Tips for Getting Your Grill Ready for Grilling Season

Whether you grill all year round or maybe you packed your grill away for the winter season, spring, summer, and fall beckons you to take your beloved grill out of hibernation and get it fired up for all of those tasty grilled eats.

Grilling is great for summer, especially Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, and pretty much every day in between. If you are getting geared up for the official grilling season, take a look at these ten grilling tips to get your grill ready for the grilling season.

If you just purchased a brand-new grill, follow the owner’s manual for first-use instructions.

#1 Gather Cleaning Supplies

First, you will want to give your grill a good scrub down, which means you will need some supplies. All Recipes has a few suggestions on what items to gather:

• Baking soda
• Bucket of clean water
• Dishwashing soap with grease-fighting properties
• Rubber gloves
• Scrubby sponges
• Stainless steel cleaner if you have a stainless-steel exterior on your grill
• Warm soapy water
• White vinegar
• Wire brush

#2 Check Connections

If your grill is a gas grill, has a battery or electric starter, or uses propane, check all of the connections, hoses, and other technical components to be sure they are all undamaged from winter storage. Replace batteries for fresh ones and if you have propane, check the tank to see how full it is and refill as needed.

#3 Light It Up

Intense heat from the grill flames helps burn off debris leftover from grilling season’s pasts, so in order to start the new grilling season off fresh, light up that grill!

Simply light your grill, or fill it with charcoal, then close the lid and let it heat as hot as you safely can for at least 30 minutes. You can also do this between grilling meals as it is a super simple way to keep the grill grates clean all grilling season.

Next, grab your grill brush to scrape off any debris that is left on the grill grates. Finish with the grill brush dipped in clean water to remove any soap. Repeat these steps in every section until every part of the grill grates are clean.

Finally, lLeave the grill open, and let it cool completely. Once the grill has fully cooled, disconnect the gas or propane lines, or empty out any remaining charcoal. If the charcoal briquettes are not fully extinguished, dump them in a bucket of water or put them in a metal bucket. If there is still debris left on the grill grates, simply brush or scrape it off. According to all Recipes, a putty knife should work just fine.

#4 Soak Grill Parts

Any removable grill parts should then be soaked in a bucket of warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. Think of things like:

• Flavor bars
• Grease traps
• Grill grates
• Knobs
• Warming grates and other accessories

Once these are dry, set them aside to air dry completely before reassembling onto the grill.

#5 Deep Clean

While the grill parts are getting a good soak, use a handheld vacuum to remove any loose debris from the grill. Then, rinse the grill with a hose or wipe it down with wet cloths. You can also deep clean the exterior of your grill by putting some good old elbow grease into it with baking soda paste and sponges. If you have a stainless steel grill, polish up the exterior with some stainless steel cleaner or polish.

#6 Reassemble

Once the interior grill pieces are dry, reassemble the grill. Reconnect any gas lines or propane lines. (You are almost there).

#7 Light It Up…Again

After all of that, it is time to light that grill up one more time, but not as long this time around – only heat for 15 minutes. Next, give the grill grates one last brush with the grill brush.

Then, soak a paper towel in a high smoke point oil like avocado oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil to brush the grill grates while they are still hot. After that, let the grill cool completely and you are ready to officially light up the grill for the official start of the new grilling season.

#8 Repeat Cleaning Every Six Months

In order to maintain the best condition of your grill, perform a deep clean every six months. If you live in a climate where you only grill 6-9 months out of the year, consider deep cleaning halfway through the grilling season. (Because you know, football and tailgate season).

#9 Consider Covering

Although grills are made to withstand the elements of Mother Nature, getting a cover and protecting your equipment between uses will help prevent the need for frequent heavy-duty cleaning, notes AARP.

#10 Stock Up on Grilling Supplies

Before you fire up the grill for the official start of the grilling season, stock up on grilling supplies you may need, including a meat thermometer, charcoal, grilling utensils, lighter fluid, sauces, seasonings and spices, and anything else you may need for a delicious grilling season.

Need some grilling ideas? Check out some delicious grilling recipes here, here, and right here, and if you want to get a jump on summer grocery shopping, place all of your online orders right here. Happy grilling season everyone!

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