BBQ Season Prep: How to Get Your Grill Ready for Summer

When the weather starts warming up, many UK homeowners turn their attention to one of the best parts of summer: BBQ season. But if your grill has been sitting unused through autumn and winter, it is unlikely to be ready for burgers, sausages and grilled veg without a bit of attention first.

A pre-season clean does more than improve appearance. It helps your BBQ cook more evenly, reduces unwanted smoke, lowers the risk of flare-ups and can even help extend the life of the appliance. Whether you have a gas BBQ or a charcoal grill, a little preparation now can make every summer cookout easier.

In this guide, we will walk through how to get your grill ready for summer, what to look out for, and when it may be worth booking a professional BBQ clean.

Why pre-season BBQ cleaning matters

It can be tempting to uncover the grill, give it a quick brush and get cooking. However, built-up grease, burnt-on food and leftover ash can all create problems.

A proper clean helps to:

• improve hygiene before food is cooked
• reduce grease-related flare-ups
• support better heat distribution
• remove stale odours from old residue
• make your BBQ easier and more pleasant to use
• help you spot wear, rust or damage before it gets worse

If your BBQ was put away without a thorough clean last year, now is the perfect time to reset it.

Step 1: Check your BBQ before you start

Before reaching for the cleaning products, give the grill a quick inspection.

Look for:

• rust on grates, burners or the body of the BBQ
• grease build-up in the drip tray or base
• spider webs or debris around gas burner tubes
• cracked hoses or loose connections on gas models
• damaged wheels, handles or ignition buttons
• mould or damp smells if the BBQ has been stored under a cover

If anything looks unsafe, deal with that first before lighting the grill. For gas BBQs, always ensure the gas supply is turned off before cleaning or inspecting parts.

Step 2: Gather the right cleaning supplies

You do not need anything too complicated, but having the right tools makes the job easier.

Useful items include:

• a grill brush or non-scratch scrubbing pad
• warm water and washing-up liquid
• microfibre cloths or old towels
• a bucket or bowl for soaking removable parts
• a plastic scraper or wooden spatula for stubborn residue
• kitchen paper or disposable cloths
• bicarbonate of soda for tackling baked-on grime
• rubber gloves

Try to avoid overly harsh tools that could damage finishes or coatings. If your grill has porcelain-coated grates or delicate components, check the manufacturer guidance before scrubbing.

Step 3: Clean the cooking grates properly

The grates are the part most people notice first, and for good reason. They come into direct contact with your food, so it is worth taking the time to clean them well.

If the grates are removable, take them out and soak them in hot, soapy water. After soaking, use a brush or non-abrasive pad to remove loosened grease and burnt-on food. For stubborn areas, a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and a little water can help lift grime.

Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before putting them back. Leaving moisture behind can encourage rust, especially on cast iron grates.

If you have cast iron grates, finish by applying a very light coat of cooking oil to help protect the surface.

Step 4: Tackle the inside of the BBQ

Once the grates are out, it is easier to see what is happening inside the main body of the grill.

Use a scraper or brush to loosen carbon deposits, grease and food debris from the interior surfaces. Wipe everything down with warm, soapy water and a cloth. Pay particular attention to corners and edges where grease tends to collect.

For charcoal BBQs, remove all old ash before cleaning. Damp ash left sitting for months can hold moisture and contribute to corrosion.

For gas BBQs, clean around the heat deflectors, flavouriser bars or flame tamers if your model has them. These parts often collect heavy grease and may need soaking separately.

Step 5: Empty and clean the drip tray

One of the most overlooked parts of a BBQ is the drip tray. It is also one of the most important.

A full or greasy drip tray can cause unpleasant smells, smoking and dangerous flare-ups. Slide it out carefully, dispose of any debris, and wash it thoroughly. If grease has hardened, let the tray soak before scrubbing.

Making drip tray cleaning part of your regular BBQ routine through summer will help keep the appliance safer and easier to maintain.

Step 6: Check burners and gas connections

If you have a gas BBQ, this step is especially important.

Make sure burner holes are not blocked by grease, food particles or insects. Use a soft brush to clean them gently. Do not use anything that might enlarge the ports or damage the burner.

Inspect the gas hose for cracks, splits or signs of wear. Check that all connections feel secure. If you suspect a leak, do not use the BBQ until it has been properly assessed.

A simple way to test connections is with soapy water. Brush a little onto the connection points, then turn on the gas briefly without lighting the BBQ. If bubbles form, there may be a leak. Turn the gas off immediately and arrange repair or replacement before use.

Step 7: Clean the outside for a fresh finish

Once the inside is sorted, give the exterior some attention too. Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth are usually enough for lids, side shelves and handles.

If your BBQ is stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain to help avoid streaks. Dry thoroughly for a cleaner finish.

A tidy exterior does more than improve appearance. It also helps you notice any deterioration, peeling coatings or rust patches early.

Step 8: Burn off any remaining residue

After reassembling the BBQ, run it at a high temperature for around 15 to 20 minutes before cooking food. This helps burn off any leftover cleaning residue, dust or loosened particles.

For charcoal BBQs, allow a good bed of coals to heat the grill thoroughly. For gas BBQs, close the lid and let the heat do the work.

Once cooled slightly, give the grates a final brush and you should be ready for the first barbecue of the season.

Easy ways to keep your BBQ cleaner all summer

A deep clean at the start of the season is helpful, but a few small habits can keep things under control between cookouts.

Try to:

• brush grates after each use while still warm
• empty the drip tray regularly
• remove food debris promptly
• cover the BBQ once fully cool and dry
• store it in a sheltered spot where possible
• give it a light wipe-down every few uses

These quick steps can help prevent heavy build-up and make end-of-season cleaning much less of a chore.

When to book a professional BBQ clean

Sometimes a DIY clean is enough. But if your BBQ has heavy carbon build-up, thick grease deposits, blocked burners or simply has not been cleaned in a long time, professional cleaning can save time and deliver a more thorough result.

A professional BBQ clean can be particularly useful if:

• the grill is producing lots of smoke
• flare-ups are becoming more common
• grease is baked on and difficult to remove
• the BBQ smells unpleasant when heating up
• you want a deeper clean before summer entertaining begins

At Fordwell Oven & Appliance Care, we help homeowners across Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex and West Sussex keep their cooking appliances in top condition. If your BBQ needs more than a quick scrub, a professional clean can help restore it for the season ahead.

Final thoughts

Getting your grill ready for summer does not have to be complicated. With a bit of time and the right approach, you can improve performance, make cooking safer and enjoy better results at every BBQ.

If your barbecue needs a deeper clean than you have time for, Fordwell Oven & Appliance Care offers professional BBQ cleaning to help get it back into great shape. It is a simple way to start the season fresh and enjoy stress-free outdoor cooking all summer long.

Ready to give your BBQ a proper refresh? Get in touch with Fordwell Oven & Appliance Care to book a professional BBQ clean in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex or West Sussex.