How Should I Care for my Gas Grill?

For individuals who own gas grills, maintenance is fairly easy. Gas grills don’t require fancy cleaning products or time-consuming maintenance. However, there are a few things you should do to keep your gas grill in good working order.

First, obtain the proper tools for keeping your gas grill clean. You’ll need a grill brush, soap-filled steel wool pads, a mild liquid soap, a sponge, and a non-metal scraper. Keep these items within easy reach. You don’t want to waste time looking for them each time you need to clean your grill.

To clean grease and residue off your gas grill’s cooking grate, turn your gas grill up to high and wait until the smoke stops. Once the smoke stops, use a grill brush to clean the cooking grate. Be careful to avoid damaging the coating on the cooking grate; don’t scrub too hard. Clean the cooking grate after each time you use your gas grill or right before you start to cook.

When necessary, use a soapy steel wool pad to remove smoke stains from the lid of your gas grill. Be sure to use a fine grade of steel wool, and don’t scrub hard enough to damage the lid’s finish. You can also clean your gas grill’s burner cover. However, for stainless steel burner covers, it is best to use a sponge and warm, soapy water, as steel wool can scratch and damage the surface.

If your gas grill has flavor bars, it is not necessary to remove and clean them. Any reside left on your flavor bars can be cleaned off simply by turning the grill on high for five minutes before or after grilling. An occasional light brushing with a grill brush or a careful scraping with a non-metal scraper is usually enough to keep them in tip-top shape.

To keep the warming racks on your gas grill clean, use soapy steel wool and a light scrubbing. The steel wool can also be used to clean the control panel and keep it in good shape. Be sure to rinse the warming racks and control panel when you’re done.

Take the time to clean any grease drippings that fall on the exterior parts of your grill, including the endcaps and cookbox. Grease can damage the paint on these surfaces. Use a mild liquid soap and avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners.

To keep your gas grill in pristine condition when it is not in use, purchase a grill cover to protect it from the elements. Clean your grill first, and then place the cover on it. This will protect it not only from rain and snow, but also from the sap that falls from trees and waste from birds.