Are BBQ Mops Reusable? Here's What To Know

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Barbecuing is its own art form. If you're new to the BBQ world, then you'll probably need the beginner's guide to grilling like a master. But if you're already a pro behind the grill, then chances are you already possess all the grill accessories every pit master needs — and that of course, involves a barbecue mop. Barbecue mops are one of the best available tools for slathering on a generous amount of BBQ sauce over that mouthwatering rack of ribs or other meats you've been slow-cooking for hours. But if you've been stressing over whether to toss them in the trash after one use, then here's something that'll make you happy — they're actually good for way more than just one barbecue session.

"Barbecue mops are a reusable tool," Charlie McKenna, chef and founder of barbecue brand and restaurant chain Lillie's Q, told Chowhound in an exclusive chat. Still, he emphasizes that proper hygiene is beyond essential to keeping them in good shape. "Right after you're done using your mop, I suggest rinsing it thoroughly in the sink to get all of the existing sauce or glaze out of the mop head, then placing the mop in a well-ventilated area with lots of air flow so the head can dry completely before placing it back into your storage container or drawer," he explained.

There's a great reason why pitmasters swear by mop sauce for the best barbecue – it keeps the meat moist and tender while offering unbeatable flavor — but none of that matters if you aren't cleaning your mop properly. To do it right and prevent potential food-borne diseases, simply soak the head in a sink filled with warm water and dish soap. After about 15 minutes, grab a brush or scrub sponge and scrub off any sauce leftovers, grease, and burnt bits stuck to it. You can use an old toothbrush to reach any spots your sponge isn't able to. What follows next is the drying step, which Charlie McKenna insists deserves just as much attention as the washing process. "If not dried properly after washing, then mold and bacteria can form in the head of the mop," he pointed out. 

On whether he recommends barbecue mops over basting tools such as sprayers, paint brushes, or silicone brushes, such as Amazon's Kitchen Mama WaltzGrip Platinum Silicone Basting Brush, McKenna revealed they can all be useful in the right situation. "All of the above can be used to add a layer of flavor to a product that you are smoking or grilling," he said. "Mops and brushes are typically used to apply finishing products to your cook, while sprayers are typically used in the smoking process to add moisture to the outside of your product to allow the best smoke adherence to the product." With this in mind, grab your mop, sauce up your BBQ, and rest assured you know how to clean and dry it.