It’s already midsummer in Florida, how many barbecue parties have you hosted? Or maybe you just moved in and had an outdoor housewarming party?
Well, whichever one you had, we all have to clean our gas grills after eating a smoky and tasty meal.
Most gas grills have a long lifespan, but it can be shortened if you don’t take care of your grill properly. Aside from that, not cleaning your grill may lead to uneven cooking and the food sticking to the grates.
Here are ways on how you can clean and maintain your gas grill so you can use it for more parties and serve food that will be delicious and cooked evenly.
Before Grilling
Maintaining your grill isn’t just cleaning it after use, there are also things to be done before grilling.
Inspect for damages
Days before you use your grill, you need to check if there are any worn or damaged parts. If there is leftover grease, some debris or if bugs get in, this can cause your grill to malfunction.
Are there bugs in your tubes?
You need to check your venturi tubes and make sure there isn’t any blockage. Bugs such as spiders tend to crawl into it when the grill is not being used. If it’s clogged by insects or even their web, this may become a safety hazard.
Carefully clean the tubes with a venturi brush, especially the curved parts. You can also use a hose to flush out the tubes and easily remove any insect or debris inside.
Check your fuel line
Next step is to check the fuel line if there are any tiny holes. Do this at least once a month and on the day before you start grilling for safety measures. Let the gas run and then rub soapy water along the line. If you see bubbles, tighten the connections or replace the fuel line.
Restock on gas or fuel
Of course, you need to make sure you have enough fuel before the grilling day. Also, if the tank is corroding or rusting, it’s time to replace it.
After Grilling
Give your grill a thorough cleaning after 6 to 10 uses. Even if you don’t use it regularly, clean the interior and exterior parts at least once a month. That way, you can prolong the lifespan of your grill.
Burn it to ash and then brush
After you use your grill, leave it on at a high setting for 15 to 20 minutes so you can burn any leftover food. It’s easier to clean up the food or sauce when it’s dry and turns into ash instead of being sticky.
Once it dries up, brush it with a steel grill or wire brush dipped in soapy water. If it still doesn't come off, try a grill cleaner spray.
Let it soak
Before removing the grates, turn the grill off and allow it to cool down. Make sure to disconnect the gas or turn off the tank as well.
Once you can safely get the grates, dunk them in a bucket of warm soapy water. After 20 minutes, take them out and brush them with a grill brush and then rinse it thoroughly.
Clean your burner protectors
Next is your flame tamers or burner protectors. Even if its purpose is to get dirty to shield the burners, it still needs to be cleaned. Remove the protectors and then wash them with a wet soapy sponge. For the holes or grids, use a toothpick or wire to remove leftover food or debris.
Wipe or wash your burners
Underneath the protectors are the burners. If it’s not removable or you don’t want to remove it because you might damage the grill, you can just wipe it with a wet cloth.
If your burner is removable, it’s easier to clean and unclog. It’s important to unclog it since it may not work properly or cook your food unevenly if there is any debris stuck in it. You can also wash these with warm soapy water.
You also need to clean the gas ports of your burner. Get a toothpick, paperclip or thin wire to remove the small bits of food and to clear the rust, if any. Make sure you’re not probing the ports with a stick thicker than it since this may damage your burners. After, lightly tap it so that leftover grime or debris will fall out.
Brush your plates
Under your burners, you’ll find the plates. You can easily remove these with or without the burners placed in the grill. Use a grill brush to remove any grease or food. After, scrape all the debris left inside the grill into the bottom tray.
Don’t forget the bottom tray
Look for your bottom tray under the burners and plates. For most grills, you can take it out on the side. Wash it with soapy water and make sure to rinse thoroughly. If the debris doesn’t come off, use a grill brush.
The exterior is as important as the interior
After placing everything back, you should also clean the exterior of your grill.
For your grill lid, wipe it with mild dishwashing soap and then use a wet cloth to remove any soap. Make sure to dry it with a cloth or paper towel so there won’t be any water spots. If you want your stainless grill to have a nice finish, you can use a stainless cleaner and polisher.
The cover is your grill’s best friend
Lastly, when storing your grill outside, make sure to place a cover on it. This avoids rust and will keep your grill looking brand new. Cover it even if you’re keeping it inside and make sure to place it away from vents or dryers.