So you've just cooked the most awesome barbeque meal ever and are sitting back enjoying the fruits of your labor when you realize there is a nagging feeling at the back of your mind. Soon, the evening is drawing in and friends are leaving and you just want to kick back and enjoy the game on TV. But that nagging feeling won't go away. Your grill is calling - it "wants" to be cleaned. It "needs" to be cleaned.

Now at this stage you can make a decision. You can ignore that nagging feeling and your grill will still be there tomorrow. Watch the game and forget about it. The other choice you can make is to spend a few minutes to clean the thing and then you won't have to think about it tomorrow. Not only that, but by removing all the grease and fat, you will reduce the amount of dirt and potential rust that can damage the grill. Invariably stepping up now to maintain the bbq will ensure that your investment will last you longer.

Regardless of which grill you have (gas, electric, charcoal or smoke barbecue grill) there are some aspects of grill maintenance that are standard. While you should check with the manual that came with the grill for specific cleaning requirements the following tips should hold for most post-cooking grill cleaning situations.

You will need the following items which can be found in most households. A brass wire grill brush, steel wool pads, mild dish soap, sponge or dishcloth, spray cooking oil, dry baking soda and aluminum foil.

Brushing is the first place to start and you can do this almost straight after cooking as the longer you leave the food the harder it will be to remove. Use the brass wire grill brush to dislodge any greasy build-up on the grill top. Leaving this on the grill is one of the worst things you can do as it harbor rust-promoting elements.

Remove the excess gunk making sure there is nothing left on the surface. Wait until the cook top is cool (very important) and then use the cooking oil spray to lightly cover the cook top with a thin layer of oil. This will "seal" the grill and ensure no rust is allowed in. But you must ensure the grill is cool as if you do this while it is still hot it may ignite and cause damage to you and the grill.

Apply Baking soda and scrub with a sponge or dishcloth to areas that you can't access with a wire brush. The baking soda will give it an extra shine and lastly rubbing surfaces down with aluminum foil will remove the last remnants of grime.

Taking some time to clean your grill can help you maintain your investment in the appliance and ensure it will be ready to cook for years to come.