Simple Care Of your BBQ after the Winter!

While it's perfectly safe to BBQ in the winter, I know that you haven't. Having spent the last three months out of action your gas grill will inevitably need a serious refresh. After all, you wouldn't cook your dinner on a countertop that hadn't been cleaned in a few months of the year.

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Cleaning a gas bbq after winter is an essential step to ensure that it is ready for the BBQ season' It is important to remove any built-up grease and debris that may have accumulated during the winter months.'

Since your grill is mainly made up of metals, it'll also need the right care and attention to prevent it from future rusting or tarnishing. 'Like everything else, your barbecue deserves a little maintenance occasionally and using the right products can extend the lifetime of your barbecue and keep it looking like new all year-round.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF NOT CLEANING YOUR GRILL? 

I'm all for making the spontaneous decision to fire up your grill at the first sign of warm weather, but I also know that the last thing you'll want to do is give it a deep clean, especially if you have guests around. You might be tempted to skip the clean altogether, maybe wiping a soapy cloth over it if you have the time, but there are some real risks involved with not cleaning your grill properly after winter. 

Not only can disregarding your first seasonal clean cause damage such as rust and corrosion over time, but it can pose a more serious health hazard, too. 'Not cleaning your gas grill after a prolonged amount of time can lead to the buildup of grease and debris, which can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking. To make sure your food is properly cooked and to avoid any fire risks, it's vital that you clean your bbq before cooking. 

THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A GRILL THAT'S BEEN STORED THROUGH WINTER? 

With that out of the way, it's time to address the question of how to actually clean a grill. This isn't your run-of-the-mill damp cloth and antibacterial spray job - you'll need to have the proper tools and cleaning products if you want to do this thoroughly.

Before you start, disconnect your gas bottle and consult your owner’s manual for directions on your specific model before anything else.

Step 1: Start the BBQ

This first step is key to making this job as easy and hassle-free as possible. You should start by heating your barbecue up to the maximum temperature for about 30 minutes. 'Be wary that the dirtier the cooking grates are, the more they will smoke. Once the grill stops smoking it will generally have burned off most old residual grease and fat, then turn your barbecue off.

Step 2: Clean the grate

While your barbecue is still hot, you should brush the cooking grates with a stainless-steel bristled barbecue brush. This will remove any leftover residue or detritus left behind from the burn-off. Be sure to wear protective gloves for this as the grates will be hot and the bristles will be sharp. 

Step 3: Disassemble the BBQ

Once your barbecue has cooled down completely, you can then safely remove all the grates and internal components and use a barbecue brush and scraper to clean everything. 'The initial burn-off should have loosened hard to remove carbon deposits from the cook box, and this will make sure all grease channels are clear. You'll probably want to switch to a pair of rubber gloves at this stage, as things can get quite messy.

If your barbecue has a grease tray, now's the time to remove it and clean it out in your sink using hot, soapy water. Don't be tempted to jet wash or put any components in the dishwasher as this can cause certain parts to rust. 'Once complete, place all clean parts back into the barbecues,. 'Oiling your cooking grates very lightly with a cooking grate oil, such as sunflower oil, can help extend their longevity.'

Step 4: Clean the outside.

Finally, you can turn your attention to the outer parts of your grill. We suggest using an enamel and stainless-steel cleaner for a gleaming barbecue. 'For the best shine, we use a microfiber cloth for buffing, Remember to check your gas tank and valves and replace, if necessary, then you're good to go for the BBQ season!

Any further tips and cleaning tricks visit your local Tucker Barbecues store.