BBQs will be clean of grease and 'shining' using just water and three items

Summer is here, and for Brits, that means one thing - it's time to dust off the barbecues and start grilling. However, as many of us know, cleaning the barbecue after use can be a bit of a chore.

Fear not, though, as help is at hand. Mike Boumphrey, a barbecue guru from Gates Garden Centre, has shared his top tips for getting your grill gleaming again, even after heavy use. To start, it's a good idea to carry out regular annual checks, reports the Express, of you're using a gas barbecue.

How to clean a BBQ 1. Inspect your barbecue

"Always inspect the propane tube for leaks after the winter," advised Mike. "Also, replace your gas tank or charcoal, or install new batteries if your barbecue requires them.

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"Charcoal that's been stored in a shed or outbuilding might have become damp and could be tricky to light - it's always best to check this well before your barbecue dinner party."

2. Gather cleaning supplies

You'll need a bucket of water, clean cloth, scourer and microfibre cloth.

The barbecue expert recommends: "We suggest barbecue brushes with stainless steel bristles for cleaning grates, an external barbecue cleaning spray and a food-safe barbecue grate cleaning spray. These are often available in sets.

"Cleaning your barbecue is crucial because a dirty grill can harbour bacteria and dirt. Debris can also impair the barbecue's performance and reduce its lifespan."

3. Begin from the inside out

Mike shared some top tips for getting your barbecue spick and span.

"Begin by firing up your barbecue and carbonising any burnt-on food and grease. This is done by letting it heat through on full flame with the lid down for about 15 minutes and then allowing the barbecue to cool.

"Next, remove any deep grease and grime from the bowl or cookbox. Use a plastic tool or cloth for this to avoid damaging the finish.

"Then, spray your grate cleaner over the interior of the barbecue, and leave it to soak in. Wipe over the surface with the soft cloth or sponge, and use a different soft damp cloth to wipe away the residue."

4. Inspect the burners

Make sure to keep the burners "free from dirt" as it can prevent the gas from burning properly.

For the burners, Mike suggested: "Scrub the holes on the top of the burners to remove any blockages using a barbecue brush. Then focus on the insect screens, which are sometimes called air shutters, on the end of each burner, underneath the control knobs. Use a soft bristle brush to clean them off".

5. Clean the grates

This is a job that we try to put off for as long as possible. However, you could face health problems if you decide to forgo cleaning the grill. Not only can you get ill from the old food and dirt left on it but it can also "impart acrid flavours to your food".

When it comes to cleaning the grates, Mike advised: "Firstly, scrub up and down the bars with a barbecue brush, working in sections. Then finish by bathing the grates with a grate cleaner for 30 seconds, to help to break down any remaining dirt or grease.

"Work into the grate with a scouring sponge until you are happy with the result and wipe down with a damp soft cloth."

6. Clean the outside

Finally, for the last of the cleaning process, make sure to clean the exterior of the barbecue.

For the exterior, he said: "Return to your cleaner and cover the outside of the barbecue in the cleaning spray, then rinse with clean water before polishing off with a microfibre cloth to restore the gleam."

The microfibre cloth should be doing all the heavy lifting for you, getting your barbecue "shining" on the outside.