How To Prepare Your Barbeque For Storage
Posted on: 4 January 2017
Your barbeque is a staple of summer life, but during the colder months it can end up taking up a whole lot of space within your home or garage. In order to free up some room in your home, you should consider placing your barbeque into a self-storage unit. However, in order to make sure that your barbeque is still in good working order when you take it out next summer, there are a few things that you should do to prepare your grill for storage.
Remove the Fuel
While it may seem obvious, it is extremely important to remember to remove the fuel source from your barbeque before you put it into storage. Placing a propane or natural gas tank in an enclosed storage unit can be extremely dangerous, as they pose a fire and explosion hazard. If you have a charcoal powered unit, the danger isn't quite as intense, but you should still scoop out any remaining coals from the barbeque before putting it into storage. Empty propane and natural gas tanks can be returned to retailers to be refilled or to get your deposit back.
Clean the Grill
In order to prevent rust and corrosion from setting in and causing structural damage to your barbeque, care should be taken to thoroughly clean the grill and all other parts of your unit which may be covered with grease or contaminants. Use grill brushes to remove food residue from the grill, and polish the exterior of your unit using a mixture of warm water and cleaning detergent with a microfiber rag. Avoid paper towel and course materials for scrubbing smooth surfaces, as they can scratch the finish on stainless steel – and a scratched finish provides the perfect opportunity for rust to find a foothold on your barbeque. After cleaning your barbeque, let it air dry for a few hours before moving it: any moisture that remains could result in rust on the interior of your barbeque.
Cover Your Barbeque
Once you've moved your barbeque into a storage unit, it's a good idea to invest in a waterproof cover or tarp to protect your unit. This can help protect against moisture damage that can occur due to accidental leaks or high levels of humidity, and can also protect against minor scratches and dings which may result if something else within your storage unit falls over and hits your barbeque. A good barbeque cover is a good investment for the summer months as well, as it can help protect against rain and weather exposure during your barbeque's peak usage period.
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