Barbecue and outdoor kitchen care after summer in Marbella
Before the cooler months, a proper clean keeps your barbecue and outdoor kitchen from rusting in salt air. Grates, grease, gas checks and stone worktops.
· 2 min read
Why autumn is the moment
After a summer of cooking outside, a barbecue is covered in grease and carbon. Left like that, the grease turns sticky and goes rancid, attracts ants and wasps, and holds salty moisture against the metal.
On the coast, damp mornings and sea air do the rest. A thorough clean now, before usage drops in the cooler months, is what stops rust taking hold over winter.
Grates, burners and drip trays
Brush the grates while still warm, then soak them in hot water with washing-up liquid, and scrub with a stiff nylon or brass brush. Bicarbonate of soda helps with baked-on residue. Rinse well and dry completely before putting them back.
Empty and wash the drip tray and grease cup. Built-up fat is the main fire risk in any barbecue, so do not skip this step. On a gas model, clear the burner ports gently with a soft brush so the flame stays even.
Check the gas, then protect the metal
With the gas connected, brush soapy water over the hose and connections and watch for bubbles, which signal a leak. If you see any, close the supply and have it replaced by a qualified person rather than patching it.
Wipe stainless steel along the grain with a damp microfibre cloth and a little mild detergent, then dry it. Cast-iron grates benefit from a very thin coat of cooking oil once dry. Avoid harsh oven cleaners on stainless or painted surfaces, as they can stain them.
Worktops, cupboards and covers
Natural stone worktops are best cleaned with a pH-neutral cleaner, since acids can etch limestone and marble. Wash outdoor cupboards inside and out, and leave the doors open for a while to air them.
Use a breathable, well-fitting cover. A plastic sheet that traps moisture can do more harm than leaving the barbecue bare. Make sure everything is fully dry before covering it.
Where we can help
If you would rather not spend a weekend scrubbing grease, Lavanda can clean terraces and outdoor areas as part of a seasonal clean, so the villa is ready for the next gathering. Tell us what you have when you book and we will plan the time it needs.
