Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Clean briefly after each use
• Method 2 of 2: Thoroughly clean the barbecue every six months
• Necessities
• Tips
• Warnings

Barbecuing is a great way to enjoy good food al fresco with family and friends. However, this is only possible with a barbecue that is cleaned and maintained all year round. There are a few simple cleaning steps you can follow after each time the barbecue has been used, in addition to more thorough work and a deeper six-month cleaning, to keep your barbecue in top condition for years to come. A barbecue that is clean and maintained will remain in good working order and will ensure that the food you prepare on it always tastes great.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Clean briefly after each use

1. Burn away food scraps and grease. After using the grill, turn up the heat and let the grill heat for 15 minutes, or until the grill is no longer smoking from burning the food scraps. Then turn off your barbecue.
   • This will burn any residual fat or food scraps from last use to ashes and can be easily removed.
2. Leave the hood on the grill. If you are not using it, leave the grill covered to protect it from the elements and prevent the grill from getting more dirty than necessary.
   • Most grill brands produce their own grill lid to match the appliance.

Method 2 of 2: Thoroughly clean the barbecue every six months

1. Clean the outside of your barbecue. If you have a stainless steel grill, you can clean the outside with a stainless steel cleaner and a paper towel, so that your barbecue will look like new again. If you have an enamelled grill, use a specialized cleaner for similar barbecues.

Necessities

• Cleaning gloves (optional)
• Warm soapy water
• Sponge
• Barbecue brush
• Mild glass cleaner
• Mild stainless steel cleaner
• Paper towels
• Scourer
• Terrycloth or microfiber cloth
• Spray with vegetable oil

Tips

• Consult the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning. The instructions outlined here are general, but your grill may have specific cleaning requirements for the appliance to avoid damage.
• Commercial products are available that are specially formulated to remove grime from barbecue grills and to unclog clogged pipes. Ask at a hardware store or garden supply store, or the store where you bought the grill, and always read the grill's directions before use.
• In any case, thoroughly clean your grill twice a year. If you barbecue regularly, clean the appliance thoroughly after every 5-10 uses. Neglecting to clean a dirty grill can significantly shorten its life.
• Using vegetable oil for barbecuing meats and other foods can make it much easier to keep your grill clean and prevent food from sticking to the grates.

Warnings

• Always check that the grates and other parts of the barbecue are cool before cleaning them.
• Never use oven cleaner on a gas grill. Also, be careful not to get any oven cleaner on the outside of the grill or it could damage the finish or glaze.