Few luxuries offer the same level of practicality as an outdoor kitchen, especially for those who love to entertain friends and family in the summer.
but, Outdoor kitchen By their very nature, they're exposed to far more food contaminants than regular cooking spaces. From pollen to bugs to dust and debris, these outdoor areas need to be meticulously cleaned to keep them sanitary for summer.
We asked a pro Cleaning Tips Address contaminants in your outdoor kitchen and remove grease for a hygienic outdoor dining season.
How to Clean Your Outdoor Kitchen
Cleaning and Organizing your outdoor kitchen Professional cleaners warn that even if you keep it covered all winter, you should always clean it before summer – even with the best covers, bugs and dirt can get in.
(Image courtesy of Morrison Interiors)
1. Dismantle your kitchen and give it a thorough clean
when Cleaning the grill grates Removing kitchen utensils and accessories from your kitchen and soaking them in water will help kill bacteria and remove old grease stains, making them ready for next cooking season, says cleaning expert Yessica Bello. Cleaning the tongue.
She recommends soaking it in a mixture of hot water, vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap, which will break down stubborn stains so you can scrub them away later.
“You can then clean your refrigerator and other appliances with a mild detergent solution,” she adds. “For stainless steel surfaces, we recommend using a dedicated stainless steel cleaner to avoid scratches.”
2. Get rid of bugs with a vacuum cleaner
We hate to think about it, but bugs and pests flock to outdoor kitchens because they offer the perfect shelter from the elements. To recreate a sanitary environment, home maintenance expert Sofia Vishnevska, COO and co-founder, says: New Homes Mate He recommends thoroughly vacuuming your kitchen before wiping down your cabinets with a disinfectant spray.
“They are Hidden dirty areas in the kitchen that are often forgotten to be cleaned“Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to get through all the nooks and crannies to remove bugs, cobwebs, and debris,” she recommends.
3. Don't forget the ventilation hood
If you have an extractor hood, check it for bugs as well, remove the filter and grille and clean it thoroughly, vacuum it, dry it and then reassemble it, adds Sofia Vishnevska.
“Ventilation hoods are often forgotten because you can’t see the dust and grease inside. Not only does this reduce efficiency, but too much grease can also cause a fire. Clean the range hoodSpray it with a degreaser and scrub it well inside and out until it looks like new.”
4. Inspect for damage
general Outdoor kitchen mistakes The biggest problem is forgetting to check for damage. While we might not use our outdoor kitchen as often as our indoor ones, the fact that it's outdoors means these parts are likely to wear out faster than we think. Cleaning expert Yessica Bello suggests inspecting key safety points like gas lines before planning a summer party to make sure everything is in safe working order.
“Check for water damage or leaks, especially around plumbing and wood surfaces. Reseal the wood to prevent future moisture damage and ensure durability.”
5. Remove food residue after each use
After use, be sure to Remove grease stains from the kitchen This is to prevent stubborn stains that become more difficult to clean the longer they are left in. To clean after use, use a grill brush to scrub any food particles off the grill grates and burners, then wipe down the surface with a mild cleaner such as soap and water. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, available at Walmartsays Lina DaSilva, cleaning expert and owner of Toronto Shine Cleaning.
“Finally, clean and sanitize your countertops with a bleach-free cleaner to keep the area sanitary.”
6. Use cooking oil to prevent rust
if you Removing rust from metal garden furnitureThen you will know how difficult it is, and to save time, we recommend that you prepare your space to prevent rust and contaminating your food.
“You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil and apply a thin layer to the surface,” suggests Rhonda Wilson of High Quality Lead Cleaners. Fresh Space Cleaning“For grill grates, just put a little oil on a paper towel and wipe them all over. If you're storing them, give them a good wash, warm them up a bit, and then oil them before storing them.”
If you find any rust, it should be completely removed using a commercial rust remover before cooking with it, she continues. “Once you've removed the rust, rinse it well and allow it to dry. Once dry, coat it with a thin layer of cooking oil and, if possible, store it in a dry place to minimise exposure to moisture.”
7. Empty the trash after use
One of the easiest ways to ward off pests and keep your outdoor kitchen looking its best is to remove anything that could attract bugs or animals into your cooking space. Removing trash cans and emptying rubbish, in addition to a thorough cleaning after use, is the easiest way to do this, says cleaning expert Emily Adams. NW Maid.
“Before replacing the liner, wash the trash can with warm, soapy water and dry it,” she added.
FAQ
How do I prevent rust in my outdoor kitchen?
If you want to avoid rust and water damage to your outdoor kitchen, use a tight-fitting cover in the winter and consider using an overhead cover such as a roof or pergola to keep out most of the elements.
What is the lifespan of an outdoor kitchen?
If properly cared for, cleaned and protected from the elements, your outdoor kitchen can last for over 10 years, although this will depend on the materials you use. To get the most out of your investment, consider investing in the highest quality possible.
when Outdoor Kitchen PlanningConsider how you will protect it from the elements over the winter, and how you can prevent pests and contaminants that will make it difficult to clean before use. The perfect cabinet for your outdoor kitchenFor example, they'll be easier to wipe down, and opting for tight-fitting covers and lockable storage can help prevent larger pests from taking up residence over the winter. It won't eliminate the need for cleaning, but it will make the process a lot smoother.
