Summer temperatures are settling in across the St. Louis area. The long holiday weekends have arrived. And you’ve probably uncovered the patio furniture, fired up the grill and started to entertain friends and family under the sunshine and stars.
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That can only mean one thing: It’s time to discuss tips and techniques for cleaning an outdoor kitchen.
When they’re done right, outdoor kitchens are designed to be inherently durable and easy to clean, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require some regular maintenance to keep them functioning at optimal levels.
Here are five tips on cleaning an outdoor kitchen that will keep this space functional, clean and ready all summer long:
Don’t let the grill get too greasy
After the burgers and beer have been devoured, you might be tempted to kick back with a nightcap. But before you do, make sure to thoroughly clean your grill. Let it cool, wipe it down with soapy water and avoid using steel wool and chemical cleaners. Doing this will help prevent rust, corrosion and grease fires in the future.
Go easy on the appliances
Many outdoor kitchens feature stainless steel appliances because they are incredibly durable. They are also easy to clean. Again, eschew chemical cleaners and steel wool, which can cause scratches and corrosion. Instead, gently wipe down your appliances with warm soapy water.
Don’t forget the furniture
When you think about cleaning an outdoor kitchen, you problem think about the grill, the appliances and the countertops. But you shouldn’t forget about your furniture. Before you retire for the evening, make sure to cover it up–preferably with vinyl covers that don’t touch the floor and allow moisture to be released. This will help ensure that your furniture is dry, fresh and properly functioning the next time you want to use it.
Free the fireplace
Once the flames are gone and the leftover logs are cool, make sure you make time to clean ashes and soot from your fireplace. This will help keep debris from being blown all over your kitchen by the wind. Soot and ashes are a lot easier to clean up when they are contained to the fireplace.
Care for your countertops
Natural stone such as granite, marble and even soapstone–all of which are available at Arch City Granite & Marble–make for outstanding outdoor countertops. They’re durable, visually stunning, and actually clean up pretty easily (especially with the assistance from the sun and rain). But they also need to be sealed regularly.
If you’re currently in the process of cleaning and refurbishing an outdoor kitchen, be sure to contact us at Arch City Granite for all of your countertop needs.