The cheap item can lift grease and grime
Households are starting to fire up barbecues after months of them being stored away as the nation embraces the warmer weather. With the first May Bank Holiday approaching, many will be getting ready to cook outdoors.
Barbecues are a great way to get friends and family together while tucking into the likes of burgers, hot dogs and kebabs. However, when getting the barbecue out for the first time this year, you may be greeted with an unpleasant surprise.
The appliances can build up grease and grime from past uses, which may become hard to remove over time. If you forgot to give it a good clean at the end of last summer, there may be plenty to try to remove.
Thankfully, there is an eco-friendly way to remove dirt and burnt bits from barbecues that is both cheap and free of chemicals. Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie says you can clean barbecues with a brown onion.
She simply cut her brown onion, which is sold in supermarkets for an average of 32p. Lynsey says her hack works best when the barbecue is hot.
After firing up the appliance, she suggests putting half the onion onto a fork and rub it on the hot grates. She said: “The natural juices help break down burnt-on residue and add antibacterial benefits.”
If you have stubborn grease, Lynsey suggests using beer. She recommends pouring a little beer over a warm grill as the acidity in the drink loosens the grease.
Then, simply use a brush or cloth to remove it. Bicarbonate of soda also works well on tough grease, which you can mix with water to form a paste to apply to the grill before scrubbing off.
Lemons work like onions on barbecues, as when cut in half and rubbed over the grills, they lift grease and leave a fresh scent.
Lynsey’s followers have already followed her advice as one said: “We are the onion family.” Another added: “Love these natural ideas – I don’t like to use harsh chemicals having a little granddaughter and dog.”
Someone else commented: “I use the onion method, but interested to try the lemon one.”
Another common problem in summer is flies, as they are particularly drawn to food waste. Professional cleaner Claire, who runs Instagram page @sisterpledgecleans, shared her go-to hack to “keep flies away”.
Claiming that “this hack will work in any bin”, Claire shared that salt is the key to getting rid of these pests. Sprinkle salt in the bottom of your bin to prevent flies from laying eggs and producing maggots.
Once the flies and maggots are dead, thoroughly clean the bin before you place more rubbish inside and cover the bottom with salt. Replace the salt layer regularly, especially during the summer months.
