Clean the cooking grate before getting cold. It’s easy to clean when the grate is warm because food doesn’t stick to the surface. 2. Rub some oils to the grate after cleaning. It helps to prevent rust and corrosion. 3. Dump all the ashes. 4. Clean the charcoal grate and restore the coals for next time. 5. And finally cover the grill if you have a weatherproof cover