The end of January is approaching, which means spring is just around the corner. There's a lot to celebrate: sunny skies, warmer weather and of course the return of BBQ. Before you prepare your first cookout of the season, you need to know how to properly clean your gas grill after the winter.
Whether you store your grill in the garage or under a weatherproof cover, it requires a thorough cleaning. Even if it isn't dusty or spider infested and you cleaned it the last time you used it, your gas grill has been sitting for a long time and as a result dirt, grease and bacteria have accumulated on its surfaces. . . Before you start cooking, you need to clean them thoroughly. But where to start and what to clean with?
To help you restore your grill to its former glory and make it the best gas grill you've ever seen, we asked the experts for their tips on making your gas grill spotless again after a cold winter. Here's what you need to know.
Jakob is a retired medic who became a pit master in his heyday. He and his wife founded Barbecue Pals, an online blog where they share informative grilling tips, delicious recipes, and a humorous take on the world of grilling.
Why clean a grill after winter?
(Image credit: Weber)
While it's perfectly safe to use a gas grill in the winter , I can almost guarantee it's not. After being out of service for the past three months (probably even longer), your gas grill is inevitably in need of a serious upgrade. After all, you're not cooking your dinner on a counter that hasn't been wiped down in three months.
"Cleaning a gas grill after the winter is over is an essential step in making sure it's ready for grilling season," says Jakob Miller, grill master and founder of the Barbecue Pals blog (opens in a new tab) . "It's important to remove accumulated grease and debris that may have built up over the winter months."
Because your grill is primarily metal, it also needs the right care and attention to prevent it from rusting or tarnishing in the future. "Like anything else, your grill deserves a little maintenance from time to time, and using the right products can extend the life of your grill and keep it looking new year-round," says Dan Cooper, Head Grill Master at Weber ( opens in a new tab) .
What are the risks of not cleaning your grill?
I'm all for making the spur of the moment decision to fire up your grill at the first sign of heat, but I also know that you definitely don't want to give it a deep clean, especially when you're having guests over. . You might be tempted to skip cleaning altogether and maybe wipe down with a soapy cloth if you have the time, but there are actually real risks of not properly cleaning your grill after the winter.
Ignoring your first seasonal cleaning can not only cause damage like rust and corrosion over time, but also pose a more serious health hazard. "If you don't clean your gas grill after a long time, grease and dirt can build up, which can lead to flare-ups and uneven grilling," says Jakob. To ensure your food is well cooked and to avoid any risk of fire, it is important to clean your outdoor grill before grilling.
What is the best way to clean a winterized grill?
(Image credit: Napoleon)
With that out of the way, it's time to tackle the question of how to actually clean a grill . This is no ordinary job with a damp cloth and antibacterial spray - you need the right tools and cleaning products if you want to do it all.
Before you begin, Dan encourages you to disconnect your gas cylinder and before anything else, refer to your owner's manual for instructions for your specific model. It then offers an easy 4-step method to clean your device.
Step 1: Burn
This first step is important to make this job as easy and hassle-free as possible. According to Dan, you should start by heating your grill to maximum temperature for about 30 minutes. "Be careful, the dirtier the grill grates are, the more they smoke," he says. "Once the grill has stopped smoking it has usually burned off most of the old grease and residual grease, then turn it off."
Step 2 - Clean the grille
While your grill is still hot, brush the grill grates with a stainless steel bristle grill brush. As Dan points out, "This will remove any residue or debris left over from incineration." Be sure to wear protective gloves as the grates are hot and the bristles are sharp.
(Image credit: Weber)
Step 3: Disassemble
Once your grill has completely cooled, you can safely remove all grates and internal components and clean everything with a brush and scraper. "The initial burn should have loosened any carbon buildup from the cookbox, which ensures that all of the grease channels are clean," says Dan. At this point you should probably switch to a pair of rubber gloves as things can get pretty messy.
If your grill has a grease trap, now is the time to remove it and clean it in your sink with hot, soapy water. Do not be tempted to hose down parts or put them in the dishwasher as this may cause some parts to rust. "When you're done, put all the clean pieces back on the racks," Dan explains. "Oiling grill grates very lightly with a grill grate oil like sunflower oil can help prolong their longevity."
Step 4 - Clean the exterior
Finally, you can turn your attention to the exterior parts of your grill. Dan suggests using an enamel and stainless steel cleaner for a shiny grill. "For the best shine, I use a microfiber polishing cloth," he says. Don't forget to check the petrol tank and the valves and replace them if necessary, then you're good to go.
The three best grill cleaners
GrillArt grill brush and scraper, Amazon..
Save money with this two-in-one grill brush and scraper from GrillArt, available on Amazon. This multifunctional tool is your ultimate weapon against dirty grills, bad tasting meat and unhealthy grilling. It also makes your cleaning job twice as fast!
Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves from Amazon
These heat resistant gloves do double duty in cooking and cleaning. After you've seared your grill, it's important to wear protective gloves to avoid burns when scraping residue, and these textured, non-slip gloves are just the ticket. They even withstand temperatures up to 932°F!
Microfiber towels, Amazon
Adding something to your shopping list is annoying, but important nonetheless. These ultra-soft, non-abrasive microfiber cleaning towels from Amazon prevent scratches on your grill and absorb greasy messes. Use a wet one for cleaning and a dry one for cleaning and polishing. You won't go short with this 24-pack.
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