If you’re a year-round griller, or even a warm weather barbecue aficionado, it is a good idea to give your grill a quick tune-up once a year. Here are some tips on getting “Grill Ready.“
Tools you will need:
- A grill brush
- A large bucket
- A small bucket
- Liquid soap
- Grill cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Soft cloth and water
- Bottle brush
- Paper clip
Grates: Turn the burners to high and close the lid. Let it burn for about 15 minutes. After the grill is cool, with the grates slightly warm to the touch, brush the grates with a grill brush. Place the grill grates in a large bucket full of hot soapy water and let them soak while you clean the rest of the grill. If you have a side burner, place the cooking grid in the bucket as well.
Exterior: Wash the exterior of the grill with a cloth and a mild dishwashing detergent or baking soda mixed with water. You can also use a special formulated spray grill cleaner such as citrus-based cleaner. Then, rinse it and dry with a soft cloth. For stainless steel, use a non-flammable Stainless Steel Grill Cleaner (exterior only). Spray on and wipe with a lint-free cloth with a side-to-side motion with the grain.
Burners: Turn gas tank valve to “CLOSED” and control knobs to “OFF.” Disconnect the gas tank and remove burners (see owner’s manual). Clean the venturi of each burner in a side-to-side motion with a small bottlebrush so you don’t push debris further in the tube. Clean any clogged ports with a stiff wire or paper clip, making sure to not enlarge holes. Inspect burners for any cracks or holes. If damage is found, replace them.
Interior: Clean the interior bottom of the grill. Push all the burnt food and grease to the receptacle at the bottom of the grill. Empty and clean the tray. Brush any carbonized grease off the lid interior with a grill brush, then wash with warm soapy water and rinse.
Re-assemble: Re-install the burners and heat plates (see owner’s manual). Make sure that the gas valve orifice is correctly positioned inside each burner venturi. Take a soft cloth and wipe parts off with warm soapy water, rinse them off and reassemble the pieces back inside the grill. If you have stubborn debris, use a citrus based degreaser and a nylon scouring pad, an all-in-one stainless steel brush, scraper and pad. It’s also a good idea to apply a light coating of cooking oil to the cooking grates only to seal them after each use. Re-install the cooking grids.
Leak Check: Check the hoses. If brittle or damaged, replace them. Reconnect the propane gas tank. Perform a leak check with a solution of water and soap. To read more about leak checking, visit our Propane FAQ page.
Fueling Up: Make sure you have enough propane for your next cookout, or even better, pick up an extra tank so you will have a spare on hand. Blue Rhino propane tank exchange is available at more than forty-five thousand convenient locations nationwide. Enter your address here for a list of stores near you or text FIND to 75653.*
Always refer to your owner’s manual for complete instructions on cleaning and maintaining your grill.
Happy Grilling!
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