Down in the south, you can grill out almost any month of the year but there are still those cold winter stretches where you have to close shop when it comes to grilling out. When it comes to the maintenance for your grill, here are some tips from the experts.
Check the Battery and the Fuel
If your grill is not lighting, then you might want to check the battery. The whole ignition system gets its power from a single AA battery, so before you make a service call check that it is good to go. Another thing to check before a service call is if you have run out of fuel. If your grill runs off a propane tank, you want to check to make sure the tank is not empty. A good practice is to keep an extra one or two tanks on hand.
Check for Critters and Clean After Every Use
If you see droppings or chewed wires, then you might have a critter that is housed in your grill. A good practice is to clean your grill every so often, even when you are not using it.
Clean After Every Use And Deep Clean Twice a Year
You want to make sure that what was left on your grill grates is powdery and charred, so after you take food off the grill, leave it on high for an additional ten minutes. Once you have done this, turn off the grill and take a wire brush or a grill stone to it to remove the ashes.
Deep clean your grill about twice a year. This is a DIY project but there are professionals out there who will clean your grill for around $200. Turn on the grill to burn off any leftover grease, close the lid and turn it off so the flames will burn out on their own. Spray the caked areas with a degreaser and let it sit. Clean the remaining parts of the grill with soapy water.
Check the Burners and Keep the Cover Off
About every five years you will probably need to replace the burners. Check by lighting the grill and making sure the flame comes out of each burner evenly. If you live in a milder climate, keep a cover off to detour little critters from taking up your grill for a home.
This DIY project should help keep your grill in working condition. There are always grill experts who can repair or help you maintain your grill. Keep these tips in mind and happy grilling!
