When you're carrying items out to the grill, pile them on a cookie sheet with a lip on it, this will keep things from slipping around and if you spill something it will end up on your sheet and not on your grill or patio!
Keep a spray bottle filled with water on hand. if you have any flare ups you can quickly put them out so they don't leave a bunch of soot on the inside lid of the grill.
When you've finished grilling something, close the lid of the grill and leave it on high for several minutes. This will burn off drips and residue.
Once that's done, turn off the grill, and use a grill brush to scrub the burned residue off of the grates.
Once your grill has completely cooled you can use a soapy steel wool pad to clean any soot and residue from the inside cover.
You should also be sure that you clean up any drips from the outside of the grill and any prep area it might have. A lot of marinades have ingredients that can corrode the grill if its left there long!
Finally, invest in a grill cover to protect your grill from the elements and the animals. Just be sure it's cool before you put it on. I'm Mrs. Fixit and it's just that simple.
