The summer season means added strain on the backyard grill, and it can be a little intimidating when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the barbeque. Aaron Kligerman stopped by Cityline to share some of his must-know tips.

First off, for basic cleaning, no chemicals are needed. Stay away from chemical degreasers and synthetic oven cleaners. Manufacturers usually offer really good warranties on their barbeques, and chemical degreasers often automatically void the warranty altogether. All you need is a bucket, soap, water, and elbow grease.

Inspecting your BBQ: 

– Location, location, location: Ensure you are away from all things explosive, cars, umbrellas, awnings, house siding, where kids play, etc.

– Check your burners: Ensure there are no cracks or holes.  Holes can meld together, presenting a fire hazard.  Burner holes need to be clear of grease and debris.

– Grills should be clean: That means making sure there is no rust, chipping or corrosion to the grill surface.  It’s crucial that you keep all food off of the grills by washing them after several uses.

– Keep a spare set of grills on hand: If you’re having a party and you’re cooking with different types of meat, or have vegetarians, you’ll want to keep them separated.

– Verify that your hoses don’t have holes, spider bite marks, or burns: Spiders can often nest in the hoses which can block gas flow, potentially causing an explosion.

– Always make sure your knobs and fuel are all turned off when not in use. 

– Don’t forget the drip pan and tray: Keep these clean and free of debris as well.  If not, over time they will cause rust, corrosion, and holes.

As long as you remember to frequently clean your barbeque, you will avoid buildup and worst of all, trouble with fire or explosions.