Easy Gas Grill Maintenance
Ready, Set, Grill! How to Keep Your Gas BBQ in Good Working Order
Whether you are getting your grill out for the season or putting it away, gas grills are easy to maintain. Here are simple steps for years of worry-free performance.
Grill maintenance is relatively easy and simple. Proper cleaning at the beginning and end of the season is important. Like most things, a little bit of preventive maintenance can save hours of work and money.
For a healthy, happy grilling experience, at the beginning or end of year, and as needed:
- Use a mild soup and water mix and wash the outside and inside of the grill, taking care to remove all traces of grease and rinse with plain water. It is a good idea to clean off grease each time you use the grill because grease residue is bad for the surfaces.
- To remove smoke stains from the grill lid, you can use fine steel wool, rubbing very softly. (Do not use steel wool if your grill is stainless steel).
- To touch up paint, make sure you check your owner’s manual for individual manufacturer’s recommendations. Most grills can be repainted with a high heat-resistant (up to 700 degree Farenheit) spray paint. Only paint the outside surfaces that the manufacturer recomends.
- Always clean the surface first and allow todry, covering any parts that should be painted with newspaper.
- Clean the inside tray by scraping residue out through the bottom hole, into a bucket. Use mild soap and water and fine steel wool to deep clean.
- Clean the control panel. Again, soapy water and fine steel wool pad will keep the panel clean and free of smoke stains.
- Change the Drip Pan. Regularly changing this discouraged pests from nosing around your grill as well as keeping the grill clean.
Tip: Warm soapy water is best to clean almost everything on your grill. Mild soap is best; avoid harsh cleaners. Rinse thoroughly when done and dry with a soft towel.
Every time you grill:
It‘s a good idea to burn off residue before or after grilling, simply by turning on the grill and waiting a few minutes. After, brush the grates with a sturdy grill brush.
Clean your grilling tools (spatulas, forks, knives) thoroughly with warm, soapy water after every use.
Items to have on hand to keep your grill running smoothly:
- Wire grill brush (stainless steel or brass works best)
- Fine steel wool pads
- Scraping tool (non-abrasive plastic)
- Cleaning supplies, including a mild soap, sponge or cloth.
- Sponge ,cloth or towels
- Mitts
- Water
- Replacement Drip Pans
Note: it is also suggested that you never use oven cleaner on your gas grill because it will remove paint.
By following these simple maintenance suggestions, your grill should be efficient and trouble free for years to come.
