FSM 387: Cleaning Your Gas BBQ Grill – A Quick Checklist for Food Safety

Transcript [Music] I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension. Your gas grill will likely need a good cleaning before you cook out this summer. Start with a safety reset by using these guidelines to keep your family safe. • Clear away spiderwebs which may cause a flare-up. • Using a mixture of water and dish soap, spritz the gas line. Look for bubbling indicative of a leak. Repair. • Clean grates, covers on burners, grease and drip trays with hot, soapy water, rinse and air dry. • Weber, the largest grill manufacturer in the United States recommends a 14-minute preheat. Heated food debris turns to ash, easier to brush off. Avoid wire bristles which may break off. Instead use crumpled aluminum foil, or brushes with heat-resistant bristles, frequently inspecting them for wear. Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute. I’m Susie Craig. [Music] Resources United States Department of Agriculture. Press Release 5/13/25. USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines for Your Summer Cookout. www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/05/13/usda-serves-food-safety-guidelines-your-summer-cookout. Accessed online 3/1/26. Hope, Paul. Consumer Reports. How to Maintain Your Gas Grill. https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/grills/how-to-maintain-your-gas-grill-a1221030268/. Accessed online 3/1/26.