NOW that summer is underway and warmer weather is on the horizon, many of us will be keen to enjoy a scrumptious BBQ feast in the garden.
But if it’s been a while since it was last pulled out, then you will need to give the grill a good scrub before anything else.
Many of us will be keen to get the BBQs out now that summer is underway Credit: Alamy
Cleaning experts have shared their top tips to get rid of grime – and all you need is a £1.20 trick Credit: Getty
This is a key step – not only can a dirty surface ruin the taste of your food, but also lead to a number of health-related issues, such as salmonella.
But don’t worry about forking out for special chemicals, this £1.20 trick is the key to getting your grate looking as good as new.
Cleaning experts at Yell have revealed exactly how you can get your BBQ summer-ready with a kitchen staple.
All you need is some baking soda and white vinegar, and then scrub it with aluminium foil.
Digital Editor Josh Boynton shared a step-by-step process on how you can use these to get rid of all the buildup of grime and dirt on your BBQ.
He said: “While specialist cleaners exist, you can often get great results with things already in your kitchen, including baking soda, white vinegar and aluminium foil.
“Remove the grates first, and soak them in warm soapy water for at least 30 minutes.
“While this is soaking, make a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water and apply this to especially stubborn areas inside the BBQ.
“Once your paste is thick, pour some of that white vinegar over the paste – it will fizz and help lift the grease.
“You can then go ahead and scrunch up some aluminium foil and scrub everything until you feel the grime and grease have fully lifted.
“To finish off, rinse everything clean with warm water and dry thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel.
“This approach is not only cost-effective but also avoids harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for households!”
The tips come in perfect time for the summer holidays kicking off Credit: Getty
Josh also revealed how you can restore your rusty BBQ if you’ve had the same one for a few years.
He said: “Rust can make even a sturdy BBQ look past its best, but in many cases, it’s purely cosmetic and fixable right at home.
“The first step is scraping away any loose rust using your wire brush. Once you have removed as much as possible, smooth the area with sandpaper to remove remaining rough patches.
“For external areas, consider applying a heat-resistant paint to improve cosmetic appearance and protect against future rust.
“Inside, lightly coat the metal surfaces with cooking oil and heat the BBQ briefly. This helps create a protective layer against more rust forming.
“Using products that don’t contain harsh chemicals will not only keep your home environment healthier, but also avoid the residue and strong smells they can leave behind once you start to cook.”
However, he warned that there are some key maintenance and safety checks you need to do at home after restoring it.
The expert added: “After the hard work of restoring a BBQ, you want to make sure it is a safe one.
GREASE LIGHTNING
IF you notice your BBQ looking greasy after using it - don't worry, there's another kitchen staple you can use to get rid of it.
The experts have revealed that you can use vinegar and washing-up liquid to get rid of any grease marks on your BBQ.
Josh says: “With an average of 2,000 Google searches per month between May and August, ‘how to get grease off a BBQ’ is a common household issue.
“Left untreated, it can affect both flavour and hygiene, so it is important to do regular cleaning maintenance after each use.
“Cleaning a BBQ after each use is easiest while the BBQ is still warm (not hot), so it stops tough residue from drying into the BBQ surfaces.
“While the BBQ is still warm, brush off any food debris with a grill-cleaning brush or foil.
“Wipe with a cloth that has been dipped in soapy water. Scour any stubborn grease before wiping, but as the surface is still warm, it should glide right off with enough soap.
“For tougher grease, soak the grill in hot water with half a cup of washing-up liquid and a cup of vinegar.
“You can also sprinkle baking soda directly onto the grease before scrubbing after soaking.
“Lightly oil the grates after cleaning – this helps prevent food from sticking and slows down future grease build-up.”
Experts have also revealed how you can restore a rusted BBQ Credit: Alamy
“Taking a few minutes to inspect it properly can not only prevent accidents but also extend the BBQ’s lifespan, saving you money on having to frequently replace it.
“For gas BBQs, inspect hoses for cracks or leaks.
“You can easily do this by applying soapy water and looking for any bubbles when the gas is on.
“For charcoal BBQs, check for any ash build-up and ensure vents are clear for proper airflow to avoid any blockages or build-up.
“An easy, regular maintenance is to make sure you cover your BBQ every time it is not in use.
“It will also help to store it in a dry place, keeping it in good condition all year round.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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