When you’re prioritising sorting the essentials such as your propane or charcoal supply, cleaning your BBQ might be the last thing on your mind.

“It’s important to keep your barbecue clean, as just like with everything else, it needs to be maintained so you’re able to use your grill time and time again,” says Dan Cooper, head grill master at Weber.

To help you get to grips with the build-up of grease and grime, here are some expert-recommended guidelines…

1. If your BBQ hasn’t been used for a while, give it a thorough clean

When it comes to giving your BBQ a thorough clean, Cooper says the first step is key. “Heat your BBQ up to the max for about 30 minutes – this will help to burn off most of the old residual grease and fat.

“Then, it’s essential to have the right tools for the next steps so you can clean the grate, internal components and exterior of the BBQ properly, to help keep your grill cooking and looking like new, season after season,” he continues. “Helping to ensure high performance and the utmost in BBQ safety.”

Angela Slater, resident expert at Hayes Garden World, who specialises in BBQs, says: “Cleaning the BBQ at regular intervals is absolutely essential, as a BBQ with a build-up of grease is dangerous to use and won’t last as long.”

2. Always eliminate dirt from the cooking grates

“Make sure your BBQ is still hot, and then brush [the cooking grates] with a grill brush to remove any leftover residue which may be left behind after the burn off,” advises Cooper.

“Next, we recommend using half a raw onion on the end of a BBQ fork to scrub the grates. This will pick up any grease left behind, as well as any small specks of dirt and carbon, due to its acidity.”

3. Once cooled, clean the internal bits

Let it cool down before proceeding to the next step. “Put on your rubber gloves and remove all the grates and internal components,” says Cooper. “Then use a T-brush and scraper to clean everything, making sure all grease channels are clear, before placing them back into the BBQ.

“Make sure you don’t jet-wash or put components in the dishwasher, as this can cause some parts to rust,” he adds.

4. Your BBQ will benefit from a good buff

Once you’ve got the chore of cleaning everything out of the way and patted yourself on the back, it’s time to polish up.

“Use your microfibre cloth for buffing to give your BBQ the best shine possible,” says Cooper. “And that’s it – you’re now ready to grill and become a grill master this season. Enjoy!”