Reviving your outdoor grill for the summer!

With the arrival of summer, it’s time to fire up your outdoor grill and live your best alfresco cooking life. But before the fun starts: it’s time to clean your grill. Properly. 

A well-maintained grill not only ensures your burgers and shrimp and zucchini are tasting their best but it also extends the lifespan of the equipment. 

So let’s get your grill in prime condition. Here’s how to do it:

1. Safety First! Before you start cleaning your grill, make sure it’s disconnected from any gas or power sources.

2. Have Your Cleaning Essentials Ready: to clean your grill effectively, you’ll need a grill brush, mild dish soap, warm water, a sponge or cloth, baking soda, vinegar, a bucket, gloves, and a scraper.

3. Remove Grates and Drip Trays: Begin by removing the grates and drip trays from the grill. These components tend to accumulate grease and food debris most, which can affect the taste of your food. Scrub the grates with a wire brush to eliminate any residue or carbon buildup.

4. Soak Grates and Drip Trays: Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Place the grates and drip trays in the soapy water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes. This will help to loosen stubborn grime.

5. Clean the Grill Hood and Exterior: While the grates and drip trays are soaking, focus on cleaning the grill hood and exterior. Use a sponge or cloth soaked in soapy water to wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces of the grill. For any particularly stubborn stains, mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

6. Scrub and Rinse the Grates and Drip Trays: After soaking, scrub the grates and drip trays using a grill brush or sponge. Pay attention to the nooks and crannies to ensure all the grease and residue are removed. Rinse them with clean water and set them aside to dry.

7. Clean the Burner Tubes: The burner tubes are critical components of your grill that can become clogged over time. Use a brush or scraper to gently remove any debris or residue from the burner tubes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging any sensitive parts.

8. Address Grease Traps and Ash Collectors: Don’t overlook the grease traps and ash collectors, as neglecting them can lead to unpleasant odors and potential fire hazards. Empty and clean these components thoroughly to maintain optimal performance and safety.

9. Finishing Touches: Once you’ve completed all the above cleaning steps, allow all parts to air dry or use a clean cloth to dry them manually. Reassemble the grill, ensuring that all parts are properly fitted.