My grill lives under back roof on the deck, so it stays pretty clean and I can use all year round, except when it can’t stay hot enough to cook…that is normally when it’s below freezing. I clean the grill grates EVEY time I use it, but when spring rolls around and it’s beautiful outside, I like to give it a good cleanup. I also oil it down with food-grade mineral oil for protection against the elements…so it will last longer. It looks all spiffy now!