Old grills are remarkably resilient, and with a little tender, loving care, most can be cleaned up for the new season. Before you invite the neighberhood over for a barbecue blowout, take this simple steps to get ready.

For gas grills:

• Make sure you have no new winter tenants — mice, hornets, etc. — living in your grill.
• Check the burners (where the flames come out) to ensure there is no blockage. If some of the little holes are blocked, simply unclog them with a pin.
• Make sure the on/off valves turn freely.
• Replace the drip pan underneath the firebox.

For charcoal grills:

• Clean out any remaining ashes.

To clean the grate:

• Before cooking, preheat a propane grill for 15 minutes, then scrub the grate with a wire grill brush. If you're using charcoal, lay your hot coals in the grill and immediately put the grate on. Heat for about 10 minutes, then scrub with the grill brush. The heat will loosen burnt-on food and sterilize the grate.
• After cooking, leave the propane on for another 15 minutes, then scrape with the wire brush. If using charcoal, throw a few more coals on, if necessary, to keep an additional 15 minutes of heat, then brush again.