Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing -BBQ season!

If you're like most people, your grill has been sitting unused all winter long. Now that it's time to fire it up again, you may be wondering how to clean your BBQ. Never fear, we've got you covered!

We'll show you how to clean your grill and get it ready for the summer season. So, get out your supplies, and let's get started!

What You’ll Need

  • Wire BBQ brush
  • Soap and water
  • Vinegar
  • Wire sponges
  • Knife or an old toothbrush

How To Clean Your BBQ

Clean Out Any Remaining Food

A person cleaning the grill

Image Credits: BBQ Junkie on CreativeCommons

So, what do you need to do to clean your BBQ? First, you'll need to remove any food debris from the grill. This can be done by scrubbing the grill with a wire BBQ brush.

Grate Care

Start by removing the grates and giving them a good scrub with warm soapy water. This may need serious some elbow grease! A wire sponge or brush will help get rid of any stubborn bits of food that may be clinging on. Rinse well and dry completely.

Get In All the Nook and Crannies

BBQ Season- Chicken brochettes

Image credits: Evan Wise via Unsplash

Next, use a putty knife or an old toothbrush to scrape away any built-up grease or charred food from the inside of the BBQ. You'll also want to make sure you clean the outside of the grill, as well as the BBQ utensils you'll be using.

Disinfect

beef shish kabobs

Image credits: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

Once the BBQ is clean, you'll want to disinfect it. One way to do this is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and germs. Here's how to disinfect your BBQ grill with vinegar:

First, soak your grates in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 10 minutes.

Next, scrub the grates with a brush to remove any dirt or debris you may have missed.

Then you can rinse the grates with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

To disinfect the rest of your BBQ, pour 1 cup of vinegar into a spray bottle and add 1 cup of water. Spray the inside of your grill (including the sides and bottom) with the vinegar solution.

Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it down with a clean cloth. You can now replace the grates and reassemble your BBQ!

Using vinegar to disinfect your BBQ grill is a simple and effective way to keep bacteria and germs at bay. So, make sure to give your grill a good cleaning before firing it up this BBQ season!

Reassemble Your BBQ

A person's hand reaching out to flip steak on a bbq

Image Credit: Quaritsch Photography on Unsplash

Here are some tips on how to easily reassemble your BBQ after giving it a good cleaning:

Start by replacing the burners. Make sure that they are properly aligned and tightened before lighting the BBQ.

Once the burners are in place, you can now replace the control knobs. Be sure to test them out before using the BBQ to make sure they are working properly.

Next, put the grate back in place. Make sure that it is level and secure before moving on.

Finally, put the cover back on and you're ready to BBQ!

How To Maintain Your BBQ

Your BBQ is now clean, so give yourself a hand! But before you start cooking, it's important to make sure your BBQ is in tip-top shape. After all, you don't want your summer BBQs to be a flop.

Here are a few tips on how to maintain your BBQ so it's ready for action all summer long:

Clean Your Grill Regularly

A clean grill is a happy grill. Be sure to scrub down the grates after each use. This will help prevent rusting and keep your food from sticking.

Check For Gas Leaks

BBQ season- propane

Image credits: James Sutton via Unsplash

Before each use, check all hoses and connections for gas leaks. If you find any, be sure to repair them before lighting the grill.

Sharpen Those Tools!

BBQ Tools- tongs

Image credits: Andrik Langfield via Unsplash

Blunt knives and forks are not only dangerous, but they make it difficult to properly cook your food. So be sure to sharpen your BBQ tools before each use.

Cover Your BBQ When It Rains

You'll need a cover that's large enough to drape over your BBQ and extend a few inches past the edges on all sides. This will ensure that your BBQ stays dry even if the wind picks up or rain starts falling from different directions.

Use whatever straps, drawstrings, or Velcro closures came with your BBQ cover, or improvise with some bungee cords or rope. Just make sure the cover is snugly in place, so it doesn't blow away in the wind.

Store Your BBQ Properly

When the BBQ season is over, be sure to properly clean and store your grill. This will help keep it in good condition and prevent rusting.

In Summary

Well, there you have it - our tips for how to clean and prepare your BBQ for the BBQ season. We hope you find them helpful! Do you have any tips or tricks that we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below. And most importantly, happy grilling!