Barbecues are a favourite at family functions, birthdays, and events like engagements and weddings. Frequent use of a barbecue can lead to grease build-up and unpleasant odours. Knowing how to clean a BBQ grill is essential for food safety. Here is a step-by-step guide to DIY barbecue cleaning.

Reasons for Cleaning Your BBQ

During summer, it’s great to gather with friends and enjoy warm weather with delicious, spicy meals. Sometimes, when you open your barbecue, it might look messy from frequent use. Cleaning it not only restores its appearance but also ensures your food tastes fresh. Don’t worry about cleaning—just follow the steps carefully.

1. Prepare all the tools

Tools required for cleaning should be gathered for your convenience and also for quick work:

  • Grill brush: Used to clean the BBQ grill.
  • Grill scraper: Used for scraping off food debris and sticky residue.  
  • Sponge: Used for thorough cleaning after scraping debris from the grill.  
  • Microfibre cloth: For smooth cleaning after using the sponge.
  • Cleaning spray: To clean the tough grease and food that piles up during cooking. 
  • Bucket: One bucket can hold cleaning solutions, while another can be used to organise tools.
  • Ash vacuum: Extracts ash produced during cooking.
  • Spatula: Extract the extra sticky substances from the BBQ with a spatula. 
  • Dishwasher: Used to clean removable parts such as drip pans, burners, and thermometers. 
  • Baking soda: For the smooth removal of BBQ, baking soda is used to collect the debris.

Step-by-step guide on cleaning BBQ 

Step 1: Disconnect and cool

First, disconnect the BBQ and let it cool down to prepare for cleaning. Let it cool down completely to avoid burns or potential injuries.

Step 2: Remove the grill and detachable parts

Remove detachable components for easy cleaning, use a sponge to rub them, and clean them gently.

Step 3: Pre-soak in soapy, warm water

Soak in warm water to get rid of stains, grease, and stains of oil for almost 10-20 minutes for complete cleansing of BBQ grills, dishes, stoppers, frypan, and other components.

Step 4: Clean the grates

Grates can become dirty after use. To clean:

  • Apply the dishwasher on the grates of the BBQ
  • Use vinegar and baking soda for the removal of fungi if any.

 Step 5: Clean the interior of the BBQ

  • Dip a sponge in warm, soapy water and scrub the interior surfaces of the barbecue.
  • For tough spots like grease, oil, or stains of chutney or sauce pour some dishwasher or vinegar for cleaning.  

Step 6: Wash out and dry

  • Wipe down the barbecue with a microfibre cloth, removing any leftover debris.
  • Dry all parts thoroughly to prevent rust or moisture build-up.

Step 7: Reassemble all parts in their correct positions

Reassemble the removable equipment of the BBQ in their fixed positions for proper functioning for the next use. Such as grates, dishes, grill grates, burners, and side shelves.

Useful tips for cleaning

1. Wait until the barbecue has cooled to prevent burns.

2. Use two or more sponges for better cleaning.

3. Use gloves for cleaning.

4. Do exterior cleaning for more cleanliness.

Frequently asked questions

Q 1: Does my BBQ remain safe and sound after cleaning?

Yes! Cleaning has nothing to do with the safety of BBQ, cleaning is only for sanitary requirements.

Q 2: Do all the tools need to be metallic? 

No! It all depends on the type of equipment you use, both metallic and non-metallic for different purposes.

Q 3: Is this cleaning task done by one?

Yes! One person can clean it, but having two people can make the task quicker.

Q 4: Is everyday cleaning important?

Cleaning every day is important to avoid any hazards and difficulties of monthly or yearly cleaning.

Conclusion

Cleaning a barbecue is an important household chore because of the use of grills for making meat more often than any other appliance so regularly cleaning it increases the life span of BBQ grills. For Australians, how to clean a barbecue is a common question, especially as the warm season approaches, as the warm season approaches, grilled meat with sauces and dips becomes a popular choice. To maintain the requirements of the warm season, firstly it is compulsory to clean the machine. In the backyards, most of the Australian has BBQ grillers. Therefore, proper maintenance is essential.

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