I’m a Gardening Expert: Here’s Why Using Beer to Clean a BBQ Works

As barbecue season approaches, Brits have been warned that beer could be the key to cleaning their outdoor cooking equipment during its first use of the year.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, has shared how the drink can help get your barbecue looking brand new in time for any celebrations you have planned over the coming weeks.

Cleaning your barbecue can be a real chore, especially when it has been stored during the winter months and wasn’t sparkling clean the last time you used it.

Bonnet said: “Having a clean barbecue is really important, not only will it allow the food to cook better but it will also minimize the risk of any bacteria sticking to the delicious barbecue food.”

“Many people see cleaning the barbecue as a chore at the end of a great day in the sun, but if you want your appliance to last, you’ll need to give it the care it requires.

‘Using beer to clean the barbecue is a great little trick if you don’t have any oven cleaner available. The acidity of beer helps break down grease and food on the grill and makes it easier to clean.

‘Ideally, let the grill heat up for about 10 minutes to loosen food and dirt.

‘After that, turn off the barbecue and pour a small amount of beer onto the grill, let it finish sizzling before taking a thick scouring pad or even some newspaper and scrubbing the grill.

“Once you’re done scrubbing, you’ll want to get rid of any remaining beer residue by wiping down the barbecue with a little warm water.”

Previous research has revealed just how bad Brits can be at maintaining their barbecue. In 2021, hg discovered that Britain ranked worst in Europe for cleaning our barbecues.

Apparently, about a third of us wait until it’s barbecue season again before cleaning the grill, and some even admitted that they only clean it once a year.

Not cleaning your barbecue can make it a breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and salmonella and can also ruin your appliance over time, shortening its lifespan and attracting unwanted critters to your garden.

This weekend, much of the UK will approach 20 degrees, so if that tempts you to dine outdoors, make sure your equipment is properly prepared too.