This is another question we get asked a lot. There are a few things we recommend you can do in-between cleanings, but no matter how diligent you are, there is no substitute for a professional grill cleaning.  Follow these steps between cleanings and it will have a positive impact in preserving your grill.

  • Keep your grill covered with a grill cover to protect it from the elements when it is not in use.
  • Use a clean grill brush to loosen and remove food particles and debris from the cooking surface.  The debris will drop down into your drip tray.
  • Clean out your drip tray once you have finished cooking.  Not much debris falls into the drip tray per cooking, so this can be accomplished by wiping with a paper towel or damp cloth.  For those customers who use aluminum foil, this is okay, however, the foil needs to be changed out frequently to avoid grease and debris build-up.
  • After grilling, once grill has cooled down, wipe down grates with hot water and Dawn dish soap. This will help loosen the tough baked-on particles.  (Be careful if you have ceramic rods or briquettes, these items should remain dry and free of moisture at all times.  It may be necessary to remove the grates to complete this step.)
  • Wipe down grate with Vinegar/Water Half & Half.  This process removes any bacterial left behind from meats, such as salmonella and other bacteria common in food poisoning.  (Be careful if you have ceramic rods or briquettes, these items should remain dry and free of moisture at all times.  It may be necessary to remove the grates to complete this step.)
  • Wipe the grates down with Pam or a light coat of vegetable oil to help prevent the rust.