Grilling is a fun and delicious way to cook food, but it’s important to know how to properly put out the charcoal once you’re done. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it safely and effectively.
Step 1: Close the Vents
Before you start putting out the charcoal, make sure to close all the vents on your grill. This will help to suffocate the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Step 2: Wait for the Charcoal to Cool
After you’ve closed the vents, give the charcoal some time to cool down. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your grill and how much charcoal you used.
Step 3: Spread Out the Charcoal
Once the charcoal has cooled down, use a grill tool to spread it out evenly across the bottom of the grill. This will help to expose any hot spots and ensure that all the charcoal is cooled down.
Step 4: Pour Water Over the Charcoal
Next, use a bucket or hose to pour water over the charcoal. Make sure to pour slowly and evenly to avoid creating steam or splashing hot coals. Continue pouring water until the charcoal is completely saturated.
Step 5: Stir the Charcoal
After you’ve poured water over the charcoal, use a grill tool to stir it around. This will help to ensure that all the charcoal is fully extinguished and cooled down.
Step 6: Dispose of the Charcoal
Once the charcoal is completely cooled down and extinguished, it’s safe to dispose of it. You can either throw it away in a trash bag or recycle it if your local recycling center accepts charcoal.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can safely and effectively put out charcoal after grilling. This will help to prevent fires and keep your grill in good condition for years to come.