Easy 1 hour

How to Winterize and Store Your Grill

A grill left unprotected through winter will rust, corrode, and attract rodents. An hour of prep in the fall saves hundreds in repairs come spring. Here's the complete winterization checklist.

Grill Wizard — Aussie pitmaster in MinnesotaBy The Grill Wizard · Aussie pitmaster, MN

Last Updated

First Published

ReviewedThis how-to was last reviewed on March 26, 2026.

Tools & Materials

  • Grill brush
  • Warm soapy water and sponge
  • Cooking oil spray
  • Grill cover (fitted)
  • Propane tank (disconnect)

Step by Step

1

Do a final high-heat burn

Run the grill on high for 15 minutes to burn off all food residue. This prevents grease from going rancid over winter and attracting pests.

2

Deep clean everything

Once cool, remove the grates, heat plates, and burner covers. Scrub all removable parts with warm soapy water. Use a grill brush on the firebox interior. Empty and wash the grease trap.

3

Oil all metal surfaces

Spray or wipe a thin coat of cooking oil on grates, heat plates, and any bare metal surfaces. This prevents rust formation during months of storage.

4

Disconnect and store propane

Disconnect the propane tank and store it OUTSIDE — never in a garage or enclosed space. Check the tank for the manufacture date stamped on the collar; tanks expire after 12 years.

5

Cover and store

Reassemble the grill. If storing outdoors, use a fitted, waterproof grill cover. If storing in a garage, stuff steel wool into any openings to prevent mice from nesting inside (they love grill interiors).

Warnings

  • Never store propane tanks indoors — a slow leak in an enclosed space creates an explosion risk.
  • Don't wrap the grill in a tarp instead of a proper cover. Tarps trap moisture and accelerate rust.
  • If your area has spiders, plug the burner venturi tubes with aluminum foil. Spider webs in venturi tubes are the #1 cause of gas grill problems in spring.

How Often?

Once per year before the off-season. If you grill year-round, do a deep clean every 3-4 months instead.

Tools & Products You'll Need

Weber Premium Grill Cover $60

Fitted waterproof cover protects all winter

Check Price

Steel Wool Pads $5

Plug openings to keep mice out during storage

Check Price

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to winterize and store your grill?
Plan on roughly 1 hour from start to finish. It's a beginner-friendly task — no special skills required.
What tools do I need?
You'll need: Grill brush; Warm soapy water and sponge; Cooking oil spray; Grill cover (fitted); Propane tank (disconnect).
How often should I do this?
Once per year before the off-season. If you grill year-round, do a deep clean every 3-4 months instead.
What safety issues should I watch for?
The biggest things to watch: Never store propane tanks indoors — a slow leak in an enclosed space creates an explosion risk.; Don't wrap the grill in a tarp instead of a proper cover. Tarps trap moisture and accelerate rust.; If your area has spiders, plug the burner venturi tubes with aluminum foil. Spider webs in venturi tubes are the #1 cause of gas grill problems in spring.. Read the full warnings section above before starting.
Can a beginner do this?
Yes — this is a beginner-friendly task. Follow the steps in order and you'll be fine the first time.

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