How to clean a BBQ the best way

Our expert advice on how to clean a BBQ includes everything you'll ever need to know about keeping your barbie spick and span.

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With UK temperatures soaring and solar-powered people ready to cook up a storm on their barbies, how to clean a BBQ after you've grilled your burgers and bangers is a good question.

What's the best way to spruce it up after you remove the cobweb-infested waterproof sleeve it's been hiding under for the last 11 months? What if you don't have a waterproof sleeve and it's rustier than a nail in a monsoon?

Read on for all you need to know about BBQ cleaning. Our expert advice on how to clean a BBQ includes everything you'll ever need to know about keeping your barbie spick and span.

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The best way to clean a BBQ

There are several good ways to clean a barbeque, depending on the level of grime and the make of your grill.

However, there's one tool every serious grill master needs in their arsenal, and that's the humble wire brush.

Want to know how to clean with a BBQ wire brush? We're glad you're curious. Here's how to use this handy tool for various cleaning tasks.

How to clean a BBQ grill with a brush

Most grill enthusiasts put their meat straight onto the barbeque, which is what gives your food all that lovely extra flavour.

However, with great taste comes great grease, and grills are particularly prone to grease burns, burnt fat, and caked-on food residue.

• Most cleaning tools aren't fit to tackle this kind of stubborn grime

• A metal or stainless steel wire brush can often be enough

Let your BBQ cool down (but not completely) before you get started, then scrub the surface with your wire brush to remove any residue.

You can create your own DIY cleaning paste by mixing these ingredients:

• Baking soda

• Salt

• A few drops of water

Afterwards, apply your mixture to the grill and leave to soak for 15 minutes. Then, scrub using your wire brush and follow it up with a sponge or cloth until your grill is sparkling again.

Dry with a paper towel or leave it to air dry in the summer heat.

How to clean a BBQ griddle/plate

Plates and griddles are used over BBQs to cook food that needs an even heat distribution, such as vegetables, eggs, halloumi etc.

BBQ griddles or plates are usually flat, smooth, and removable, and therefore require a slightly different (yet easier) cleaning method:

1. Remove your griddle/plate after you've finished cooking immediately

2. Fill up a bucket with warm soapy water

3. Place the griddle or plate straight into the bucket

4. Use a sponge with a scouring side to thoroughly clean the surface

5. Use a stronger scourer if needed

6. For more stubborn stains, add a measure of laundry powder to the water and leave the griddle to soak for an hour

7. Scrub again, rinse, and dry

Whether you're simply looking for BBQ cleaning services, or inspiration for brick barbeques or dedicated areas for summer entertaining, we're here to help.

Cleaning a BBQ after use with natural methods

Although household products and chemical cleaning agents are used to clean stubborn grime, there are several natural hacks you can try to clean your BBQ after use.

Let's look at how to clean a BBQ grill naturally.

Method one: Spray on a vinegar solution

1. Add a cup of vinegar to a spray bottle and top it up with water

2. Generously spray the mixture over your grill once it's cooled down and leave to soak

3. Then, instead of using a wire brush, screw up some aluminium foil and rub the ball across your grill

4. This should scrape the grime right off!

Method two: Steam your grill

1. Fill up a metal, heat-proof tray with water

2. Boil it on the grill with the BBQ lid shut (the steam should dislodge the grease)

3. Turn off the gas and wear some gloves so you can immediately use a scrubbing brush or scourer

4. If needs be, remove the griddle and hotplates and pop them in your dishwasher

Method three: Use beer as a natural cleaning agent

While your grill is still warm (and the gas is off), pour on half a bottle of beer, coating the greasy grates.

The effervescence and alcohol will break down any oil or grease stains, making them easy to scrub off with a wire brush.

Or avoid this method and drink the beer instead, up to you!

Method four: Try an onion

Onions are complex with layers and enzymes that break down oil, grease, and fat. Simply cut a white onion in half, stick it on the end of your fork, and rub it all over your warm grill. Repeat until the grill is easy to clean with your wire brush.

How to deep clean a BBQ

When people want to know how to clean a BBQ after winter, it's usually because it's suffering from rust. However, this method is good to use on any BBQ you want to deep clean.

How to clean a bbq grill with rust

Humidity, rain, and general wear and tear all contribute to the corrosion of steel or cast iron plates. Although rust is preventable with waterproof sleeves, maintenance and some special coatings, sometimes it's unavoidable.

