Ever since Columbus came across the Arawak Indians barbecuing their food over a fire in the Bahamas, in 1492, the charcoal BBQ grill has been a popular method of cooking meat. While many Australians prefer to use gas or electric BBQs, there are still some who continue to relish the woody, smoky flavours and aromas that can only be achieved with a charcoal grill.

When using any kind of BBQ grill, it is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case a fire breaks out. However, charcoal BBQs present unique fire hazards. On hot and windy days, using a charcoal BBQ is not advisable due to the risk of hot embers blowing away from the barbecue to cause fires in unexpected places. Lighter fluid too can sometimes cause fires, and this is why it is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers are Messy

The most commonly used fire extinguisher in Australia is the dry chemical extinguisher as it is useful for putting a wide range of fire types from grease fires to electrical fires. Although dry chemical extinguishers are a life saver in terms of barbecue fires, they also leave behind a thick, hard to remove residue.

This can leave you wondering whether you can ever use your charcoal grill safely again due to the chemicals now coating your grill. Fortunately, once you cleaned your grill, you can go on using it to grill your meat without worrying about chemical contamination.

To clean your grill after using a dry chemical extinguisher, do the following.

How to Clean Dry Chemical off Your Charcoal Grill

ABC dry chemical extinguishers contain mono ammonium phosphate which if left on your grill, could corrode the metal parts. However, as long as you remove it from your grill soon after using it, you can continue to use your grill in future.

To remove dry chemical from your grill, simply turn the grill on its side and take a hose to it. The powdery residue should be fairly simple to scrub away. However, to ensure that any remaining residue does not affect the taste of meat in future, run the grill for a while with no meat on it just to burn any remaining vestiges of the powder away.

Once cleaned, your barbecue is good to go again. However, in the future, always remember to be careful when using lighter fluid and ensure that your trusty dry chemical extinguisher is within easy reach.