5 Essential Prep Tips to Get Your Grill Ready for Warm-Weather Hosting

As the weather begins to warm up, it's time to break out the grill for outdoor entertaining. The beginning of grilling season means meals on the patio, the smells of BBQ in the air, and warm summer nights. But what if you open your grill to find months of neglect have left it dirty, rusty, or inoperable? To help ensure your grill is ready for that first light, follow these five essential prep tips to get your grill ready for warm-weather hosting.

 

5 Steps to Get Your Grill Ready for Grilling Season

Before you marinate the chicken and skewer the veggies, you might want to take a peek at the grill you've been neglecting since last summer. If you find that your grill is unsuitable for cooking, here's how to change that.

1. Clean It Up

Start by thoroughly cleaning your grill following these steps:

1. Remove and empty the grease tray if present, and leave it out while you perform the rest of the cleaning process.
2. Open up all doors, drawers, and lids, and check for any rodents, insects, or other pests, removing them if necessary.
3. Remove any large debris first using a grill brush, and employ a wet/dry vac if necessary to vacuum out any ash or food remnants.
4. Grab a stiff scrub brush and some soapy water (dish soap works well), and start scrubbing all surfaces of the grill to remove any grease or food residue.
5. Rinse off any remaining soap and heat the grill to get it thoroughly dry.

 

2. Check for Fuel Issues and Gas Leaks

If you're having trouble lighting your grill or you actively smell gas while the grill is lit, turn the grill off and check the grill for leaks following this process:

1. Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray all gas hoses, fittings, and lines.
3. Turn on the gas and inspect all areas for any bubbling, which will indicate a gas leak.
4. If necessary, replace or repair the parts that are leaking.

If you notice that your propane tank is leaking even when its turned off, place the tank away from your house and contact the propane company via the provided number on the tank. In most cases, they will send someone to your house to retrieve the tank and offer you a voucher for a replacement tank.

 

3. Inspect for Rust and Corrosion

Once the grill is thoroughly clean and dried, inspect all surfaces for rust and corrosion. Remove any scaly rust using a wire brush, then sand it down using 220-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and rust-free. Thoroughly clean the areas using water and dry them completely.

For stubborn rust, commercial rust removers and vinegar solutions can be effective for removal.

 

4. Paint Bare Spots with High-Heat Paint

To prevent future rust on non-cooking surfaces, head to your local home improvement store and grab high-heat spray paint. It often has a picture of a grill right on the front. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the high-heat paint and coat all bare-metal non-cooking surfaces.

Remember to only paint grills that are completely dry and free of grease. Anything on the metal will prevent the paint from properly adhering, leading to chipping paint and rust in the future.

 

5. Oil and Season Cooking Surfaces

To protect cooking surfaces from rust and corrosion, follow these steps to season your grill surfaces:

1. Make sure your grill is clean and completely dry.
2. Spray or brush on your favorite cooking oil (high-temp oils work best), wiping off any excess oil so only a thin layer remains.
3. Ignite the grill and run it on high.
4. Run the grill until the oil stops smoking and forms a hard layer on the cooking surface.
5. Let the grill cool.
6. Repeat as many times as you like to add additional layers of seasoning.

It's a good idea to reseason your grill's cooking surfaces yearly or as the seasoning wears away. To help your seasoning last as long as possible, clean your grill and brush on a light layer of oil after every use.

 

 

Source: Sanders, K. (2025, May 4). 5 essential prep tips to get your grill ready for Warm-Weather hosting. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/grill-seasonal-maintenance-tips-11712051