Grill Maintenance to Help You Prep for Grilling Season

Grilling season is upon us and nothing quite puts a hamper on your outdoor cooking enjoyment like a dirty grill. It's certainly not the most pleasant part of outdoor cooking – naturally the most enjoyable experience is reserved for the eating of the delicious food! – but the cleaning and maintenance of your grill is quite important.  Routine care of your grill will prolong the life of your grill and outdoor kitchen cooking surfaces.

Annual Inspection & Cleaning

_{Use a metal brush to clean those charred on remains.}

Before you fire up your grill for the season, you'll want to prepare it for the busy times ahead. A thorough cleaning will have your grill in good shape. Remove your cooking grate and soak in a hot, soapy water solution. Remove any barriers or other removable pieces and soak them as well.

Heat up the grill, turning it on just long enough to inspect the burners and inspect for even flow. If you notice bad gas flow, allow the burners to cool before cleaning. Utilize a brass wire brush on the surface and a nylon venturi brush within the burner. This should remove any debris from the burner and improve gas flow.

Wash off the grates and removable pieces, then replace them inside the grill. Briefly heat the grill to dry the interior surfaces. Replace the drip pan and you are ready to start grilling.

If you cook on the grill more than three times a week, it is recommended to do this thorough cleaning twice a year.

Routine Cleaning

_{Wiping down your grill before and after use helps it stay clean.}

Just as you need to routinely clean your oven, your grill needs similar attention. Grill cleaner solutions are available, but you can also use regular household items to get the job done.

Degreaser: Combine 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. Spray the solution and allow to sit for five minutes. Using a household scouring pad, wipe the solution over the inside of the grill and grates. Use a damp towel to wipe the solution from the surfaces.

Debris Remover: Where difficult residue remains, spray surfaces with vinegar. Use a piece of aluminum foil (which can be place between tongs) or a grill brush to scrub the surface. The acidic nature of the vinegar removes additional residue that can accumulate. Alternatively, a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water can work as an abrasive paste to clean difficult areas. Simply wipe away with a damp cloth when you're done.

Using a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, clean the outside of the grill to remove any debris that has accumulated. Gently clean around the knobs to ensure there is no greasy residue.

By routinely cleaning your grill, you prevent large amounts of debris and residue from accumulating in your grill, making annual clean up easier.

Before & After Each Grilling Session

_{Protect your grill from the elements with a fabric cover.}

Light maintenance is beneficial before and after each use of your grill. Prior to use, preheat your grill. Not only does this create a more ideal cooking situation, but it will disinfect your grill and heat any residue from previous uses. Use your grill brush or aluminum foil (as described under the routine maintenance section) to brush the grates, providing you with a clean cooking surface for your next culinary masterpiece.

When you are done cooking, set your grill to maximum heat to remove any grease or drippings that have accumulated. Once cooled, place a grill cover over your grill to protect it from the elements.

Grill maintenance certainly isn't the most glorious part of grilling, but a little effort here and there will ensure you are able to enjoy delicious steaks, shish kabobs, and burgers for years to come. Our friendly sales team can help you find the gear you need to keep your grill going strong. Send us a chat, email us by filling out this simple form, or give us a call at (866) 578-8538 today.