Spring has finally sprung and it’s time to fulfil those cravings of barbecued burgers, bangers and buns, hooray!

It’s been a long time since we saw our glorious barbecue, so it’s probably been gathering dust and dirt in the shed. This step-by-step guide will get it looking shiny and new and ready for the long-awaited spring and summer months. So, follow this guide to get our barbecue prepped and ready for when the sun finally comes out to play!

Step 1: Crank up the Heat

There are probably still some burnt-on food left overs lingering around from last year’s barbecuing! To soften and make them easier to clean, turn on your barbecue or light some fresh coals and leave it to reach a high heat.

Step 2: Get Steamy

Allow your barbecue to cool slightly but, while it’s still warm, cover the grill with damp newspaper. Close the lid and leave it for around half an hour for a deep steam clean.

Step 3: Use Your Elbow Grease

Now for the real cleaning! Using a wire brush, scrub away any remaining food particles. Then, with a specialised  BBQ cleaner and a dishcloth, wipe down the grill until it’s sparkling clean. Tip away any leftover ash from the base into a bucket as it will collect moisture and be harder to clean if left.

Step 4: Get the Racks Out!

Now your barbecue is looking gleaming, it’s time to clean up the racks! Usually soaking them in a bowl of warm water and washing up liquid should do the trick. If they need more of a deep clean though, try soaking them for a few hours or overnight with a specific racks cleaner.

Step 4: Make it Shine

Using a fresh cloth and warm, soapy water, wipe down the exterior. If your barbecue is stainless steel, use a specialist cleaner and wipe in the direction of the grain to maintain the colour and shine. A good trick to protect the outside of your barbecue is to give it a light coating of baby oil. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to keep it outside all summer.

Step 5: Minimise Future Cleaning!

Next time you fire up your barbecue, give it a coating of sunflower oil before you start. This will prevent food from sticking to the surface. A barbecue hotplate liner is also a great tool for keeping your barbecue clean and prevent food from sticking to the grill.

Step 6: Cover Up

It may seem like a lot of hassle, but using a barbecue cover after each use will protect it from elements and save you from the dreaded cleaning chore in the future!

While you’re in the cleaning mood, why not check out our tips on how to clean your gardening appliances ready for the big mow!

Happy BBQ’ing!

Tags: BBQ advice, Garden Appliances