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How to clean your BBQ

A four burner BBQ with clean grill plates

Overview

Has your BBQ seen better days? Then it's time for a spruce up! Here's how to clean your barbie so it's as good as new again.

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.
DIY - Tools and materials - How to clean a BBQ

2Turn off the BBQ

Before you start cleaning, make sure you've twisted the nozzle on your gas bottle to the off position. Now is also a good time to give your BBQ the once-over to check there are no leaks or cracks in your gas hose. If there are, it's time to replace. If you're good to go, disconnect your bottle and set to one side.
DIY - Step 1 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

3Clean your drip tray

Remove your drip tray from beneath your BBQ and grab a metal BBQ scraper. Scrape away the fat and place in one of your aluminium drip trays. Once you've done this, use some BBQ wipes to remove excess grease and fat.
DIY - Step 2 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

4Scrub your hotplates

It's now time to attack those hotplates! The first thing you need to do is to fill some large buckets or a trough with hot, soapy water. Scrape away excess fat and grease with your scraper, then lift your grills off the BBQ and place them in your tubs – make sure you wash both sides so that you get any fat that may have dripped through (a metal scourer works best). Leave to soak while you go to the next step and place your drip tray in too if it's still a bit dirty.
DIY - Step 3 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

5Wash the BBQ

Before you pop those grills and hotplates back on, get deep inside your BBQ and give it a really good scrubbing. BBQ wipes are a relatively new invention – and an absolute lifesaver – but a word of warning: you're going to need a lot of them if your BBQ is in need of some serious TLC. Save money and give it a good going-over with hot soapy water first.
DIY - Step 4 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

6Line your drip tray

Now your drip tray is sparkling, line it with aluminium foil and sprinkle some Fat Absorber on. This stuff looks like kitty litter but is actually designed to absorb fat, making your tray easier to clean in the future. It also minimises flare-ups and eliminates odours – genius! You'll also only need to change it every 10 or so times you use your BBQ.
DIY - Step 5 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

7Apply oil to the hotplates

Now your hotplates are nice and clean, dry them off with paper towel and give them a good spray with cooking oil to leave a light coating – this will prevent rusting down the track. Pop them back on and you're good to go!
DIY - Step 6 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

8You're ready to grill!

Now you've got no excuses not to test-drive your beautifully clean BBQ!
DIY - Step 7 - How to clean your BBQ - Eric

9Check out the range

Time for a new BBQ? Or maybe some new accessories? We've got what you need.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.