HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR OUTDOOR GAS GRILL
For many of us, no summer would be complete without the aroma of grilled meats wafting through the backyard. So, then, what are you going to do when you can't get that old, rusty grill to start?
If you want your outdoor gas grill to last, you need to take care of it. To that point, we've created a gas grill maintenance checklist to make this as easy as possible.
This guide covers what steps to take before grilling season, plus how to store your grill properly for the winter. It also explains how to clean your grill throughout the season. Read on to learn all about it.
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE USING YOUR OUTDOOR GAS GRILL FOR THE SUMMER
Check For Any Broken or Malfunctioning Parts
As you well know, your grill's fuel reserve is literally a disastrous gas explosion waiting to happen. Thus, preventing this disaster is the most important thing to do before firing it up each grilling season.
Check for any cracked or broken components, especially those that have to do with fuel containment and distribution. That is, check the fuel tank and gas lines for cracks. And check that all the valves and dials seem to be present and in working order (and turned off).
Make Sure Gas Lines or Tanks Are Properly Connected
While checking for cracks and wear, check the gas line connections, too. And, aside from your visual inspection, listen.
While everything else is quiet, listen for the faint hiss of leaking gas. Try to find the source of the noise and tighten up the connection. If there's a crack, have the component repaired or replaced. You can also check for leaks by rubbing sudsy water over all the gas lines and connections. If you see any bubbling, it means there's a leak. Never use a flame to test for leaks!
Most importantly, do not attempt to light the grill until all gas leaks are secured.
Cleaning Your Grill
All the gunk that builds up on a dirty grill will block the airflow that's necessary for proper cooking. It could even clog the gas lines. Here's how you should clean your grill to prevent this.
Interior Cleaning
Before you start, be certain the gas is completely shut off. Remove any removable parts and wash them separately.
The manufacturer should provide the best instructions for this, but scrubbing with a mild dish soap and water (then rinsing) should be sufficient.
Next, scrape off all the charred food residue, grease, and other debris from the grill grate with a wire grill brush. Scrub it in soapy water, rinse, then dry it completely so it doesn't rust.
Exterior Cleaning
Wipe down the exterior with a mild soap and water. Then, wipe it dry.
Before Each Use
Preheat the grill and then brush away any buildup with a wire brush. Also, make sure the grease trap is empty and clean to prevent a grease fire.
After Grilling Season
After the last cookout of summer, clean the grill with the same instructions as the pre-season cleaning. Cover the grill and disconnect the fuel tank before storage.
Sealing Your Grill
Adding a protective sealant to surfaces on the exterior of the grill will help make the rest of the grilling season much easier. It will provide a long-lasting protective coating that reduces the buildup of debris and gunk so that less cleaning is required throughout the season. Plus, it protects against weather elements that wear down/dirty up your grill. Make sure you choose a nontoxic sealer that can withstand the high temperatures of a grill.
MAINTAIN YOUR OUTDOOR GAS GRILL WITH THESE STEPS
Outdoor gas grills can take a beating, so don’t skip these important maintenance steps. Print or bookmark this guide to keep your outdoor gas grill working great for this summer and many summers to come!
Looking for more tips to keep your entire home summer-ready? Get more great info on our blog.
