Summer is finally here and with that it’s time to pull out your grill, if you haven’t already. In my opinion,  there is no better way to cook in the summer time than on the grill… Even if its just to keep your house cool. It even tastes better on the grill don’t you think ?

Summer grilling can bring back memories of those family get-togethers and relaxing summer days. Grilling is the fun part, however keeping your grill cleaned is not.  Here are a few tips to keep your grill clean and ready for the next time you’re ready to fire it up!

1. Let it cool - The best way to have your grill ready to go for the next time is to clean it after you are done using it. Just make sure to let your grill cool down enough for you to use it. If you are cleaning it before using it , clean it before starting the fire or turning it on.
2. Cleaning Items - Make sure you grab some necessary cleaning items. You’ll need the following items – Brass wire grill brush Steel wool pads, Mild dish soap, Sponge or dishcloth, Spray cooking oil .
3. Remove Food Debris - When you grill, there is always going to be some small pieces of food and debris left on the grill rack. If you use a charcoal grill , make sure to dump out all the leftover charcoal ash and rinse with water. To clean the grates , use a wire brush (soaked in mild soapy water) and vigorously brush both sides of the grill grates.
4. Prepare for the next time In order to make things easier for you the next time, spray a nice even coating of cooking oil on the grill grates. Not only will this make it easier to cook with , it will also keep the grates seasoned. Close the grill cover and leave it till the next time you’re ready to grill.

Making sure you clean your grill after each use , will make it easier to clean but also will keep your grill lasting longer. It also reduces the the risk of your grill rusting.
While some maintenance and cleaning is specific to the type of barbecue grill your own , the majority of maintenance that should be carried on does not change from grill to grill.