Backyard grilling is a favorite summer pastime for many people. It’s a fun and memorable way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying a delicious meal. However, nothing can ruin the experience quicker than cooking on a dirty grill. As the most important outdoor kitchen appliance you have, it’s important to keep it in good condition. This is why it’s recommended you clean it after every use. Doing so will give you better tasting food and extend the life span of your equipment.

4 Steps to Cleaning Your Backyard Grill

1. Disassemble the Grill

Once the grill has cooled down from cooking, turn it off and remove each component from inside. Wash them with warm, soapy water to remove the buildup from food and grease.

Make sure all the parts dry thoroughly to prevent rust. For charcoal grills, you also want to clear out old ashes and dispose of them properly. In gas grills, you’ll need to eliminate blockages from the burner tubes using a long wire.

2. Wash the Interior

First, wipe out the outdoor kitchen appliance to get rid of any loose food particles, grease, dust, and ash that remain inside. You can also use a handheld vacuum to suck it out. Then, take a steel-wire brush and scrub all the surfaces with warm, soapy water. Rinse it out and use a cloth to dry.

3. Clean the Grates

To clean the grates, turn the burners on, close the lid, and leave the grill running for 15 to 20 minutes. This will burn off leftover food and grease and make it easier to brush completely clean.

If grime is caked on to the grates, try placing them in buckets of soapy water to soak for about 15 minutes. This can help loosen the buildup.

4. Wipe Down the Exterior  

Once you’ve put all the parts back into your outdoor kitchen appliance, you can start cleaning its exterior. Many grills are made of stainless steel and can easily be wiped down with soap and water and a soft cloth, then rinsed and dried.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or brushes to avoid scratching the surface. You can also apply a stainless-steel polish to achieve the ultimate shine.

If you’re ready to invest in a grill upgrade this summer, turn to Boyd Appliance Center in Creston, IA. They offer a wide selection of high-quality outdoor kitchen appliances and have an experienced staff who will help you find the equipment best suited to your needs. For more than 70 years, the locally owned and operated store has been providing homeowners with reliable products that offer maximum value. Call (641) 782-2163 to discuss what you’re looking for, or visit them online to explore their inventory.