How To Maintain a Good South African Braai

Installing a braai is a sure investment in any South African home. We’re a braaiing nation and we don’t mind a little chisa nyama along with an ice cold beer on a sunny afternoon. And on winter weekends after the coals have done their job we like to keep the conversation going around a kuiervuur while we sip on Cederberg reds and yet another beer.

But when the guests have gone home and the fire has burnt out, we’re left holding the ashes, a dirty braai, and crusty utensils.

Maintain your braai place by cleaning it after every use and you’ll have a worthwhile investment that will last for a lifetime.

Protection

Since a braai place is built with metal parts, it should be protected from the elements, especially rain. This is why placement is important, not only for aesthetics or vicinity to the pool, but to prevent rust and damage.

Keep the exterior of your braai place clean and free from dust by wiping with a damp cloth and a bit of dishwashing liquid every so often. Never use chemicals or harsh equipment that could damage the steel.

Remove ash

After the coals have cooled, avoid ash build up or accumulation and remove the ash after every braai. Ash can also absorb moisture and moisture spells trouble by causing rust to form.

Never throw water, beer, or even bad wine over coals in an attempt to cool them down. Besides causing moisture to collect, the mess it makes and the damage it can cause just isn’t worth it.

Tip: If you need to put out a fire whilst camping or braaiing in the great outdoors, you can use sand to douse it. 

Cleaning the braai grid

Possibly the least pleasant task of braai place cleaning and maintenance, probably because cleaning a grid is tricky because of its size and structure. It doesn’t fit into a standard-sized kitchen sink, and even less so a dishwasher.

Cleaning a stainless-steel grid

The best braai grill is made of stainless steel and electro-polished. They tend to outlast most conventional braai grills. Cleaning a stainless steel grid the correct way will keep it looking as good as new for as long as you love to braai!

Puresteel provides the following tips for maximum lifespan:

• Always wait for the fire to burn down and then place the grill over the hot coals.
• To clean, soak in warm soapy water and brush with a nylon brush.
• Avoid using steel wool or a steel brush (only use stainless steel).

It’s best to stand it up to drip dry quickly for a minute or two and then use a clean dish cloth to dry it off thoroughly.

Grid-cleaning hacks

Whether yours is stainless steel or not, it’s nice to have one or two easy, cheat ways for cleaning a grid. What’s more, these cleaning hacks are a cheaper and healthier alternative to the nasty toxic chemicals that are sold as cleaners.

You can wash your grid soon after use and store it clean and shiny until the next braai gathering, or leave it until you make the next fire. These methods involve heating the soiled and greasy braai grid over the hot coals to loosen the left over bits.

We found these to be the best cleaning agents:

• Newspaper – Natural, non-toxic.

1)      Warm the grid over the hot coals enough for the sticky bits to soften or become crisp.

2)      Use newspaper or a wire brush to remove loosened bits.

• Onion – Natural, non-toxic, and anti-bacterial.

1)      Heat the grid over the hot coals enough for the sticky bits to soften or become crisp.

2)      With heat-proof gloves on, rub half an onion face-down over the hot grid on both sides. Or push the onion half into a grilling fork and rub over the hot grid.

3)      Throw the onion into the coals to add to the flavour.

Notes:

No onion? Use a cut potato or lemon.

For really tough dirt, pre-spray with vinegar or lemon juice.

Warning: Using onion on stainless steel may dull the shine.

• Potato – Natural, non-toxic, rust-cleaner, providing a non-stick surface.

1)      Heat the grid over the hot coals enough for the sticky bits to soften or become crisp.

2)      Lay some newspaper on a flat surface and place the grid on top.

3)      Slice up a potato into thick pieces. You can even make use of an old or green potato.

4)      Spread slices over the grid, and sprinkle plenty of coarse salt over them.

5)      Scrub the grates with the salted potato slices.

• Bicarbonate of soda and water/vinegar/lemon juice/beer – Natural, non-toxic.

1)      Warm the grid over the hot coals enough for the sticky bits to soften or become crisp.

2)      Use newspaper or a wire brush to remove loosened bits.

3)      Make a baking soda paste with your chosen liquid.

4)      Brush the paste over the grid and set aside for 20 - 30 minutes.

5)      Wipe the paste off with clean newspaper or a cloth.

6)      Place the grid over hot coals for 15 minutes to burn off any remains.

Braai tools

Since the tools are metal too, to keep them in good condition for longer, clean and dry them soon after every use. Applying a small amount of vegetable oil by rubbing over the surfaces will prevent rusting.

If you’ve ever thought of braaiing as a high maintenance affair after the food and fun is over, these tips should make your life easier and your home easier to maintain.

Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and should be covered for just about every eventuality, from fire to flood and everything in between. Buildings Insurance covers you for all this and more. If you’re interested in a insurance quote or want to know what benefits you can have access to, we can help: 0861 00 7369.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of the content. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of the company.

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