As the colder season approaches, it might be time to give your barbecue a deep clean—specifically, so you don’t have to fight with last year’s grease again next year. After all, keeping your BBQ in tip-top shape is the little-known secret to grilling success.

Keeping up with overall BBQ maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore. To make your life easier, after use, make sure to burn off any food residue before cooling down your BBQ—this will reduce food build-up. It’s pretty easy: just set your meat aside to rest and crank up the heat for 10–15 minutes to burn off any leftover grease and food.

To get a really good scrub in, it’s time to call in the big guns! Grab your wire brush and put some elbow grease into it. After a good scrub, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water to help break down more of that stubborn build-up.

For build-up as old as the BBQ itself, it’s time to step it up a notch. We’ll let you in on a little secret—the Britex Spot ‘n’ Stain packs some serious grime-fighting power. Generously spray all affected areas, agitate the grease with your wire brush, and watch the magic unfold. To finish, rinse with water and dry with a paper towel to pick up any lasting grease.

Becoming a grill master isn’t without its responsibilities. Once you’ve given the grill and grates a full wipe-down, check that your burners and vents remain clear to keep airflow strong and those flames even. Finally, now that those grates are sparkling, rub them down with a bit of oil to prevent rust so you can get the best cook every time.