One of the main reasons why BBQ grills tend to have a shorter lifespan than they should is that many people don't know how to clean a BBQ grill after using it. In many cases, we tend be lazy when it comes to cleaning the grill after a cookout in the backyard.

Instead of cleaning off the food remains on the BBQ, a lot of us just take one look at the dirty grill and think that we can always do the job the next day. Unfortunately, not everyone is reliable when it comes to keeping such promises, so we end up putting the BBQ grill into the storage room without even bothering to clean it up.

And before you know it, your barbeque gas grill simply isn't working. And the real downside to these circumstances is the ultimate effect on the taste of your next piece of meat if the grill remains dirty.

Since replacing a BBQ grill can be quite costly, we should all learn to be more careful when it comes to maintaining a grill. It's not difficult to clean the BBQ grill after using it. In fact, it takes only a few minutes to clean the grill, air dry it and it put it away.

Here are some easy steps that should help keep your grill working longer.

Food particles tend to cling to the grill while cooking. To remove this food debris from the grill, wait until the grill has completely cooled down and then brush it with a stiff wire brush. Clean the interior part of the grill thoroughly. Don't use soap and water to clean the interior of the grill, since the residue will leach into your food.

When cleaning the grate, first detach it from the BBQ and then give it a good wash with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach as you clean up the burned bits that are stuck on the grill.

To remove stubborn food particles, soak the grate for a few minutes and then methodically brush it to remove the food particles. Rinse thoroughly, then air dry the grate before putting it back inside the grill.

Make a habit of covering up your BBQ grill or putting it in a sheltered location so it doesn't begin to rust.