Pull off the grates. Yank out the burners. Dump the lava rocks or ceramic briquettes. Yes, you have to touch them.
Throw them on newspaper or an old tarp. This is surgery, not a picnic. Safety first—wear gloves unless you want rusty splinters in your palm.
Fun fact: some people use sandpaper for this step. Sandpaper is a coward. You need a wire brush or steel wool. Go with the wool—it’s sheep-like and aggressive.
