One aspect of owning and maintaining an outdoor kitchen that might make people hesitant to commit to it is cleaning. Cleaning an outdoor space can be a strange concept, and many might think it’s too much of a hassle to bother with, but in reality, it’s not that different than what you’re used to, and it won’t take much time!
Dirt and grime levels will depend on whether your outdoor kitchen is covered or not. We always recommend covering the space to minimize contact with the elements. This will also help you spend less time cleaning.
To start, cleaning granite, stone, or wood countertops will be just the same as cleaning your indoor kitchen. Simply use the regular cleaning supplies that you use inside and thoroughly wipe down all the surfaces. Since this is where you will likely be setting ingredients and utensils, you’ll want to make sure this space has been properly cleaned before you begin cooking.
For the grill, it will definitely depend on the type of grill you have. If you’re using a gas grill, you’ll want to be sure to turn off the gas and disconnect the propane tank before you begin cleaning as a safety precaution. For natural gas grills, you’ll want to start by wiping down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Using warm water will help break down any stuck-on food particles, and for anything extra stubborn you can use a sponge to scrub the surface. You’ll want to be sure to rinse off any remaining detergent and let dry before you attempt to use the grill again.
To clean the inside lid of the grill where grease is likely to build up, you’ll want to follow the same steps as cleaning the exterior but be sure to use a detergent that is designed to break down grease.
For the rest of the interior, you can scrub with a grill brush and then rinse with the detergent and water combo and follow up with more water. For the actual cooking grates, you’ll want to use the strong detergent and water, and scrub only if absolutely necessary. Many grills have porcelain-coated grates and if you scrub too hard you can damage the coating.
Refrigerators in outdoor kitchens are usually specifically designed for outdoor use, so they’re often weatherproofed. All you need to do to clean them is wipe them down with a cloth and cleaning solution as you would your indoor fridge. Though many outdoor fridges aren’t meant to experience weather colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll want to bring them inside during extremely cold weather.
Cleaning your sink is simple if it’s stainless steel, and most outdoor kitchen sinks are. Simply wipe it down with a gentle cleaner that won’t cause the metal to rust and be sure not to use anything too harsh that could potentially scratch the surface.
The truth is, cleaning your outdoor kitchen is quite similar to your indoor kitchen. You will likely only need to invest in one or two special products, and it definitely won’t be any more time consuming than cleaning your home’s kitchen. So if you’re convinced that you can take on an outdoor kitchen, give us a call or fill out the form on our contact page and we’ll be happy to discuss project details with you!
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