Springtime is quickly approaching and with warmer temperatures just around the corner and thoughts are turning to warm afternoons in the backyard grilling juicy steaks, delicious hamburgers or seasonal vegetables. But you want to make sure you can get the most out of your grill. To make it last and improve its performance, take a few minutes to ensure your grill is clean and ready to go. Your taste buds will thank you!

There are a few things you will want to do before you take the cover off and ­get cooking your favorite cuts of meat. After a long winter in storage—or a winter where you have been grilling throughout the cold—follow a few simple steps to improve the life and performance of your grill.­

Here are five tips for getting your barbecue ready:

1. Clean the searing grids. Soak the cooking grills in warm water and soap before giving them a good cleaning to get rid of the grease and food crust that has been burnt on. Season them for the coming season and get ready from incredible grilled flavors all summer long.

2. Clean the grease cup. The more you use your grill, the more you will have to clean or replace your grease cup. Before firing up your grill, take out the old and put in the new.

3. Scrape off the grease tray. All the grease and food remnants from past meals collect and char on the grease tray. No need to get out the soap and water for this one, but give it a good scrape with a spatula or putty knife to clean off all the bits.

4. Check for leaks. For gas grills, inspect your hose and fittings to ensure everything is in order and that there are no leaks. Do a soap test to be safe: in a spray bottle or small bowl, mix one part water to one part dish soap. Apply the mixture (spritz it or apply with a small brush) to all fittings. Make sure your lid is open and all the control knobs are turned off. Turn on your gas—any growing bubbles are a sign of a leak that needs to be addressed.

5. Clean the igniter and burners. While your searing grids are soaking, remove the heat shields (give them a good scrape as well) so you can run your barbecue brush over the burners. This is also a good time to check your igniter and rear burner to make sure all is in working order.

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Steve Gauci is the Director of Retail Operations at Napoleon Gourmet Grills. Napoleon has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Companies, an annual distinction sponsored by CIBC World Markets, Deloitte, The National Post, Queen’s School of Business and CEO Forum. For more information, please visit www.napoleonproducts.com. Follow Napoleon on Twitter @Follow_Napoleon and Like it Facebook.