Taking the dining experience outdoors during the spring and summer months is something we look forward to in Canada. The kitchen range starts collecting dust as we move to grilling everything we can on the BBQ. However, with the joys of outdoor cooking, comes the requirement to properly clean your BBQ. It’s a dirty job and it’s time consuming but it’s absolutely necessary and must be done regularly to ensure your family’s health and safety, as well as the optimal performance and life of your BBQ.
Your BBQ is exposed to the outdoors year-round making regular cleaning essential. Rodents, animals and insects frequently use BBQs as a source food and shelter and leave filth, excrement and nests behind. And if that doesn’t convince you, then consider the very real danger of a grease fire. During every use, grease collects and can easily ignite during cooking. There have been numerous reports of homes going up in flames due to grease fires getting out of control. Cleaning your BBQ isn’t just a nice to do, it’s necessary and should be a priority for every homeowner.
Benefits of a Clean BBQ
A clean BBQ represents significant health, safety and cooking benefits.
Eliminates the potential for large grease fires
More sanitary cooking conditions via the elimination of waste from rodents, animals and insects
Improved cooking performance by delivering more even cooking temperatures (eliminating “hot spots”)
How Often to Clean your BBQ
If you use your BBQ year-round, it should be cleaned at minimum twice/year in addition to regular maintenance like emptying the drip pan and grease tray. For spring and summer only BBQers, it’s best to clean your BBQ at the start of the season (BBQs make excellent winter hide-outs for rodents & animals), and empty the grease tray and drip pan frequently.
DIY BBQ Cleaning If you’re up for the task of cleaning your BBQ, set aside 3-5 hours (depending on the size of the BBQ) to complete a proper clean. It’s always a good idea to consult your manufacturer’s cleaning guide as well.
Tools/cleaners:
Rubber gloves
BBQ/Grill degreaser
Nylon scouring pads/brush
Scraper (note that metal scrapers are not advised for porcelain grills)
Tarp
Stainless steel polish
Micro fiber towels
Soap & bucket
Shop vac
Steps:
For gas BBQs shut off/disconnect your gas/propane.
Lay down a tarp over the area where you will be working to ensure that grease does not stain your surfaces.
Remove and spray removable parts including tray & grease pan with degreaser and scrub them with a scouring pad/brush and scrape with scraper where necessary.
Note that scrubbing pads can leave faint scratch marks behind on stainless/chrome/plastic etc. surfaces so be wary of where you use them.
Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and let removable parts soak while you move onto cleaning the firebox and rest of the BBQ.
For heavy grate deposits, you can try soaking in vinegar and baking soda.
Using a shop vac, clean out any loose debris from the inside of the firebox.
Spray the firebox and hood with degreaser and clean.
Clean the lower storage cabinet.
Polish the exterior of the BBQ with stainless polisher and dry with your microfiber towel.
Clean, rinse and dry parts that had been soaking.
Reassemble and enjoy!
What if I don’t have the time or know-how to clean my BBQ?
The good news is that HomeBert can help! Our pros know what products and tools to safely use on each BBQ and will scrub, de-grease, wash, and inspect your BBQ and can assist with necessary repairs to make sure you have an enjoyable grilling experience this summer. BBQ cleaning starts at only $231! If you'd like to get a quote, give us a call or send us an email.
Dave Slater, Co-Founder HomeBert
www.homebert.com
416-986-4617