As summer begins to wind down, now is a good time to consider storing away those seasonal objects and appliances you will no longer need. One item in particular you will probably not use during the fall is your grill. Before you bid adieu to your outdoor appliance, it’s important that you give it a good cleaning for future use. Here are some tips.
General maintenance tips
Whether you have a charcoal or gas grill, keeping it clean will help prevent the buildup of dirt and even bacteria. Remove all debris and surrounding items near your grill to make sure you have the necessary space to get comfy and begin your cleaning adventure.
Clean the grates
Typically speaking, you should clean your grates after each and every use. This not only helps reduce future mess, but also ensures you are cooking your food evenly.
What you’ll need:
- Brass/wire brush
- Hot soapy water
Once you are ready to pack up your grill, remove your grate from the grill and begin to soak it in hot, soapy water. Begin to clean the grate with the wire brush, removing all residue.
For charcoal grills
When cleaning a charcoal grill, make sure both the coals and ashes are completely cool before you begin. After you have cleaned the grill grate, remove all ashes from inside the grill and clean it with your wire brush. Use hot and soapy water to scrub down the interior of the grill. Wipe down the outside of the grill with a soapy dish rag.
For gas grills
In addition to cleaning the grill grates, remove briquettes or flame shields with warm and soapy water. As burners can accumulate food buildup and grease, be sure to give them some attention. Carefully remove them from the unit and wipe with a semidamp cloth. Clean out all grease traps.
Scrub down the inside walls and underside of the hood along with the drip pan with warm, soapy water. Remove the drip pan, discarding all residue into the trash. Place it in warm, soapy water and allow time to soak. Scrub with a brush.
Once you have finished cleaning the interior of the gas grill, wipe down the exterior surface with either warm, soapy water or stainless steel wipes (if applicable).
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