As the colder weather approaches, it’s time to think about winterizing your barbecue.
A few simple steps will help to protect your barbecue from the elements and keep it in good shape for the next grilling season.
Why You Should Winterize Your Barbecue
Wildlife: In wintertime, your grill can become home to small animals. The lid protects them from the weather and any leftover crumbs gives them a food supply. If you do find an unoccupied nest, remove the nest and its debris from the grill and run it for 15 minutes or so.
Mold: Food leftovers and grease can also be a great supply of food for mold. If you find mold, don’t worry. The area can easily be cleaned and scraped off. It’s also recommended to leave your grill on high for around 15 minutes before using it again.
Oxidation and Corrosion: If you leave grease on the grill, the grease can trap moisture. Moisture in contact with metal can promote rust and corrosion.
Before You Start
Before winterizing your barbecue, be sure to check your manual for the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
Prior to disassembling your barbecue, disconnect the propane tank or engage the shutoff valve between your grill and the natural gas line.
- Deep Clean
- Remove the heat plates, warming rack, and the cooking grates. Scrape the parts with a wire brush to remove residue.
- After the parts have been wire-brushed, wash them with soap and water. Warm water will give you a better result.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the parts. You don’t want soap drying in your grill.
- Detach the burners. Remove as much build-up from the burner box as possible by scraping.
- Wash the drip tray and grease cup with warm soapy water, rinse well and dry.
- Remove dust, food particles, and any other debris from the grill cabinet.
- The outside is as important as the inside! A simple mixture of water and white vinegar will get the outside sparkly clean. If there are any hard-to-remove spots, use a product recommended in the owner’s manual.
- Coating
Using cooking oil can help to prevent deterioration of the metal surfaces. Apply an oil coat to the burners, heat plates, warming rack, and cooking grates. The oil is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water.
It’s important to consult your owner’s manual. Some grill manufacturers don’t recommend applying the oil coat.
You can also remove the burners and put them in bags.
- Electronic Igniter
If your grill has one, remove the igniter battery before putting your grill away for winter. The battery can burst and cause corrosion.
- Storing the Grill
If you’re leaving the grill outside during winter, you can re-attach the propane tank but with the valve in the off position. If you bring your grill inside during winter, don’t connect the propane tank. You should leave the propane tank outside, never inside a garage or shed. Make sure you leave it closed and in the upright position.
- Cover it
Covering your grill in wintertime can go a long way in protecting it. Buying a quality weatherproof cover is a great option to make sure your grill will last all season long. The cover must be in good shape to help prevent animals from getting inside.
Before you cover your barbecue, double-check to see if all the parts are fully dried. You can let it air-dry but it’s recommended to use a towel just to be sure.
During the cleaning process, you can also take the opportunity to check the parts of the grill. Keep an eye out for cracks and loose or noisy parts. Checking the overall condition of the grill can prevent major repairs.
A well-maintained grill is a crucial element for endless barbecues. To keep them in peak condition, call C&W Appliance Service for unmatched technical expertise and service. Call us at (855) 358-1496.
