bbq

No matter where you live in the country, this is the season when most people start firing up their grills for family barbecues and gatherings. Before you start, though, read Cabela’s (a leader in outdoor gear) five easy steps to ensure your barbecue is spotless and ready to take on grilling season.

Heat it up

Preheat the grates of the barbecue for at least 10 minutes. You want to get them super-heated. This burns off any leftover food and oil.

Scrub-a-dub-dub

Using a stainless steel coil brush or tin foil, scrub the barbecue grates to remove any remaining bits. It might take some time, but it’s well worth it.

Oil it down

You could use a cooking spray when the burners are off, but the best method for oiling your grill is to dab a paper towel in some oil and rub it on the grill using tongs. As the oil bakes in, it creates a semi-permanent protective coating.

Dump it

Get rid of any ash at the bottom of your barbecue. It can collect moisture, which could lead to rust.

Wipe it

Don’t forget about the outside! Wipe down the exterior of your barbecue, as grease builds up over time. Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of water and clean the entire outside of your barbecue. If you want to go even further, purchase a weatherproof cover to keep it protected all year round.