Preparation is needed for every season if you want to maintain an organized life. It gives you a peaceful time afterward. When winter comes, winterizing outdoor things is a must. While going through your regular winterizing routine, make sure to pack away your grill if you’re not a winter griller.
To winterize your grill, you have to follow steps that will give your grill a good long life. But first, you should know the reasons why it’s essential to winterize your grill carefully. Thus, you can make sure to pack away your grill correctly. The main reasons for winterizing your grill are discussed below:
- Oxidation and corrosion
Keeping the grill without cleaning over the winter can trap moisture. This promotes the development of oxidation and corrosion. Winterizing your grill will help reduce the chances of its development which will prolong the life of your grill.
- Critters
If you left the grill without proper winterizing, it could become a welcoming home for the rats, mice, and bugs.
- Mold
The grill can be an ideal place to grow the mold. As it grows and feeds on organic matters, an uncleaned grill can be the perfect place for it. Winterizing the grill rightly will prevent it from growing mold.
- Prolonging the Lifetime
To prolong the life of your grill, you should consider winterizing it. It makes sure to prevent it from the described things above and keep it in good shape.
Now let’s check out the steps which will help you to winterize the grill in the right way:
- Shut off the Propane Gas Line
Shutting the propane tank should be done first. Check if the propane gas line is off or not. After making sure, go ahead with the next steps.
- Separate the Cooking Surfaces
Take apart the burner covers and grill surface and certain grills that may have more parts. Then keep them separately for cleaning.
- Burn off All Residue from Your Grill
To burn food rubble and lard off of the grates, let the grill rest at utmost heat for 15-20 minutes or more until the fuel lines and burners are all uncluttered. Don’t forget the shelves, drip pan, or cabinets.
- Clean the Grill Grates
You can clean your grill grates by using a wire grill brush. Clear up while the grill is still hot to rub all of the residual food off of the grill grates. To remove any cleaner residue, make sure to rinse thoroughly. Make sure to dry off every spot of the grill grate by either giving it hours in the sun or by using a whole roll of paper towels.
- Clean the Inside of the Grill
Grease may corrode the inside that attracts critters. Use a grill brush and some grill cleaning foam to clean the grease or any food which may remain inside. Put them in the right place only after drying off all parts using a microfiber cloth. Take time and do it properly so that nothing gets left out.
- Oil It Up to Coat
To coat the inner components, a light layer of cooking oil can be used as it will help repel moisture to prevent rust. To coat the hood interior, you may use a clean rag soaked in vegetable oil. Cooking spray can be an option too. Just make sure to use enough so that it doesn’t make the oil drip and pool.
- Pull out Igniter Battery
To avoid the battery from bursting and causing corrosion, you should remove it when winterizing your grill. It will be helpful in keeping the igniter sparking for much longer.
- Clean the Outside of the Grill
Clean the exterior of the grill, along with the propane tank and all hoses with a wet wiper and a pail of torrid soapy water. You should not apply chemicals or use caustic pads to remove the thick dirt-stuffs. It will ruin the paint of the grill.
- Check Out the Manual
Read the manual to check if there’s anything specific you should do for winterizing the grill. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations. Check out if there are some dos and don’ts. Maintain the written words well. You will find out that research makes best of the outcome always.
- Check Thoroughly If There’s Any Issue
Take the opportunity and fix if there’s any problem existing with your grill. Be sure to reform the parts of the grill. Test the burners to know that you didn’t make any mistakes. Fix anything and everything that may become a hindrance for the running start in the spring.
- Storing Propane Tank
Always try to store the propane tank outside. Whether you bring the grill inside or not, the propane tank has to be left outside for the reason of safety. You can keep it connected if you leave the grill outside but always remember to shut it off.
- Cover It Up
A good grill cover might be helpful in keeping away the compiled snow, dirt, rain, etc on the grill. Purchase a new cover if your older one isn’t in good condition. To prevent leaks and small intruders, you should consider taping the grill closed. If you think it will be difficult to remove after some months, then try using painter’s tape paired with plastic wrap. It will become easier to pull out the seal.
Winterizing the grill can help you get a great start in the spring when you will love to use it again. You will clap for yourself for doing something right when you’ll see it in good shape afterward. Keeping things long-lasting and shiny takes some effort. The outcome of any effort always feels special. So, try and winterize your grill in a good manner so that you may enjoy the grilling time after a few months.
Wishing you a happy winter time!
Feature photo by jwvein
