Barbecue cleaning: The ultimate guide
Tips for the initial deep clean, and handy hacks for keeping your grill in good condition throughout the summer.
Image: Kärcher
With the rule of six still in place for indoor gatherings, it looks like the garden is set to be the hub of all social activity for the foreseeable future. No more putting it off – it’s time to get on with barbecue cleaning.
Keen to make it a less time-consuming task, the cleaning experts at Kärcher have shared their secret weapon for speeding up your cleaning time. The pressure washer!
The perfect tool for getting your patio or decking clean and sparkling, pressure washers come with a variety of settings to suit an array of cleaning tasks. Kärcher’s entire new range of pressure washers have smart technology – meaning users can control the pressure of the machine using their phone.
So, grab your pressure washer – it’s time to get barbecue cleaning!
1. Sweep away the debris
To start, remove the grill and carefully empty any left-over charcoal ash into a bin. If there’s still some remaining loose debris, then a Wet and Dry Vacuum will come in handy. Don’t have a Wet and Dry Vacuum? Simply use a dustpan and brush to sweep away any excess ash.
2. Wash, wash, and wash again
Set your pressure washer to a medium setting, and spray down your barbecue using a sweeping motion in order to remove ash and any unwanted dirt at the bottom. For mould and dirt that has built up over the winter months, turn up the pressure. Put the BBQ back together and give it a final rinse from the top down, ensuring water doesn’t get trapped in the bottom.
3. Go at the grill
Deal with the grill separately, starting with the pressure washer, before moving on to a steam cleaner (if you have one) to ensure no leftover bacteria. To get the grill sparkling, use a stainless steel cleaner – or make your own equivalent by filling a spray bottle with white vinegar and water in equal measures. Spray it all over the grill, wait for five minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.
Ultimately, the best way to keep your grill in top condition is to make sure you’re properly caring for it throughout the summer. Each time you use the barbecue, give it a good coating in sunflower oil before you start cooking to prevent food from sticking to the surface. When you’ve finished cooking, poor half a bottle of beer onto the grill while it’s still warm. Then, give it a quick once-over scrub with a wire brush to ensure easier cleaning once your guests have left.