If your gas grill has been out in the weather, it probably doesn't look as good as it did when it was new. It might even look so embarrassing that it keeps you from inviting friends over for a barbecue. Fortunately, you can make it look like new again without too much trouble. If you've done much cooking with your grill, the inside may be greasy and dirty. To clean it, you'll need a commercial barbecue cleaner and a little elbow grease. Look for a product that is environmentally safe. Take the unit outside, and set it over a tarp. Spray barbecue cleaner onto the greasy areas in the cabinet, and allow it to soak in. Then put on safety glasses and rubber gloves, and scrub the cabinet with a wire brush. Wipe away the residue, and repeat the procedure until the cabinet is clean. If the metal grill inside has become rusty, you can replace it with a new porcelain grill. Porcelain is easier to clean and less likely to rust. Be sure to get the correct size for your barbecue. If your barbecue isn't getting as hot as it used to, you probably need new lava rocks, which help radiate the heat evenly. The rocks last about 12 to 18 months and should be replaced every year. If the side burner cover or the bottom of the barbecue has gotten rusty, you can easily clean and renew it. First, scrape off any rust flakes, and sand the metal smooth with 100-grit sandpaper. Remove as much rust as you can, and wipe up the dust with a rag. Then use a sponge or brush to apply a coat of rust-destroying compound and primer. The primer will make a big difference (figure A). The wood rack on one side of your grill has probably oxidized and turned gray. An easy way to renew the look of your wood rack is to remove the boards and turn them upside down (figure B). Sand the wood smooth, and secure them in place with screws. If the wood is badly damaged, replace it with boards from a lumber store. If the exterior of your barbecue cabinet has oxidized, you can clean and repaint it. First, scour off as much of the oxidation as possible with a strong scouring pad. Wipe off any dust, and cover all the areas you don't want to paint. Put on a dust mask and safety glasses, and spray the cabinet with heat-resistant paint. When you're done, the barbecue will look like new again You can reduce the amount of time you have to spend on cleaning by using a cover to protect your barbecue from the elements.
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