Step 1- Clean the Racks

Using the wire brush, scrub off any loose debris from the racks before removing them from the grill.

Step 2- Soak The Racks

Remove the racks from the grill. This Grid Lifter is an awesome little tool to keep from smashing your fingers. With the bucket of hot water and ammonia, (ammonia is great for removing grease) start washing the racks, let them soak for awhile if possible. If the racks are really dirty, a neat trick is to spray the racks with ammonia or oven cleaner and place them in a plastic garbage bag, seal it and let soak in the sun for several hours. Then, scrub using the soapy steel wool pads. Be sure to completely rinse off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again. Wipe or spray the grates with Vegetable Oil.

Step 3 - (Charcoal Grills Only) Clean Out Ash Pan

Empty out the ash pan under the coal grate. Scrub with hot water and dish soap, set aside to dry.

Step 4 - Clean out Drip pans

Remove and empty out all catch/drip pans. These little gems get full of grease and cause a real mess when they start to overflow from neglect. Dogs also love to drink this stuff. So it is a good idea to keep them clean. If it’s disposable, toss it out and replace. Otherwise, scrub it down with the hot water and dish soap.

Step 5 - Clean out the inside

Using the paint scraper, scrape out any debris and accumulated grease from inside the grill body. Wipe down the interior with th hot water and dish soap. Rinse and allow to dry. Use the steel wool pads on areas that are not sensitive to scratching (avoid using on stainless steel). If you have a gas grill, remove the burner shields and clean the same way you cleaned the racks. Use care around the burners and igniter, not to cause any damage or clog the burners.

Step 6- Thoroughly clean the outside

Using the hot water and dish soap, wipe down all exterior surfaces and thoroughly dry. Be sure not to leave any soap residue that can be subjected to the high heat of your grill, causing discoloration. Use the steel wool pads on areas that are not sensitive to scratching (avoid using on stainless steel). Once you have removed any extra debris and buildup, lightly scrubbing your barbeque grill with baking soda will give it that extra shine, baking soda is a very nice cleaning and polishing agent. Aluminum foil can also be used to keep your grill looking nice. Gently rub the aluminum foil on your grill, and you will notice that it removes grime and buildup. This is a cheap and inexpensive way to clean your grill.

Step 7- Reassemble

Replace the ash pan, catch pans, burner shields and racks. If you have a propane tank on your gas grill, completely turn off the valve and remove the propane tank. A word of caution: Never store an LP tank indoors, in case there is ever a leak.

Step 8- Cover & Store

If possible, store your grill out of the elements, in a shed, garage or even the basement. This will at least keep any moisture out of it. Be sure to cover your grill. Without a doubt, a grill coverhas to be the single most effective way to take care of your grill. If you don’t do anything else, purchase a good quality, heat resistant grill cover to protect your investment.

A special note about caring for stainless steel

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel grills, remember that this material will scratch easily. So, never use steel wool or metal brushes to clean stainless. You also need to avoid using abrasive cleaning agents, such as cleanser. Clean your grill with a soft cloth and a good quality non-abrasive cleaner. I have found this GrillPro Stainless steel cleaner works well, removes grease and is designed for high heat. Other stainless steel polishes can discolor under intense heat and make your grill look worse, not better. Anything that leaves behind a film or finish will be subjected to the heat of your grill, including soap residue that is not washed off.

BEFORE AND AFTER EACH USE

Step 1- Clean the Racks

The racks in your grill are especially important as this is where the food touches when it is cooking. Before each use: Use the brass wire brush to remove as much buildup as possible and thoroughly clean the racks. A good way of cleaning gas grills before use is to turn the knob on high or “Clean” for a few minutes and then close the cover. Any old meat or sauce stuck to the grill or cover will slowly burn off and you can quickly clean the grill using the brush, for this reason I prefer to use a wooden handled grill brush, as they stand up to the heat better than the plastic brushes. After each use: ALWAYS take a minute to lightly brush of the grates AFTER you grill, while it is still warm, to easily remove large pieces or burnt on sauces

Step 2- Oil the Racks After Each Use

Once your grill is completely cooled off, and you are sure that your grill racks are free of all buildup and debris, you will want to either spray the racks with a light layer of olive oil or put some on a paper towel and wipe the racks. It is especially important to make sure you barbeque grill is completely cold, as spraying any cooking oil on a hot surface may cause the oil to heat up and ignite, which could be potentially dangerous to you and your barbeque grill. The oil will keep the racks conditioned and rust-resitant.

Step 3 - (Charcoal Grills Only) Clean Out Pan

After the coals are completely spent, empty out the catch pan under the coal grate. It is not a good idea to let the spent ashes build up or sit for weeks until your next barbeque.

Step 4- Replace the Cover

Without a doubt, this has to be the single most effective way to take care of your grill. If you haven’t, purchase a good quality, heat resistant grill cover to protect your investment.

EVERY 2 - 4 WEEKS OR AS NEEDED

Step 1 - Drip pans

Remove and empty out all catch/drip pans. These little gems get full of grease and cause a real mess when they start to overflow from neglect. Dogs also love to drink this stuff. So it is a good idea to keep them empty.

Step 2 - Clean the racks

Remove the racks from the grill. This Grid Lifter is an awesome little tool to keep from smashing your fingers. With the bucket of hot water and dish soap, start washing the racks, let them soak for awhile if possible. If the racks are really dirty, use the soapy steel wool pads. Be sure to completely rinse off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again. Wipe or spray the grates with Olive Oil.

Step 3 - Clean out the inside

Using the paint scraper, scrape out any debris and accumulated grease from inside the grill body. Use care around the burners and igniter, not to cause any damage or clog the burners.

Step 4- Thoroughly clean the outside

Using the hot water and dish soap, wipe down all exterior surfaces and thoroughly dry. Be sure not to leave any soap residue that can be subjected to the high heat of your grill, causing discoloration. Use the steel wool pads on areas that are not sensitive to scratching (avoid using on stainless steel). Once you have removed any extra debris and buildup, lightly scrubbing your barbeque grill with baking soda will give it that extra shine, baking soda is a very nice cleaning and polishing agent. Aluminum foil can also be used to keep your grill looking nice. Gently rub the aluminum foil on your grill, and you will notice that it removes grime and buildup. This is a cheap and inexpensive way to clean your grill.

A special note about caring for stainless steel

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel grills, remember that this material will scratch easily. So, never use steel wool or metal brushes to clean stainless. You also need to avoid using abrasive cleaning agents, such as cleanser. Clean your grill with a soft cloth and a good quality non-abrasive cleaner. I have found this GrillPro Stainless steel cleaner works well, removes grease and is designed for high heat. Other stainless steel polishes can discolor under intense heat and make your grill look worse, not better. Anything that leaves behind a film or finish will be subjected to the heat of your grill, including soap residue that is not washed off.

Maintaining your barbeque grill is not that hard, but leaving it messy after each use will not only make it harder on you when you finally do clean the grill, but it will also drastically decrease the lifespan of your grill. If your grill sits dirty, you increase the risk of rust. Make sure that it is regularly cleaned in order to avoid the possible danger of getting contaminated from left over or unclean meat pieces on the grill. After all, it is for you and your familys protection.