Wire Grill Brush Cleaning Can Cause Serious Injuries

Wire brushes are a popular tool for cleaning grill grates, but broken metal bristles can become lodged on the grate and end up in food. A study from the University of Missouri in the US shows that thousands of people have needed medical attention as a result.

Cleaning your grill with a wire brush may seem like a convenient and quick solution, but this seemingly harmless habit carries a serious risk. Metal bristles that break off the brush can easily lodge between the grill grate and may stick to food during the next grilling session, from there making their way into a person's throat.

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Missouri in the US reveals that in that state alone, thousands of people have needed medical attention because of this exact problem. Swallowed metal bristles can damage the throat, oesophagus and digestive tract, causing serious and difficult-to-treat internal wounds.

What to use instead of a wire brush?

Experts recommend abandoning the wire brush and using safer alternatives instead. A good option is cleaning the grill grate with tongs wrapped in a damp cloth, using specially designed cone-shaped or wooden grill cleaners, or a ball made from crumpled aluminium foil. You can also soak the grate in water after grilling, which makes removing dirt much easier.

Being careful is especially worthwhile when you notice individual metal bristles on the grill grate, in such cases, the grate should be thoroughly checked before use and wiped clean with a damp cloth.