Those summer BBQs can quickly go south if good grilling practices are ignored this summer.

With the summer grilling season upon us, Caitlin Mellendorf at the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties indicates you want to start by making sure all of that grilling equipment is cleaned out and ready for the new season - especially if you haven't used it yet this year.

Sometimes grill grates can be tricky to get clean all the way and Mellendorf has a few suggestions of how to make sure you get those properly and thoroughly cleaned out.

Other tips from Mellendorf include making sure all cooking surfaces are cleaned and utensils are washed - especially if they are going to be used across different food preparations. 

Visit extension.illinois.edu for more on the summer grilling season with Mellendorf and other Extension educators.