How often do you clean your grill? There are certain steps to take every time you use it and ways to deep clean the surface, especially if it won’t get used over the winter.

Why You Should Clean Your Grill

Cleaning your grill on a regular basis is important for the following reasons:

1. Prevent flare-ups. Remove grease, ash, and food debris from the surface, side, and underneath your grill to help reduce the risk of fires before, during, and after cooking.
2. Cook evenly. A clean grill helps allow for better airflow and heat distribution.
3. Enhance flavor. When you clear away old,  charred food particles, you prevent them from transferring to your next meal.
4. Extend grill life. Maintaining a clean grill helps it function better.

Depending on what you cook and how often you use your grill, it may need a more through cleaning every once in a while.

Effective Grill Cleaning Tips

Whether you have a gas, electric, or charcoal grill, it requires some basic cleaning after use.

1. Scrape the grates. While the grill is still warm, use a specialized brush to remove food particles.
2. Check the drip tray. If your grill is designed with a grease trap, make sure this area is clean to help prevent build-up.
3. Remove ashes. Wait until the coals have cooled. Don’t let this area fill up, as it can prohibit air flow and hot ash and coals can overflow and increase the risk of fire.

Deep clean your grill at least once a year. This includes the interior, exterior, and connections. Replace rusted or damaged parts and any foil liners as needed. If you won’t be using your grill over the winter, a through cleaning this fall can help prepare it for the next grilling season.