Grilling burgers, hot dogs, and steaks in the backyard is a popular way to entertain guests over the warmer months. Of course, grilling is easier and more enjoyable on a clean grill, but how do you clean your grill most effectively? Here are a few tips.

Clean Your Grill: Oil Your Grill Before Use

This step doesn’t technically clean your grill, but it does make your grill easier to clean. When you oil the grates before putting food on the grill, your food is less likely to stick. You won’t have as much grime to scrub off the grates afterward.

An easy way to oil your grill grates is to drizzle some vegetable oil on a sturdy paper towel. Grab the paper towel with your grill tongs and drag it back and forth over the grates, lightly greasing them.

Brush the Grates While Hot

As soon as you finish grilling food, turn off the gas, and use a wire grill brush to brush the grates. The grime will be looser and easier to remove when it is still hot. If you do this every time you grill, you should only have to soak and scrub your grill grates occasionally.

Clean Your Grill: Soak and Scrub the Grates

When you notice a buildup of gunk on your grill grates, wait for them to cool and remove them from the grill. Immerse them in a tub of hot, soapy water. Use a good-quality degreasing dish soap for best results. Let them sit for at least a couple of hours, or better yet, overnight. The grime will loosen, and you can scrub it away with a kitchen sponge. Let the grates air dry completely before putting them back on the grill.

Remove and Clean the Burners

Over time, grease and grime can build up on the burners, restricting gas flow. Check your grill’s owners’ manual for the best way to remove the burner tubes. Once they’re out of the grill, use a wire brush to remove the bulk of the grime. Then, soak them in dish soap and water before giving them a good scrub. Rinse the burner tubes, allow them to dry, then put them back in place.

Tighten Your Connections After You Clean Your Grill

After you clean your grill, spend a couple of minutes checking all the gas hoses and connections. A gas leak is dangerous and should be repaired immediately. If you think a connection may be leaking, apply some soapy water around it and turn on the gas. If you see bubbles, you have a leak that needs to be fixed before using the grill again.

When you clean the grill regularly, it will deliver great results. A well-maintained grill will last for many years, supplying your family with countless delicious outdoor meals.

Robertson Home Inspection offers home inspection services and radon testing to the North Carolina Triad. Contact us to schedule an appointment.