It’s estimated that 99 percent of grill owners grill all year long. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is someone will want to get their grill cleaned. I’ve cleaned grills on December 22nd for Christmas gifts!
Now, let’s bring some reality into this. I clean grills year round. I tell my customers “weather permitting” meaning as long as the temperature is 35-40 degrees, not snowing, windy or raining I can typically clean their grill. I’ve cleaned grills in snow up to my ankles but it’s not fun. I’ve cleaned grills in high winds and hated it. One of the first grills I ever cleaned was in a torrential downpour – I already started and was too far into the job to stop so I had to finish. On a side note; the neighbor saw me in the rain and eventually had me clean his grill – and has been a repeat customer!
I don’t recommend cleaning grills in severe weather because, well, it’s miserable, not fun and it sucks.
High wind or wind in general can cause problems – tarps are tough to lay down and will flap all over the place, paper towels and trash are blown around causing you additional time to chase them down.
Caution: Wind is not your friend! If you decide to clean the grill in windy weather expect to not only fight with your tarp and trash but also any liquid you spray can potentially come back into your face!
Working in the rain is just as bad as working in the wind except your wet. Everything gets wet, your tools, your paper towels, your clothes…everything. The final polish on the grill is what makes the grill really pop and look amazing to the customer. When it rains you can’t put the polish on because it will turn milky and will streak.
Your geographic location has a lot to do with determining if you can work year-round. Warmer climate locations like Florida, Texas and California typically don’t get cold enough to force your business into a seasonal status business. If you live in the northern states or climates where the winter months are long and cold, you may have no choice but to be a seasonal cleaning service.
Cleaning grills means you’re going to be working in the elements, there’s simply no getting around it. You as the business owner will have to monitor the weather and choose what you’re willing to work in.
Don’t let customers convince you to clean their grill just because it’s under a cover. Your safety should always come first, you can always reschedule with the customer for a later date.
