Surprising kitchen staple that helps remove stubborn rust from your BBQ – and works on garden tools too

The Sun

14-05-2025

CLEANING fans have discovered a surprising hack to remove stubborn rust from a BBQ.
As we roll into the summer, it is time to give your old grill a good scrub and bring it back to life.
2
Brits across the country will soon be gathering to enjoy barbecues with their families and friends.
However, it is important to clean your BBQ before inviting guests as to not interfere with the quality of taste.
One kitchen staple can work wonders in helping you revive your BBQ.
You just need to apply some ketchup to a rusty spot, leave it for a while to do its magic and scrub away.
The unusual method also works on garden tools when you mix ketchup with vinegar.
However, don't forget to lubricate your garden gadgets' springs and pivots after the wash.
Another kitchen essential that can be used to clean a grill is an onion.
You may think that onions are only good for adding flavour to hot dogs and burgers, but they can actually be used to get rid of grease too.
Bargain hunters are going mad for portable gas BBQ that has £40 off at Costco and it's perfect for weekends away
Experts from Shark said: "This hack works best when the grill is still warm, so it's not something you can do just after removing your barbecue from winter storage.
"Nevertheless, it's perfect for keeping your grill reasonably clean throughout the barbecuing season.
"Cut an onion in half, attach it to a large fork, and rub it over the bars of the grill.
"The onion release juices which turn into steam and dissolve grease and grime with relative ease."
If all else fails, you can use leftover beer to scrub your barbecue.
And you don't even have to sacrifice an entire bottle, as a little goes a long way.
The acidity and carbonation of beer can help loosen grease and grime that has built up on your grill.
Government advice on BBQ safety
The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue:
Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue.
Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan.
Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).
Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance.
Enjoy yourself, but don't drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.