At the end of the warm season the grill usually goes into the garage or under a shelter, and in spring it turns up covered in rust and dried grease with wheels that will not turn. A Ukrainian winter of thaws, wet snow and temperature swings is especially hard on metal.
An hour of work in autumn saves a lot of effort in spring: the grill stays clean, dry and protected from corrosion, and the first barbecue of the season does not start with scrubbing the grate.
What you will need
Important: Only work on a completely cold grill. Any surface that touches food must be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water after treatment with WD-40. On a gas grill, close and disconnect the cylinder before cleaning.
Step 1
Clean the grates
Apply WD-40 Multi-Use to the cold grate and leave it for a few minutes: it softens burnt-on grease and carbon. Then scrub with a stiff brush. If dirt remains, repeat.
Afterwards always wash the grate in warm soapy water so no product residue remains, and dry it with a cloth.
Step 2
Clean the body and removable parts
Remove the grate, grease tray, charcoal pan and other removable parts. Scoop out the ash and leftover charcoal: ash absorbs moisture and speeds up rust.
Treat the inner walls and removable parts with WD-40 Multi-Use to dissolve grease and dirt, let it work, then wash off with soapy water.
Step 3
Dry everything thoroughly
Wipe every part with a dry cloth and leave the grill open for a few hours in a dry place. Moisture left in seams and corners will turn into rust over winter, so this step matters for the grill's lifespan.
Step 4
Protect the outer metal from rust
Apply a thin coat of WD-40 Multi-Use to the outer metal surfaces, legs, handles and fasteners and spread it with a cloth. It displaces moisture and leaves a protective film for the winter.
Do not apply it to the grate or food-contact surfaces after washing.
Step 5
Look after wheels and hinges
Treat the wheels, axles, lid hinges and air vent controls through the thin straw of WD-40 Smart Straw. Turn the wheels and move the lid so it works in, then wipe off the excess.
Make sure the grill is completely clean with no product left on cooking surfaces, and put the cover on. A dry indoor space is the best place to store it.
Tip: Do not put a tight cover on a damp grill, as condensation forms underneath. Let the grill dry completely first, and for a long winter leave a small gap for ventilation.
What next
In spring, before the first use, inspect the grill, wash the grate again and fire it up empty for 15 to 20 minutes. If wheels or hinges stick after the winter, WD-40 Multi-Use will free them.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».