Charcoal Grill

• 1). Clean the grate after each use. Wait until the coals have died out and then brush the warm grate vigorously with a wire grill brush. Work the bristles of the brush along the top, bottom and sides of the grate.
  
  
• 2). Remove the grate from the grill after brushing and apply a liberal coating of grease-cutting dishwashing soap to the metal. Gently scrub the metal with a steel wool pad or a green scratchy pad. Once the grate has been scrubbed from top to bottom, rinse it thoroughly and let it dry in open air.
  
  
• 3). Remove coals and ash from the grill bottom after they have cooled completely. Use a trowel or small hand shovel to scoop up the ashes. Transfer them to a metal bucket or old coffee can and discard.
  
  
• 4). Sweep the bristles along the surface of the inside of the grill lid with a wire grill brush. This will knock loose any baked on grease or heavy cooking residue.
  
  
• 5). Wash the body of the grill with warm, soapy water and use a large kitchen sponge to scrub the grill surfaces, both inside and out. Scrub difficult areas lightly with a steel wool pad. Rinse the surfaces to remove any traces of soap and then rub it dry.
  
  
• 6). Cover the grill when it's not in use or place it in a dry location where it will be protected from exposure to the elements. If you choose a plastic material, leave an opening for air circulation to keep the accumulation of moisture on the surface of the grill.
  
  

Gas Grill

• 1). Adjust the heat to high and close the lid after the food has been removed from the grill. This will reduce the food residue to ash. Wait for the smoking to stop then turn off the heat. Brush the warm grill grate with a wire brush.
  
  
• 2). Remove the catch pan after the grill cools. Scrape it with a putty knife to loosen any baked-on debris then wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse the pan and dry it with a clean towel.
  
  
• 3). Wipe down both the interior and exterior of the lid with warm, soapy water and a large sponge to eliminate smoke stains and grease splatter. For difficult stains, apply a steel wool pad and rub gently. Rinse the soap away and thoroughly dry the grill.
  
  
• 4). Brush any Flavorizer Bars with the bristles of a wire grill brush to remove any accumulated debris or ash build up. For baked on or burnt food particles, softly scrape the bars with a putty knife.
  
  
• 5). Clean the exterior surface with warm, soapy water and a large sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Use a steel wool pad to eliminate any large grease spots or stubborn stains.
  
  
• 6). Dry the grill thoroughly and cover it or wheel it to a sheltered location such as a garage or shed so it will not be exposed to any elements.