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The smell of sizzling burgers, the sound of friends laughing on the patio, drinks, and the warmth of the sun hitting your shoulders means one thing. Summer is officially here, And that means one thing: it’s grilling season. But before you throw on the steaks and fire up the corn on the cob, there’s one very important thing you need to do first… clean your grill.
Yes, I know it’s not the most glamorous part of summer fun, but giving your grill a good scrub is key to great-tasting food, preventing flare-ups, and extending the life of your backyard MVP. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a massive chore. Here are 3 simple tips to get your grill sparkling and ready to go:
1. Preheat and Burn Off the Gunk
Start by turning your grill on high and closing the lid for 10–15 minutes. This will incinerate leftover grease and food bits, turning them into flaky ash that’s much easier to clean. Once the grill has cooled slightly, grab a grill brush or a balled-up piece of foil and scrub the grates. This little trick saves you from scrubbing cold, sticky messes.
2. Soak the Grates
For a deeper clean, take the grates off and soak them in a solution of hot water, dish soap, and a splash of vinegar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This loosens up the grime and makes it easy to wipe clean with a sponge or cloth. Bonus: it helps cut through grease without harsh chemicals.
3. Don’t Forget the Inside
It’s easy to forget, but food drippings and grease can build up under the grates and inside the hood. Use a putty knife or scraper to remove any debris from the bottom of the grill. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and check the grease tray—empty it before it overflows and causes a fiery surprise.
There you go. Summer will not only be more relaxing, but it will taste a lot better too. But one grill you should never clean is a well seasoned smoker. But you have plenty of sunshine left to figure that out.
Happy grilling!!