Nothing beats the smell of firing up the grill in the summertime, but if you don’t take proper care of the equipment, you could end up in a dangerous situation. Follow these tips to ensure that both you—and your food—are safe this season.

Charcoal Grill

• To get the grill ready for the season, use crumpled up pieces of aluminum foil to scrub the grill rack and remove particles or burnt-on food bits.
• Wash racks thoroughly with soap and water before putting back onto the grill.

Gas Grill

• Use a metal scrubbing brush (specifically for use on a grill) to scrape off any debris from grill racks.
• Scrub the rack down with soap and water, and follow up with a layer of vegetable oil to reduce rust.
• Remove the grease tray, and clean thoroughly with soap and water.

Summer grilling safety tips

• Always keep the grill a safe distance from your home (at least ten feet away), and on a level surface to limit the chance of it rolling or falling over.
• Never leave a grill unattended, and be sure to let children know the dangers of getting too close to or touching the grill.
• Be wary of objects that could catch fire resting too close the grill (e.g. plasticware, clothing, etc.).
• If you smell gas at any point during the cooking process, turn off the propane tank immediately and get as far away from the grill as you can.
• Never turn on the propane while the grill lid is closed. This causes gas to build up and could force the lid off the grill in an explosion.
• To properly dispose of charcoal, allow at least 48 hours to cool, and then place the scraps in aluminum foil and throw away in a noncombustible trash bin. If the charcoal is all-natural it can also be used as a great fertilizer for your garden!