What would an Australian backyard be without a barbecue? Even apartment dwellers with a modest balcony can usually squeeze in a tripod model to cook up a sausage sizzle. Regular cleaning is part and parcel of owning a barbecue. We show you a few clever ways you can keep your barbecue in top shape and ready to go.

The Better Homes and Garden Team asks the age-old question “When to clean?” Whether to clean thoroughly as soon as you’ve cooked or to leave it and clean before the next time you use it? There are benefits and drawbacks to both, but whichever way you choose there’s a cleaning method for it.

Cleaning after cooking

The idea of cleaning the barbecue while it’s still hot does have merit, but it also takes you away from time with family and friends. A great way to get the best of both worlds is to add a little steam. Fill a baking tray with boiled water over a burner, let it simmer and close the lid. The steam will stop the grease from congealing so you can come back and clean it at your leisure. Turn the burners off and let the steam dissipate before you open the lid. Use paper towels for to remove the residue. After cleaning give it a spray with cooking oil to seal the surface.

Cleaning before cooking

The idea of cleaning the barbecue just before use is that the grease from the previous cook-up seals the hot plate to prevent it rusting. If this is your preferred method then heat up the barbecue for about 10 minutes to loosen everything up, let it cool a bit then scrape off with a brush or scraper. Pour a bit of oil over the hot plate then wipe off with a paper towel to remove the last of the residue. Use paper towel with oil on it for the grill.

If you have no brush try the foil method (click link for pictures)

1. Make a ball out of aluminium foil ( as big as your fist) and dip it in water.
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the ball.
3. Start scrubbing. Be sure to follow the direction of the bars.
4. Make a new ball whenever necessary.
5. Light the BBQ again and bring it up to a high cooking temperature and keep it lit. Be sure to closely monitor.
6. Season and clean the grill at the same time by running an oil soaked (not dripping) paper towel over it several times.
7. Start wiping the surface down, then finish it off using a dry paper towel or clean rag

Outside and surface cleaning

Every few weeks you should also clean the outsides of your grill. Generously spray multipurpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid mixed with water on the surface and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Use a scrubbing brush to loosen any of the fats and oils. Then wipe off with paper towels and rinse with a hose. For the really really tough stains use vinegar and steel wool. With a bit of elbow grease and steel wool you will be able to remove all of the major stains. After rinsing it thoroughly let it air dry completely in the sun. Then wipe down the entire outside of the grill with a heavy coating of olive oil and buff it with a few paper towels.

We would love to hear what are your tips and tricks to keep the BBQ grill clean.