Excessive carbon buildup can cause the BBQ grill to heat unevenly, fail to reach full operating temperature, and prematurely fail the gas-burner tubes. In short, if you don’t clean your countertops, ugly crusty carbon deposits may form on them. These become greasy as oil, dirt, and sugary sauces adhere to them and will eventually build bacteria.
So, leaving them unclean not only destroys the shelf life of your outdoor kitchen countertop and turns out to be more costly, but it is also a health hazard. So how to keep your outdoor BBQ kitchen and countertop clean? Well, we have brought you this guide on how you can ensure that your outdoor BBQ counter remains spick and span.
Cleaning Outdoor BBQ Countertops
Since outdoor kitchens are constantly exposed to the open environment, they will inevitably accumulate dirt and grime in addition to the normal wear and tear that comes with grilling or cooking. Outdoor kitchen countertops are among the most frequently used and touched surfaces. You don’t just cook there because it’s an open space; you also have a good laugh and memories with your friends while preparing the meal. However, amidst the fun, you must properly maintain your scullery from time to time to keep the spirit alive.
So, to keep it clean and beautiful for years to come, let’s go through how each type of outdoor BBQ countertop should be cleaned.
What You Will Need?
• Dish soap
• A paper towel or microfiber cloth
• A bowl
• Baking soda
• And the product of your choice (preferably ammonium free)
1. Cleaning Granite Countertops
Granite is considered the most reliable material for your outdoor BBQ countertop. Since they have protective sealing, you can easily clean them with the following steps:
• First, use a soft cloth to gently remove any pollen, dust, or other abrasive substances from the surface.
• Then, get a bucket of hot, soapy water, and wipe the countertop down with a cloth or soft-bristled brush.
• Wipe down again with water to remove soap residue.
You can also fill a spray bottle with a 1:1 ratio of water and isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto your outdoor BBQ kitchen counter, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, and then rinse with water. Last but not least, pat the surface dry with a soft cloth.
For tougher stains,
• Use baking soda and add enough water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a day.
• Gently remove the paste with water and a clean cloth.
Granite is highly durable, but one thing should be taken care of. Avoid using bleach-, ammonia-, or acid-based cleaners (including citrus acids) on granite, as these, can eat away at the sealant and even damage the granite countertop itself.
2. Cleaning Concrete Countertops
Cleaning your concrete outdoor countertops frequently with a non-abrasive cleaning agent is the best way to keep them sparkling for years. To thoroughly clean and remove all residue from a surface without damaging your counters:
• Use a dry sponge or non-abrasive cloth first.
• To ensure a residue-free surface, thoroughly clean the countertop with a damp sponge, non-abrasive soft cloth, or paper towel.
• Use a countertop polish after cleaning to give your counters even more shine.
• If the stain is acid-based, it might be necessary to buff the concrete again to remove the affected area.
• If the stain is from condiments or coffee, a cotton ball dipped in bleach can be left on the surface for a few minutes.
3. Cleaning Tile Countertops
Tile countertops typically are not as dirty as the grout. Cleaning your tiles with hot soapy water or a kitchen degreaser should be sufficient. You can even make a cleaning solution.
To make a potent household cleaner, combine two parts of water with one part of baking soda in a small bowl. Add a few drops of dish soap to the paste and combine it to give it more grease-cutting power.
To get started:
• Lightly spray the tile with white vinegar.
• Sprinkle the tile with the baking soda mixture.
• Allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes.
• Make use of your old toothbrush or scrub brush to clean in between the tiles.
Besides this, avoid using vinegar or other acids because they can erode the grout and even harm the tiles. Of course, never combine ammonia and chlorine bleach products, as the resulting fumes could be hazardous. You might want to seal the grout after cleaning to stop additional staining.
