Prepare your gas barbie for winter hibernation

Before you start scrubbing away, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies:

• Stiff wire brush

• Mild dish soap

• Sponge or cleaning cloth

• Bucket of warm water

• Oven cleaner

• Aluminium foil

• Gloves

• Safety goggles

• BBQ wipes

• Metal BBQ scraper

Prioritise safety

• Make sure the grill is turned off and completely cooled.

• Turn off the gas bottle and check for any leaks or cracks in the gas hose. Replace if needed.

• Disconnect the gas bottle before cleaning.

• Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from potential hazards.

Clean the grill grates

• Remove the grates and scrub them with a stiff wire brush to remove excess grease and food residue.

• For tougher stains, use mild dish soap with warm water or an oven cleaner.

• Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before replacing them on the grill.

Deep clean the interior

• Wipe away loose debris and scrub stubborn stains with soapy water or oven cleaner.

• Consider using a 3M pad to polish off any remaining residue.

• Rinse and let the interior dry completely before reassembling.

Clean the drip tray

• Remove the drip tray and use a metal BBQ scraper to scrape away fat.

• Use BBQ wipes to remove excess grease and fat, then line the drip tray with aluminium foil.

• Sprinkle Fat-sorb (or a similar absorbent product) to make future cleaning easier.

Clean the burners and vents

• Carefully remove the burners and brush away debris or food particles.

• Use a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to clean vent openings thoroughly.

• Check for clogs and clear them if necessary.

Wipe down the exterior

• Use a sponge or cleaning cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe down the exterior.

• For stainless steel grills, use a stainless steel cleaner to restore shine.

• Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool to prevent scratching.

Protect your investment

• Apply cooking oil to the cleaned hotplates to prevent rust.

• Cover your grill with a weatherproof cover, ensuring it’s fully dry before doing so.

• Store your grill in a garage or shed, or at least under an overhang to keep rain off.

• Don’t store the gas bottle indoors – keep it outside in a safe location.

Maintenance tips

• Regularly clean your BBQ after each use to prevent grease and grime buildup.

• Use aluminium foil to cover the grates before cooking to minimise mess.

• Preheat the grill for a few minutes before cleaning to loosen debris.

• Consider grill mats or drip pans to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups.

And once you pull out your nice, clean barbecue after winter – here's how to cook the perfect steak!