braai stand

According to Braai.com, National Braai Day is a special day set aside for us to celebrate South Africa's heritage. The aim is for South Africans to unite around fires, share our heritage and wave our flag on 24 September every year. Whether it is a good old braai in your backyard or a shisa nyama gathering in town, after the scrumptious meat and boerewors have been gobbled there remains the tedious task of cleaning up. The most difficult task for some remains - how do I clean the braai stand?

Use an onion
Using an onion to clean the grill of your braai stand is one of the most popular methods in this country. Generally, this is done before the meat is placed on, but it can also be used after you have taken out your last chop. Scrub a halved onion faced downwards on a heated grill using a long grilling folk to remove the built-up grime. The juices in the onion steam the grill and remove any stuck-on food. Once you are done with the onion, you can throw it into the coal to add flavour to whatever you plan to braai. 

Vinegar spray
Mix 500ml of vinegar and 500ml water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto the grill and leave it for 10 minutes, or more if the grime is tougher. The acidity from the vinegar helps break down the grime. Rub the grill with crumpled up aluminium foil and then dispose of the used foil in a bin. You can also use lemon juice to clean the grill if you do not have vinegar.

Soak in boiling water
Another method for cleaning the grill is to use boiling water. Once you are done with the braai and the grill has started to cool down, soak it in boiling water for about 30 minutes. You can add a bit of dishwashing liquid to loosen up the grime. When the water is cool enough for you to touch, use a cleaning sponge, scourer, braai brush, or crumpled up aluminium foil and rub the grill for a thorough clean.

Clean the base
Before you start your braai, it is advisable to remove old ash and coals. You can tip them onto old newspaper and then use damp towels to gather any remains. You can then wash it using warm, soapy water. To dispose of charcoal after the braai, let the ash cool for about 48 hours, or pour cool water over the hot charcoal and stir it carefully to speed up the process. Once the ash has cooled down, wrap it in aluminium foil and toss it in the bin.

Storing your braai stand
Ensure that your braai stand is completely dry before storing it. This will avoid it getting dirty and prevent it from getting rusted. Try to store your braai stand inside in a dry location away from the rain. If you cannot store it inside a garage, storage room, or a shed, storing it in a covered location to keep the rain away will be ideal. Also, ensure that your braai stand is stored in a way that it cannot fall over. Remember to protect your braai stand and keep it clean until you need it again - perhaps for that big rugby game or when you have guests coming over. 

At RealNet Properties we love everything that showcases South Africa's heritage, especially a good old braai. As a real estate company that has roots in the country, you can trust our specialists to provide you with only the best services. Contact us today for all your property needs.