Keep in mind that harsh chemicals aren't a good idea due to the fact you're cooking on a BBQ and don't want to run the risk of ingesting potentially poisonous substances.

Before you get started, add the following items to your arsenal:

• Wire brush

• Metal scraper

• Baking soda

• Cooking oil

• Paper towels

• Grill stone cleaning block

Once you're equipped, follow these steps:

Step one: Fire up the BBQ

Let your grill and plates heat up to help loosen any dirt. Leave for around 20 mins until it's up to temperature, then turn off the gas and leave to cool slightly.

Step two: Use your metal tools to remove corrosion

While the plate is bone-dry, use your wire brush and scraper to scrape off as much rust and dirt as possible. When you're done, wipe down the surface with a paper towel to remove the debris.

Step three: Repeat if there's still a lot of corrosion left on the plate

Consider adding some baking soda, which will bubble up and help dislodge more stubborn areas of rust. Once the fizz stops, turn off your BBQ and scape down the grill again.

Step four: Rub on some cooking oil

Pour some cooking oil (any brand will do!) on the grill and/or plate and rub with a stone cleaning block. This should remove all traces of rust.

Step five: Wipe down the surface

Use your paper towels to wipe down the surface to reveal a rust-free grill ready to welcome food. If there's any leftover rust, simply add more cooking oil, scrub, and wipe down again.

How to clean a BBQ with mould

Getting rid of mould on your BBQ doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a thorough, safe approach.

Start by mixing a mild bleach solution (around ¼ cup of bleach to 4.5 litres of hot water) and scrubbing affected areas with a sponge or scouring pad. For stubborn patches, let the solution sit briefly before rinsing well.

If you’d rather avoid harsh chemicals, a baking soda paste works well as a more food-safe option. Spread it over the mouldy surfaces, leave it for about 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Whichever method you choose, always finish by rinsing thoroughly and heating the BBQ to burn off any residue.

Simple steps to remove mould from your BBQ

• Remove grates and loose debris before cleaning

• Use a bleach solution or baking soda paste, not both together

• Scrub thoroughly, paying attention to corners and joints

• Rinse everything well with clean water

• Dry completely to prevent moisture build-up

• Heat the BBQ afterwards to eliminate lingering residue or odours

To help avoid mould returning altogether, consider setting up an outdoor kitchen with a dedicated cleaning station, making regular maintenance easier and reducing moisture build-up around your BBQ.

Cost to build an outdoor kitchen

Thinking of treating yourself to an outdoor kitchen? Studies have shown that building an outdoor kitchen could add value to your home. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of that summer sun, whether you’re hosting family and friends or simply enjoying getting closer to nature. Here, we’ve outlined the typical cost to build an outdoor kitchen.

Learn more

Why it is easier to get a tradesperson in

Keeping your BBQ clean can be a messy, time-consuming job. However, it’s essential for safe, great-tasting food and reliable performance.

With Checkatrade, finding a trusted BBQ cleaning specialist is quick and easy. Simply enter your postcode in the search to connect with checked and reviewed trade professionals who can get your grill summer-ready.

It will save you time while ensuring your BBQ is cleaned safely and thoroughly.

Why hire a professional BBQ cleaning specialist?

• Removes stubborn grease, burnt-on food, and carbon build-up

• Improves food taste and hygiene

• Helps your BBQ heat more evenly for better cooking results

• Saves you hours of scrubbing and effort

• Extends the lifespan of your grill

When you book through Checkatrade, you can do so with confidence.

Every member is vetted, and reviews are checked for authenticity - so you know you’re hiring someone reliable.

That means peace of mind that the job will be completed to a high standard, helping you enjoy your BBQ safely all season long.

FAQs

Do you need to clean a BBQ after every use?

Absolutely! To increase your BBQ's longevity, clean it down and scrape off any dirt every time you use it.

How often should you deep clean a BBQ?

It depends on how much it's used. If you're throwing shrimp on the barbie every day, a weekly deep clean is advised.

What's the best thing to clean a BBQ with?

Grill cleaning stones and wire brushes are the best tools to use, while BBQ cleaners and the natural methods listed here are great cleaning agents.

Can you clean a BBQ with a pressure washer?

Most residential power washers on a low setting are great for cleaning your BBQ. However, think 'safety first' and test the power setting against a wall before you blast your BBQ.

If you do opt to power wash your BBQ, make sure you thoroughly dry it afterwards to avoid rust.

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