How To Get Your Grill “Grilling-Season” Ready

We’re finally in the clear of the cold stuff and into warm weather! Now that patios are soaking up the sun, it’s time to dust off the champion of summer: the grill. But there is more to getting your grill ready than a little sweeping. To get your grill ready for grilling season, there a few easy steps involved.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Rubber gloves
• Sponge and rags
• Dish Soap
• Distilled white vinegar
• Spray Bottle
• Stainless-steel cleaner
• Stainless-steel grill brush
• Pipe cleaners (for gas grills)
• Lemon and Onion (optional)
• Your favorite cooking oil

STEP ONE: SAFETY FIRST

Before we do anything, you’ll want to check over your grill for any cracks, dents, and if you are dealing with propane, leaks. Check that all hoses are connected properly. An easy way to check for gas leaks is to brush your gas lines with soapy water and check for bubbles—which indicate a crack—when the gas is running. If you spot any, tighten your connection or replace the line.

STEP TWO: GET SCRUBBING

Be sure to empty out any old ash for charcoal, or ancient goo in the grease trap for gas. Using soapy water and a sponge, wipe down the exterior and lid of the grill. If there is peeling, it’s likely layers and layers of carbonized grease. Spraying it down with lemon juice will help break it down before the soap solution. If you have a stainless-steel grill, us a stainless-steel cleaner and wipe it with the grain to avoid scratches. Paper towels are not a good idea for this!

Remove the interior bars and grates. Mix one part water and one part distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and generously spray down your grill’s interior and then the grates. Let the solution soak in for an hour or so, and cooked-on residue and gunk should be broken up enough to easily wipe off with a rag. The grates may need some extra attention with a grill brush.

STEP THREE: PRIMING YOUR GRILL

Now that your grill is squeaky clean, you’ll make to make sure it is ready for cooking. Once you have everything rinsed off properly, get that fire going! Get some charcoal going or put your gas on for a few minutes. Once your grate has heated up, take an onion and slice it in half, rubbing it all along the racks. This is going to help out as a natural non-stick trick for your future grilling. And for definite anti-gunking, lightly (and we stress lightly) coat your grate with your favorite cooking oil.

STEP FOUR: GRILLING TIME!

Now that your grill is sparkling and ready to go, it’s time to throw a barbeque! Cleaning your grill is the ultimate way to work up an appetite only delicious grilled recipes can satisfy. The first that came to mind: Hot Italian sausage with peppers and onions. And summer wouldn’t be summer without fresh grilled corn. Where will your hunger take you this grilling season?

Be on the lookout for more grilling inspiration from Uncle Charley’s Sausage!