There are legendary grill heroes that will keep the fires burning all winter long, no matter how cold it gets. A blizzard with 60 mph winds and white out conditions won’t stop them from grilling up a feast. For the rest of us, though, winter time means no more grilling. Like any tool, you always want to keep your grill in top condition. Here are a few tips on how to prep your grill for winter.
Clean the Grates
The grates can get ignored during grilling season. They get a cursory scraping right before food is put on, but they need a solid scrubbing before you put them away for the winter. The material your grates are made of will determine how you clean them. What’s universal, though, is water and a lot of scrubbing are needed to get excess food off.
Degrease the Inside
Grease and black crud build up over time, and it needs to be cleaned out of the grill. Not only is it a fire hazard come next Summer, but the burning grease can also give your grilled greatness a foul taste. It’s safe to use common household oven cleaner, or soap and water, on the inside because no food will touch those surfaces. After you clean it, give a good rinse with the garden hose, and let it dry completely.
Wipe Down the Outside
Appearances are everything, even when it comes to your grill. You want to keep it looking good for years to come. Spray it down with water and scrub it with some dish soap, just like washing the car. Scrape off any crusty food and greasy spots, so they don’t tarnish or rust the grill.
Cover it
If your grill won’t fit in the garage or garden shed, then you should find something to cover it with. Most grill manufacturers make covers that will fit your grill perfectly. Visit their website, or any hardware store, to find the one for your grill. If the custom cover is too expensive, then buy a tarp and strap it down with some bungee cords or rope. Once the grill is covered, push it up next to the house to give it moderate protection from the snow.
