Let’s face it. Sometimes you just have to buckle down and clean. That includes your grill, which at this point, may be covered in a layer of barbecue sauce from all the summer grilling you did.
Grill maintenance and cleaning are incredibly important. Regular cleanings not only extend the lifespan of your grill, but they also enhance performance and allow you to cook better food. So set yourself up for success with these top-notch grill maintenance tips!
Clean Your Grill’s Grates Regularly
Grill grates. They’re the part of your grill that gets touched by food almost every time you grill out. In addition, they’ve likely come in contact with raw chicken, marinades, and maybe even some desserts with sugary sauces or toppings. If you don’t clean your grill’s grates regularly, all that charred, baked on food is still there touching your fresh, new food every time you grill.
Think of your grill’s grates like a pan on the stove. You wouldn’t use a dirty pan to cook dinner, so why should your grill grates be covered in old food? Keeping your grill’s grates clean is a matter of hygiene, health, and safety. Grilling on clean grill grates can also enhance the flavor of your meal because you’re not getting remnants of other flavors mixed in with your food.
The best time to clean your grill grates is while they’re still hot. Turn the grill off, remove your food, set it on a platter or plate to rest, and then get to cleaning. Use a wire brush or scraper tool to remove stuck-on food right away. It’ll lift off easier and you won’t have to worry about cleaning your grill the next time you use it. Be sure to wipe your grates clean with a cloth or paper towel after brushing or scraping to remove any remaining residue. Want some additional grill grate cleaning tips? Click here to watch a quick instructional video.
Season Your Grill Grates
Now that you’re cleaning your grill grates on a regular basis, you’ll want to season them occasionally. No, we’re not talking about adding salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Instead, you’ll light the grill per the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly coat the grates with vegetable oil. To do so, simply soak a cloth with the oil, pick it up with a pair of tongs, and use them to run the cloth along the grates. Then close the lid and wait about 20 minutes so the oil soaks in. Once the time has passed, open the lid and use the tongs and a warm, damp cloth to lightly wipe down the grates. Using the tongs keeps your hands a safe distance away from the hot grill grates. You can find a “how to” guide here.
You’ll want to season your grill right after you first purchase it, then every four months or so. The frequency really depends on how much you use your grill. By seasoning the grill grates, you’ll enhance your meal’s flavor. It’ll also help prevent food from sticking as you cook.
Deep Clean Your Grill’s Interior
Sometimes, your grill needs a good deep cleaning. Why? It’s a matter of safety and hygiene. By deep cleaning your grill once a year, you’ll be able to remove build-up, stuck-on food, and grease which could cause a flare up. It’ll also remove any food remnants to prevent cross contamination.
The best way to learn how to safely deep clean your grill is by checking your owner’s manual. Step-by-step instructions will vary, but most call for removing the grill’s burners so you can scrub the interior and clean the bottom, and also for cleaning the burners themselves. This is also a good time to check for wear and tear on things like the heat shields or drip tray. If you notice any cracking, holes, or rust, it’s time to order replacement parts. Want to give your grill a good tune up? Click here to watch our instructional video.
Storage Matters
You wouldn’t leave your oven out in the rain and snow, so why should your grill be exposed to the elements? It’s a myth that covering your grill causes it to rust. Invest in a good, waterproof cover to shield your grill from inclement weather. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to protect your most valued and popular piece of cooking equipment.
In addition to extending the lifespan of your grill, covering it when it’s not in use will protect its appearance. There are some slick-looking propane-powered grills out there these days. They’ve come a long way over the years, so you’ll want to protect that shiny trim and paint job.
Bottom line, do yourself a favor and cover your grill once it’s cool. You’ll thank us later.
Safety First
Blue Rhino is focused on safety. That’s why each one of our tanks is cleaned, inspected, and leak tested before they’re sold. It’s important to keep your grill in tip-top shape, too, so that it functions safely each time you use it. There are some simple steps you can take to make sure your grill is safe and increase its lifespan.
You’ll want to do a safety inspection on your grill as well. The best place to start is by reading your owner’s manual. There, you’ll find tips related to your specific type of grill and model. In general, though, you’ll want to check the hoses and burners for any cracks, holes, or other signs of wear and tear.
You can also perform a soap and water leak test on your propane tank, as well as any hoses and fittings. Make sure your grill is off, mix up a soap and water solution, open your propane tank’s valve with the hand wheel, and spray the soapy mixture on all grill and tank connections you want to check for leaks. Keep an eye on the spots you sprayed with the mixture. Areas that may be leaking will bubble up. If you see any bubbles, immediately close the valve hand wheel on the tank and do not use that particular tank for grilling. Want more information on how to properly check for leaks? Check out this video.
Why Proper Grill Maintenance is Important
When it comes down to it, proper grill maintenance is a matter of safety and hygiene. By taking steps to maintain your grill on a regular basis, you’ll not only keep you and your family safe and healthy, but you’ll also extend the life of your grill. That means you can continue to make memories in the back yard for years to come. In the end, the short-term work is worth the long-term reward.
To ensure the barbecue doesn’t have to stop, be sure to have a spare Blue Rhino on hand. Nothing ruins a party faster than running out of propane. And if you’re wondering what to make for your next cookout, check out Blue Rhino on our official social channels. You can find us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. We’re always posting new recipes, polls, giveaways, and more.
Published: 2024.08.19