the right way to close down your grill after summer

Alas, the time has come to say a heartfelt goodbye to Summer and bring in the Fall season. We hope you took full advantage of the last days of summer and threw some awesome pool parties, beach parties, and soaked up plenty of summer sunshine. If you’re among those who know how to do summer right, you probably participated in the age-old summertime tradition of the barbecue. For you die-hard summerites who put your smokey companion to good use this year, we have some tips on how to make sure it’s ready for the challenge come Springtime.

Clean It

Over the course of a summer your grill can accumulate a lot of buildup that will harden over time, making it more difficult to clean the longer you wait. The best way to make sure you’re grill is clean and ready, is to take it apart and clean each individual part with hot soapy water. This may seem tedious, but it will save you a lot of time and headache in the long run. If food particles are left in the grill, it may lead to a critter problem, and the last thing people want to eat is cooked critters.

Dry It

Making sure the grill is dry is just as important as cleaning it. Even if your grill claims to be rust-proof, any amount of water will likely damage it over time. If you live in a humid climate, a special moisture-absorbent cover can be purchased to reduce the likelihood of water damage.

Detach and Store Propane Tanks

This is especially important, as propane tanks can cause accidental fires. For maximum safety, completely detach your propane tank from your grill, turn the valve to the off position, and store the tank in a ventilated area. You may store the tank outside, but if your location is prone to extreme weather conditions this may damage the tank.

Store It

The best way to store your grill is by putting it inside, where it will not be exposed to the elements. If you don’t have room in a garage or in your home and must leave the grill outside, cover it with a waterproof cover or take it apart for easier storage. Even if it’s an enclosed balcony or terrace, give your grill as much protection from the elements as possible to ensure it will be ready to go for Spring.

Photo Credit: pegwinn via Flickr