Easy Guide to BBQ Cleaning: Quick 4-Step Process for Swift Grilling
Cleaning Your BBQ Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the spirit of food hygiene and prolonging the life of your BBQ grill, it's essential to clean it after each use. Here, we've compiled expert advice on how to maintain your BBQ, ensuring it's ready for the next barbecue sesh.
Cleaning a Gas BBQ
- Burn off residue: Heat the BBQ to high for 15-20 minutes to burn off any food particles.
- Scrape the grate: Use a T-brush or barbecue cook box scraper to remove any charred remains.
- Disassemble: Remove the grates, burners, and other removable parts for a thorough clean.
- Clean the outside: Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth and some warm soapy water.
For a deeper clean, experts recommend adding a big BBQ deep clean to your spring cleaning checklist at least once a year, as suggested by Dan Cooper, Head Grill Master at Weber.
Cleaning a Charcoal BBQ
- Wait until the charcoal is completely cool before emptying the ash, but move quickly to prevent any build-up.
- Scrape the grate: Use a metal brush to remove any remaining ash and debris.
- Disassemble: Remove the grates, charcoal grate, and other removable parts for a thorough clean.
- Clean the outside: Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth and some warm soapy water.
Cleaning Tips and Tricks
- Susan Fermor of Dr Beckmann recommends spraying the surface of the grill with warm water, sprinkling baking soda all over, and using a scourer or scrubbing brush to work away the grime.
- Leaving a vinegar and bicarbonate of soda mixture on tough carbon grit on the BBQ for at least ten minutes will help clean it, as suggested by several experts.
- Lynsey Crombie, TV's Queen of Clean, also suggests using an onion to clean BBQ grates. Simply attach half an onion to the end of a BBQ fork and scrub the grates.
- Aluminum foil can be used to remove rust from a stainless steel grill by scrunching up a small ball of foil and rubbing the rust directly to remove the rust patch from the grill.
- Lemons can be used to clean stuck grease and grime on the grill due to their citric acid. Simply squeeze the juice onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Cleaning Patio Slabs
For professional-looking patio slabs, start by removing all furniture and debris, then sweep thoroughly to clear dirt and leaves that cause staining and moss growth. Use a soft-bristle brush and a pH-neutral or stone-specific cleaner, like a mild dish soap solution, for scrubbing. For deeper cleaning, soft washing is recommended to kill organic growth at the root without damaging the slabs or dislodging joint sand.
Safety Checks
Regular safety checks for any damage to the grill structure are essential before use. Inspect hoses and connections for wear to ensure safety.
By following these tips, you'll have a clean and reliable BBQ grill for your next barbecue, and a sparkling clean patio to enjoy it on. Happy grilling!
Maintaining the beauty of your BBQ not only ensures food hygiene but also prolongs its life. A deep clean using baking soda and a scourer, as recommended by Susan Fermor of Dr Beckmann, can work wonders on the grime. For charcoal BBQs, consider using a mixture of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for tough carbon grit. In the realm of health and wellness, Lynsey Crombie's trick of using an onion to clean BBQ grates is both effective and eco-friendly. Seasonal home and garden maintenance includes adding a BBQ deep clean to your spring cleaning checklist, as advised by Dan Cooper. Remember, safety checks for any structural damage to the grill before use are essential for a well-rounded lifestyle.
