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  2. Scotch-Brite™ Brand
  3. Uses & Tips
  4. Preparing for a Backyard BBQ
People eating at a table

Preparing for a Backyard BBQ

Ready your grill space and perfect your patio area, for BBQ season is finally upon us.

As the weather gets nicer, it only makes sense that you’ll want to spend as much time outside as you can. Whether you’re enjoying an easy, relaxing evening at home or a small gathering of your closest friends, it’s essential to make sure everything from what you cook to what you eat off of is clean and ready to go.

With a few Scotch-Brite™ and Scotchgard™ Brand products and using the following helpful hints, you can be sure that your outdoor area will be ready and rare-ing to go all BBQ season long.

hot dogs, condiments and a Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge next to a portable grill

Grilled and Ready to Go

Before kicking off your grill season, it’s important to make sure your grates are clean, ready, and restored to grate-ness. Since clean grill grates can make all the difference between a delicious BBQ and one where it’s just you, making sure they’re at their best each time you turn on the grill is essential. Luckily, there are two easy ways to emphasize the grate-ness of your grates all season long.

The Burnoff Method:
 

  • Start your grill. If it’s gas, turn your burners on full blast.
  • Let it get hot for 15 minutes.
  • After a time, turn off the burners or put out the fire.
  • Use a grill scrubber to remove any bits.

While the burn-off method is generally enough to get meals off your grates, a deep cleaning is still recommended to start your season off right. It’s important to remember to hand wash your grates. Even after the burn method, putting them in the dishwasher could cause more of a mess than you started with.

The Deep-Clean:
 

  • Fill a large tub with hot, soapy water.
  • Put in your grates and let soak for a few minutes.
  • Scrub away any leftover particles with a Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge. With 3X the scrubbing power, you can get in between the grill grates and scrub clean with less effort.
  • Soak in hot, soapy water for an hour.
  • Rinse and dry the grates thoroughly before putting them back in the grill.
     

Season your grates by coating them in heat-resistant cooking oil and letting your grill burn for 30 minutes.

Once you’ve burned off your grill grates and everything has cooled, take the grates and grease tray out and remove any debris that may have gathered in storage or after burning off your grate. Be sure to check for rust, wear, or damage that could’ve occurred during the off-season.

*If you have a gas grill, be sure to check for any clogs in the burners.

**If you have a charcoal grill, make sure to empty all ashes and unburnt charcoal from the bowl and ash catcher.

Once the components are cleaned make sure you wipe down the inside of the grill or charcoal bowl with hot, soapy water, and a Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.

person cleaning a grill button with a wipe

Well Done

Once the inside of your grill is all set up and ready to go and your grates are cleaned and seasoned, you’re only one step away from having your grill ready to go. Using Scotch-Brite™ Appliance Cleaner & Degreaser Wipes, you can wipe down your lid and any exterior surfaces of your grill. Made with built-in Scotchgard™ that leaves a protective layer that resists smudges and fingerprints and easily degreases with one wipe.

Now that your grill is clean, primed, and ready for cooking, it’s time for you to think outside the grill and get your outdoor area prepped for the season.

people raising their glasses while sitting at a table

Treating Your Table

Treating your table right will keep it ready for any outdoor night. Whether you’re sitting outside with a book or getting ready to eat what you’ve cooked, it’s important to give your table a good cleaning.
 

  • Clean your table with a durable scrubber like Scotch-Brite® Zero Scratch Scrub Sponge and soapy water. Even the messiest of surfaces will shine like new with a quick and easy scrub from these non-scratch sponges.

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person spraying furniture with a can of Scotchgard™ Water and Sun Shield

Freshen up the Furniture

You’ve cleaned the grill and your table is clear and shiny. Now for a furniture freshen-up. With water and the Scotch-Brite™ Advanced Soap Control Brush Scrubber Dishwand, you’ll get precise soap control to easily clean all your outdoor chairs and cushions while keeping your hands mess-free.

For your fabric cushions, after they’ve been cleaned and dried, spray them with Scotchgard™ Outdoor Sun & Water Shield. Ideal for everything from furniture and umbrellas to grill covers and awnings to protect the fabric from fading due to sun exposure. With a simple, one-step application, your furniture and outdoor gear will repel water and harmful UVA/UVB rays, so you’ll have more time to enjoy them.

person cleaning a cooler with a non scratch heavy duty scrub sponge

Clean and Chill

If using a cooler to keep things chilled while basking in the summer warmth, make sure you give it a thorough cleaning before filling it up, especially the first time using it this season. With a Scotch-Brite® Zero Scratch Scrub Sponge, a little soap, and water, you’ll be able to give your cooler a crisp clean. These sponges are perfect for everyday cleaning and are safe for non-stick cookware, tabletops, and more. But maybe best of all, they’re perfect for saving you trips to the fridge. By keeping your cooler clean, packed, nearby, and ready, you can enjoy more outdoor fun.

Keeping your grill and outdoor area clean and tidy doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple steps, some elbow grease, and a few Scotch-Brite™ Brand products, your home will always be ready for outdoor fun.

extreme_scrub_sponge heavy_duty_dishwand entertaining