IT’S a sizzler of an Easter weekend, with the nation flocking to stock up on beer, bangers and burgers. But if the idea of wheeling out the long forgotten BBQ fills you with dread, fear not.
Andrew Lovell, from BBQ brand Landmann, reveals his budget-friendly tips on how to get your barbie looking brilliant.
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DIY cleaning spray
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NO need to fork out on an expensive spray to clean your BBQ — use a 50:50 mix of water and white vinegar.
Pour this into a spray bottle, spritz it on to your grill then leave for ten minutes to soak.
Next, empty your spray bottle and fill with pure vinegar, then give the grill another good spray and scrub it.
Another DIY remedy for grease and grime is mixing bicarbonate of soda with a little water. Apply it to stubborn stains, then get scrubbing.
Tool up
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You might think your usual washing up scrubbing brush that you use on your pots and pans will do the job, but it’s unlikely to shift that stubborn muck on your BBQ grill.
Instead, invest in a quality grill cleaning brush that will leave your BBQ gleaming.
It’s best to aim for one with brass bristles and a steel head for firm cleaning.
Pour a cold one
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Got some warm beer left over from the BBQ?
Put it to good use by using it to clean your grill.
While it’s still simmering, pour half a bottle of beer over the greasy grates and watch as it dissolves the leftover fat and oil, making it easier to scrub the grill clean.
A wire brush works best to scrape off the beer mixture but a scrunched up copy of The Sun works too.
A hot tip
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Strike while the irons are hot.
It’s much easier to clean a BBQ before it completely cools.
Ensure it’s safe for you to do so and you aren’t going to burn your hands, then wipe away the mess with a damp cloth straight after you grill while it is still warm.
Bust the rust
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A common problem is to open up your BBQ after the winter to discover rust on your grill.
But all is not lost — simply soak the grill in a mixture of salt and vinegar overnight then wipe clean. Your grill will be looking good as new in no time.
Don’t forget to wipe down the outside too.
Simply use hot soapy water to wipe clean and then buff with a dry cleaning cloth to keep it mark free.
Keeping your BBQ in tip-top condition will help it last longer.
Save your Sun
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After cooking, when your BBQ is still warm, cover the grill with a copy of The Sun which is well-soaked in water.
Next, close the lid and leave it for an hour for it to work its magic.
While you’re tidying the garden or entertaining friends, the wet newspaper will steam the grease away, making it easy to wipe clean.
Use an onion
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This nifty trick won’t leave you crying over a grubby BBQ.
Chop an onion in half and stick a fork or tong in the curved side.
While your grill is still warm, run it over the grill, cut side down.
The water in the onion helps to steam the grime away, leaving you with a glistening grill with minimal effort.
Better still, doing this at the start of a BBQ before adding your meat can add a bit of flavour, though you might need a heat-proof glove as the coals will be hot.
Make a coffee
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After a busy afternoon of BBQ-ing, an uplifting cup of coffee may be in order.
You can actually recycle your coffee grounds by using them to clean your BBQ grill and utensils.
Add a few tablespoons to warm soapy water and watch as the acid in the coffee loosens caked-on grease and dirt, making it easier to wipe away.
Chill that charcoal
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Contrary to cleaning the rest of the grill, you should wait until the charcoal is completely cool before trying to throw it away.
As soon as it’s chilled, empty the ash to save it blowing around your garden if the wind gets up.
Afterwards wipe it clean with a piece of damp kitchen roll.
