The winter season can see us neglecting our gardens, and more so our outdoor equipment and furniture. When it’s colder, the last thing you want to do is to be outside as we desire warmth and to enjoy our garden in the sunshine, once it comes back round.
However, as great that it is to avoid the cold temperatures, your equipment outside unfortunately cannot, until the warm season kicks which risks it becoming unusable by this time because build-up of residue that occurred during the winter period. The harsh weather can cause havoc on any items left outside, especially your barbecue. If you want to make sure you can continue to flip those burgers and sizzle those sausages, keeping on top of the upkeep of your barbecue is essential. Here, we will look at the best ways to clean your cooking utensil so that it is fit and ready for action when the weather picks up.
Turn the heat on
First things first, is the BBQ grill which can mostly be forgotten because we prioritize cleaning tongs and equipment. If this sounds like something you have done, and you have left the dirt stagnating for months on, then start up your barbecue – just minus the food! By having an intense heat, this will burn off a lot of the most stubborn lingering food pieces and make it easier to rid those still clinging on.
Clean the grill
After the heat has loosened or burnt off any residue, it’s time to scrub the grill – of course, once it’s cooled down. With a wire-bristled brush, scrub over your grill, just as you would with your oven’s version. To avoid any damage to your equipment, it’s recommended that you use a brass-bristled brush. However, don’t fear if you don’t have one of these to hand. Simply screw up a ball of aluminum foil and use this instead.
Once you’ve done that, get a bucket of soapy water at hand. Again, just as you would with your kitchen utensils, clean it with a dishcloth. If you find that the grime is too stubborn, it may be worth investing in some household cleaning products. Just make sure it’s specially designed for the job, otherwise you may find it’s too abrasive and toxic.
Clean the grill burners and lids
Once the grill is sparkling from your cleaning, next comes the rest of the equipment which shouldn’t take as much effort to clean. However, you still need to dust down inside your barbecue, using soapy water where necessary.
For any gas bbqs that have food trapped in the burners, you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s manual that you got with it. This will tell you the best way to extract it. Make sure that no matter what is recommended, you’ve turned off your barbecue before you make an attempt.
My Barbecue has a ‘clean’ setting
Some BBQs come with a ‘cleaning’ setting. While this is a good place to start, it certainly shouldn’t replace a manual clean. Yes, it does burn off certain particles, but it’s not a substitute for regular cleaning.
Every cooking compartment should be cleaned after using it and the head deflectors should be cleaned every couple of uses. You should also plan in an annual clean and disassemble each part to give it a thorough clean. Before putting your utensil back together, allow each component the time to thoroughly dry so that dampness doesn’t affect your product when left to sit.
Keep it covered
The last step after finishing your cleaning spree, would be to cover the BBQ. Doing so will keep it in the best possible condition until you want to use it again. While it may seem like a fiddly job and is often overlooked, this will help to protect your barbecue from all the elements Mother Nature may throw at it.
Each BBQ model comes with Its own model, so you can find one that best suits yours. Of course, this will be an added cost however, it will prolong the life of your BBQ. This is because it will help you to avoid any unnecessary rust from occurring.
However, every BBQ is different and has its own instructions to follow. But, if you follow this guide, you will be well on your way to ensuring the cleanliness of your piece and your barbecue will be ready for use when the sun makes its next appearance.
Sources
https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-should-i-clean-my-grill-1900617
https://www.idealhome.co.uk/care-and-cleaning/how-to-clean-a-bbq-170977
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