If Your Grill Is Looking Worn Down, A Can Of WD-40 Will Make It Good As New

No one wants to cook their backyard BBQ meal on a grill thats appearance is less than appetizing. Because it's an outdoor appliance, the grill can look a little rough through constant exposure to the elements. Even if you use a grill cover, the appliance is still going to need a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. If your grill is looking dingy, you can use versatile WD-40 to remove the grimy layer that accumulates, giving this appliance a like-new refresh that'll have you excited to cook your favorite foods again.

Undertaking maintenance is important for keeping your grill safe and clean all summer. If you don't keep it clean, it could serve as a place for bacteria to thrive. Even though the heat and flame from the barbecue can remove many bacteria, they also can cling to any carbon deposits that you leave on the racks, increasing the possibility of becoming sick after you eat food from the appliance. Additionally, cleaning the exterior of the barbecue helps remove the particles that can lead to corrosion and would shorten the lifespan of the grill. Rusty holes in the exterior, the bottom panel, or gas tubes can cause loss of performance, while also potentially increasing the fire risk. Here's how to use WD-40 to give your grill an effective clean up.

Keeping your grill clean is also important when you are inviting friends over for a party. No one wants to eat food that comes from a barbecue that looks like it's on its last legs. Fortunately, WD-40 works to clean both the interior and exterior, making it look better and operate more efficiently. It's important to note that you should allow the unit to completely cool before spraying WD-40 on it.

If you have a stainless steel rack on the interior of the barbecue, you can spray WD-40 directly on this area to loosen any carbon and other gunk. Then, use a wire brush to clean the racks. Next, start cleaning the exterior of the appliance. Just spray the WD-40 around the outside of the shell. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a dry cloth. You can use the solvent on the remainder of the exterior of the grill as well, helping to clean the legs and the underside of the base, which can be susceptible to rust. Make sure any screws holding the unit together are tight. If any loose screws are rusty and stuck, use the WD-40 to free them so you then can tighten them again.

WD-40 does have a distinctive odor that some people dislike, while others love it. In fact, some companies have experimented with a WD-40-inspired cologne. However, most people probably don't want this odor hanging around while they are trying to cook food on the grill. You have a few options for trying to reduce or eliminate the smell of WD-40 after cleaning the barbecue with it. One easy option is to make use of a low-odor formula — such as their Cleaner & Degreaser — which is also specially formulated for a job like this.

You also can wash the racks with warm water and dish soap to remove the WD-40 residue before you begin cooking on the grill again. After washing and drying them, give them a sniff test — if you still believe you can smell the solvent, another pass with warm water and dish soap should take care of the issue. You also can use warm, soapy water on the exterior of the grill to try to remove any odor associated with using WD-40 in these areas. Be sure to dry the exterior with a cloth before placing the grill cover back over the top to reduce the chances of causing corrosion and rust. If the odor continues to be noticeable for you, try sprinkling some baking soda over the areas that still smell after washing them. Let the baking soda sit for an hour before wiping with soapy, and then clean, water.