BBQ Deep Clean: How to Get Your Grill Ready for Summer

There's nothing quite like the smell of a barbecue on a summer evening. But if your grill has been sitting in the shed since last summer, it's probably caked in grease, carbon and rust. A dirty BBQ doesn't just look bad — it can affect the taste of your food, cause flare-ups, and even be a fire hazard.

Here's how to get your barbecue ready for the season, plus when to call in a professional.

Why Clean Your BBQ?

• Better tasting food — old grease and carbon residue transfer a bitter, burnt flavour to everything you cook.
• Fewer flare-ups — built-up grease causes dangerous flare-ups that can ruin a steak in seconds.
• Longer lasting equipment — regular cleaning prevents rust and corrosion, extending the life of your BBQ.
• Healthier cooking — bacteria thrive in old food residue and grease.

DIY BBQ Cleaning Steps

1. Remove and Soak the Grates

Take out the cooking grates and soak them in warm soapy water for 30 minutes. Use a grill brush to remove loosened grease. For stubborn carbon, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it, and leave for an hour before scrubbing.

2. Clean the Burners

Remove the burner tubes and use a wire or pipe cleaner to clear the gas ports. Brush off any debris and check for blockages.

3. Empty and Clean the Grease Tray

This is where most of the build-up lives. Remove the tray, scrape out the grease, and wash with hot soapy water.

4. Wipe Down the Interior

Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to wipe the inside of the lid and the firebox. Be gentle — you don't want to damage any protective coatings.

5. Polish the Exterior

Wipe down the exterior with stainless steel cleaner or warm soapy water. For stubborn marks, a specialist stainless steel polish will restore the shine.

When to Call a Professional

If your BBQ hasn't been cleaned in a year or more, or if you've got a large 5+ burner grill, a professional deep clean can save you hours of scrubbing. At Fordwell, we:

• Deep clean all grates and burners
• Clean the grease management system
• Polish the full exterior
• Check and clean flavouriser bars and heat tents

Our BBQ cleaning service starts at £80 for a small BBQ, £100 for a medium BBQ, and £120 for a large BBQ. We cover Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex and West Sussex.

Book Your BBQ Clean

Ready to get grilling? Book your BBQ clean online or call us on 07500 649733.