With temperatures soaring up to 30°C, many people will be bringing their BBQs back out, as they look to make the most of the sunshine . And while it may not have been long since the grills were last used, experts warn homeowners that failing to clean them after each use could have serious consequences. Neil McKenzie, a home safety expert at Halton Stairlifts , has warned homeowners about the risk of grease fires and explained exactly how to prevent them. “Leaving your BBQ uncleaned
after a summer cookout isn’t just unhygienic, it’s actually a huge safety hazard. During a heatwave, built-up grease and fat turn the bottom of your grill into a tinderbox. “All it takes is a single stray spark to ignite a dangerous grease fire that can quickly spread to dry surfaces, including fences, decking, or even grass. Taking just ten minutes to properly clear out the debris could be the difference between a great garden party and a call to the emergency services,” he explained. To
keep your garden safe and your food hygienic during the hot weather, follow these essential maintenance tips: 1. Burn off scraps and brush while it’s warm Don’t wait for the grill to completely cool down before you start cleaning. As soon as you finish cooking, turn the heat up high for about 5 to 10 minutes to incinerate any remaining food scraps. Once you turn off the burners, use a sturdy wire grill brush to scrape the grates while they are still hot. The residual
heat makes it much easier to lift away stuck-on grease before it hardens into a stubborn crust that takes much longer to remove 2. Don’t ignore the grease tray It’s easy to focus entirely on the grates, but the grease collection tray underneath the grill is often where the real danger lies. In high summer temperatures, collected fat remains highly liquid and volatile. If it fills up, a flare-up on the grill can easily drip down and ignite the entire tray. Make it a habit
to empty and wipe down the grease cup or tray immediately after every single use. 3. Do a deep clean every few weeks If you are using your BBQ heavily throughout the summer, a quick scrape won’t be enough to keep it safe. Every two to three weeks, give the entire unit a deep clean. Disconnect the gas or remove the charcoal grates, scrape down the inside of the lid and the cook box, and wash the components with warm, soapy water. This not only
eliminates fire risks but also prevents bacteria, mould growth, and pests like wasps and flies from overtaking your cooking area. Want to see more of the stories you love from RSVP ? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google, simply click here
BBQ safety, grease fire risk, garden fire prevention, grill cleaning, home safety expert, 30°C heatwave