Broker Check

Grill Cleaning Basics

May 22, 2021

Nothing beats the smell of firing up the grill in the summertime, but if you don’t take proper care of the equipment, you could end up in a dangerous situation. Follow these tips to ensure that both you—and your food—are safe this season.

Charcoal Grill

  • To get the grill ready for the season, use crumpled up pieces of aluminum foil to scrub the grill rack and remove particles or burnt-on food bits.
  • Wash racks thoroughly with soap and water before putting back onto the grill.

Gas Grill

  • Use a metal scrubbing brush (specifically for use on a grill) to scrape off any debris from grill racks.
  • Scrub the rack down with soap and water, and follow up with a layer of vegetable oil to reduce rust.
  • Remove the grease tray, and clean thoroughly with soap and water.

Summer grilling safety tips

  • Always keep the grill a safe distance from your home (at least ten feet away), and on a level surface to limit the chance of it rolling or falling over.
  • Never leave a grill unattended, and be sure to let children know the dangers of getting too close to or touching the grill.
  • Be wary of objects that could catch fire resting too close the grill (e.g. plasticware, clothing, etc.).
  • If you smell gas at any point during the cooking process, turn off the propane tank immediately and get as far away from the grill as you can.
  • Never turn on the propane while the grill lid is closed. This causes gas to build up and could force the lid off the grill in an explosion.
  • To properly dispose of charcoal, allow at least 48 hours to cool, and then place the scraps in aluminum foil and throw away in a noncombustible trash bin. If the charcoal is all-natural it can also be used as a great fertilizer for your garden!