While it’s most popular during summertime, grilling is enjoyable all year round! But if you’ve been grilling heavily throughout summer, fall, and winter as well, your grill might need a little TLC before spring. Not only will this ensure that your food always tastes great, but it will extend the lifetime of your grill. You should have specific instructions on the best way to care for your grill with the manufacturer’s guide, but here’s a few standard grill care tips.
Give Your Grates and Grill a Good Scrub.
You probably already scrub the grate off right before and after each use to remove any leftover grease and debris. However, at least twice a year, it’s worth giving your grill an in-depth scrub, as that quick brush-off is not always enough of a thorough clean. Here are some steps to follow.
1) Heat your grill up to burn off any remaining bits. About 10 minutes should be enough. Then turn it off.
2) While it’s still warm, thoroughly scrub the grates on both sides until most of the build-up is gone. Be sure to wear protective gloves! Your grates should still be pretty warm at this point. If you have steel grates, use a wire brush; if your grates are porcelain-coated, use a nylon brush.
3) Wipe down the grates with an oiled paper towel or cloth to remove any bristles. This will also help season your grate – which will make your grilled food taste extra flavorful.
You should also do an overall wipe-down on the interior of your grill with a cleaner and degreaser spray, as well. Each grill is different in this area, so refer to your manufacturer’s handbook for guidance.
If your grill has a grease drip pan, you should be emptying it after each use. Wash with warm soapy water, and rinse and dry thoroughly before placing back into your grill.
Check to See if Your Gas Grill has a Leak.
If you have a gas grill, check fairly often to see if the gas lines have a leak. This is something you should do every time you replace the propane tank, but giving it a quick check-up after you’ve scrubbed your grill is always a good idea. If you are new to owning a gas grill, you’d be surprised how easy it is to check for leaks.
1) Mix water and dish soap in a cup or bowl. It doesn’t have to be a heavy lather, just enough to be soapy. Add a sponge. Or you can add the soapy water to an empty spray bottle. Dealer’s choice!
2) Make sure your propane tank is connected to the gas lines to the grill.
3) Turn on the tank as you normally would before grilling, but don’t light your grill.
4) Take the soapy wet sponge (or spray bottle) and dab it over the connections and the hose.
5) Check to see if there are any areas that are bubbling up. If it’s bubbling at the connections, you probably just need to tighten the connection. If it’s bubbling somewhere along the hose, there’s a hole. Time for a replacement.
Keep Your Grill Covered.
While you shouldn’t cook with your grill inside a garage or under a covered patio, that doesn’t necessarily mean leave your grill out in the open. It will still need some protection from the elements when not in use. Most grills come with a durable cover, but a small tarp will suffice. Just be sure your grill is cooled off before you cover it, and wheel it to a place protected from the sun, rain, and snow.
As you can see, there’s not much you need to do when it comes to providing the best care for your grill. Just give it a deep clean now and then, and check for leaks in gas lines, and that’s about it! If you have any more questions about grills, read our FAQs for grills. Or reach out to Energy Center-Manhattan Pools today. We’d be more than happy to help you with your grill! Come Find Your Gathering Place!
