Blitz 'grease and grime' off grills with BBQ leftover trick

Brits are believed to be the worst offenders when it comes to keeping their BBQs clean. Around a third of people waiting until BBQ season begins again before cleaning their grills - and some even admit to only cleaning it once a year.

With BBQ season approaching, Brits are being told of an unusual cleaning hack to leave their grill sparkling. A build-up of grease and grime can affect how well food is cooked and increase the risk of illness due to the buildup of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.

This grime accumulation can also attract pests into the garden and damage the appliance, shortening its lifespan. An expert has warned just how important it is to clean the BBQ by sharing a quick and easy cleaning hack.

Chris Bonnett, founder of , has shared that beer could be the secret to achieving an effortlessly clean BBQ. The acidity and carbonation in beer can help loosen grease, grime, and food remnants on the grill, making it easier to scrub clean.

Chris said: "BBQs are often forgotten about until it's time to pull them back out and cook again, but it's important not to neglect cleaning them. Although it can feel like a chore, grease and grime can build up quickly on the grill and affect the quality of your cooking.

"Having a clean grill will also help it last much longer, meaning you'll be able to get the most out of your appliance. Beer is often a BBQ staple, so any cans left around can be an effective cleaner.

"This also works with leftover beer that has lost its fizz, as the acidity helps break down grease and grime. Pour some beer over a lightly heated grill to loosen the dirt and then scrub with a coarse scouring pad once the beer has stopped sizzling. Wipe away any residue with warm water and your BBQ will be ready for use!"

. It claimed: "If you have any leftover beer after a barbecue, don't throw it away.

"Even a few dregs collected from discarded bottles could help you to clean your barbecue grill. Soak a wire brush with the beer, and use it to scrub the grill. This should cut through grease and carbonised food with ease - but only if the grill is still warm.

Shark also adds that any thorough cleaning - be that with beers or traditional cleaning products - should always end with a quick fire-up of the appliance. The post states: "Cleaning a barbecue grill takes a lot of effort - as well as a range of cleaning agents. The last thing you want is for these agents to linger the next time you cook.

"You can prevent this from happening by firing up your grill after cleaning it. The heat should burn off any chemical residues, so the flavour and aroma of your food won't be compromised at a later date."

Failing to keep your grill in a clean condition might result in your suffering from food poisoning. Although most cases are rarely serious, and usually get better within a week - it's ideal to avoid the situation altogether.

states that you might feel or be sick if you're affected by food poisoning. It could also cause diarrhoea, tummy pain, a high temperature and feeling generally unwell.