Outdoor cooking is one of the crowning moments of summer. Grilling is perfect for entertaining at home, the lake, birthday parties, or just because. It is also a fantastic way to spend time outside.

Before firing up the grill, a little bit of grill cleaning is required. Regardless of grill type preference, it must be cleaned to provide a safe, clean meal. No one wants to become sick after eating food from an unclean grill.

What is the best process for cleaning a grill? First, it is important remember that a good cleaning is in order if the grill has not been in use. Just as people need a reboot when the seasons change, so does the grill. Remember that each grill is different, so each needs different care.

Charcoal Grill Cleaning

A charcoal grill that has been sitting for any period will need to be cleaned from top to bottom. The first step to getting rid of old ashes is put on some gloves to remove the grates and set them aside. Ideally, this should be done before winter hits, but sometimes people get busy and cleaning does not happen. Do not burn the old ashes as it will be difficult to clean the grill properly. It could also release harmful chemicals — and if inhaled could cause respiratory issues or a bad smell. After removing the ashes, clean the area with clean hot, soapy water.

Next, it’s time to clean the grill grates. This can be accomplished in a few ways. One practice is scrubbing the grates with a grill brush that has strong bristles to remove food debris. Be sure to use a new, clean grill brush to avoid leaving metal or brush debris behind, as the debris could get into cooked foods. A safer choice would be to use a wood scraper. If the grill brush or wood scraper does not work due to cooked debris and stubborn build up from storage, soak grill grates using a large tub. A large garbage bag is also a great option to use soak the grates. Use a 2:1 solution of vinegar and water before scrubbing. For particularly tough spots, use a ball of aluminum foil to scrub for additional cleaning.

A word of caution: if your charcoal grill has porcelain grates, read the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions. If a manual isn’t available, avoid using stainless steel to scrub. If in doubt, try cleaning a small area that will not disturb or damage the grate. Once the grates are clean, re-season the grates. Using a brush or paper towels, coat the entirety of the interior and both sides of the grates with your choice of oil or fat.

Clean the lid the same way. Do not use oven cleaner or bleach cleaner as it acts as an added chemical that will disintegrate the grill, top and bottom. Plus, it could contaminate food prepared on the grill. Clean the grill after each use and remove ashes often to lengthen the life of the charcoal grill and solidify your nickname as “life of the summer grilling party.”

Grated Gas Grill Cleaning

A gas grill that has been dormant needs to be wiped down on the top exterior with a soft, dry cloth, removing as much dry debris as possible. Do this to avoid a messy cleaning experience. Once the excess debris has been removed, wash it with warm soapy water and a clean cloth. When cleaning the exterior, avoid excess water around the grill switch or starter and the area where the gas will be attached. Check the gas attachment and starter to avoid gas leakage. It is important to avoid damage to these parts of the grill, as it could be dangerous when using the grill. Another area of importance when cleaning a gas grill is remembering to clean the bottom tray or grease pan and other areas where grease may start to build up, causing a fire hazard.

The next step is to remove the grates and clean them with warm soapy water. If the grates need extra care, soak the grates in a 2:1 water and vinegar solution in a large tub or large garbage bag, or prepare a paste using warm water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Apply the mix on the grates, let it soak, then scrub the grates using a putty knife before washing and rinsing.

Once the grates are cleaned, re-season them with a paper towel and a high-heat oil or fat to prevent food from sticking when the cooking process begins. Another way to keep the grill clean is to clean the grates and grease tray area after cooking. Once the grill is cleaned, use a grill cover to protect your efforts.

Flat Gas Grill Cleaning

If you own a flat grill, the cleaning process is a little different. When cleaning the flat grill, let the grill cool down completely. Use a griddle scraper to remove excess from the grill, pushing leftover food into the grease tray. If the grill has not been cleaned properly or sat dormant, use water to remove the food.

Flat grills can rust when they are not maintained. If this happens, use water and a grill pad recommended for flat grills. After thorough cleaning, dry the grill, then re-season it using a paper towel and a high-heat oil or fat for the next use. To keep a flat grill clean after cleaning, cover the grill with the recommended cover.

Regardless of style, remember to keep all grills away from enclosed spaces. Maintain a distance from areas with vinyl siding and other fire hazards. If the smell of gas around a gas grill or gas flat grill becomes strong, turn it off and do not relight the grill or griddle for several hours. While gas fumes are not visible, they are very flammable even after the gas source is turned off or removed.