An outdoor kitchen is one of the most luxurious additions to your outdoor space. But with the food, drinks, and constant exposure to the elements, cleaning and maintaining it in top condition becomes challenging. Let’s explore some tips on how to keep your outdoor kitchen sparkling clean:

Start with the essentials 

Before cleaning, invest in the right tools. A good-quality broom, mop, or scrub brush can make all the difference in removing grime and stains. When cleaning wooden surfaces, opt for eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

Address spills and stains

Cleaning and maintaining your outdoor kitchen is like cleaning your indoor kitchen. After each use, you should wipe down counters, clean up spills and messes, and empty the grease trap in your grill. A messy outdoor kitchen may attract urban wildlife like possums, raccoons, and rodents.

Address rust

Stainless steel and cast iron grills require special attention to avoid rusting. Use warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth to clean the grates after every use. Apply a light coating of vegetable oil to prevent rust buildup. Use a wire brush, sandpaper, or a commercial rust remover for larger rust spots.

Keep the countertops clean

Outdoor kitchen countertops are subject to frequent use, spills, and scratches. Clean them regularly with soap and water and dry them to avoid water spots. Use cutting boards to avoid direct cutting on the countertop, and wipe them down frequently.

Protect your outdoor kitchen

Last, protection is key to keeping your outdoor kitchen in excellent condition. Invest in a cover to protect it from rain, snow, and UV rays, and store utensils and equipment in a dry, safe place. Empty and clean the grill after every use, and avoid using abrasive tools that could scratch the surfaces.

A properly cleaned and maintained outdoor kitchen looks great and ensures longevity, safety, and functionality. Following these expert tips, you can keep your outdoor kitchen pristine and ready to impress your guests 

Contact us today to learn more about starting your patio process.

There’s never a bad time to prepare your patio for outdoor fun and entertainment. Whether you’re cleaning after a long winter or just sprucing things up, here are a few tips to keep your patio looking pristine:

Start Sweeping

The first step in cleaning your patio is removing accumulated outdoor remnants over the months. Use a broom or leaf blower to sweep away leaves, twigs, and other debris. This gives you a clear surface to work on.

Wash With a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is an effective tool for cleaning patios and cedar fences. It can remove dirt, grime, and stains from concrete, pavers, and other surfaces. Start by rinsing the patio with water, then use the pressure washer to clean the surface. However, if you have to spray your deck, make sure to use a low-pressure setting, or it will chip away the paint used to color the surface.

Use a Cleaning Solution

For stubborn stains, a cleaning solution can help break down the dirt and grime. Many patio cleaning solutions are available on the market, like Scott’s Outdoor Patio & Deck Cleaner. Check out our blog for more options on cleaning your patio

Prune Those Plants

Now that spring has sprung and the weeds are starting to grow like, well, weeds, it’s time to get your garden back in tip-top shape. Pull out those weeds and remove any dead plants that sadly didn’t make it through the winter. For more tips on gardening, check out our blog.

Cleaning Your Outdoor Kitchen

For outdoor kitchen surfaces like stone countertops, a mix of dish soap and water will do the trick, just make sure your cleaning concoction isn’t acidic since acid will stain and damage your stone. Stainless steel countertops can also be washed with dish soap and water, just make sure to dry the water off since permanent water spots can form if left untreated.

Keep Your Grill Clean

Grills can be a bit tricky to clean since many soaps or detergents can affect the taste of your food. However, many grilling brands like Traeger and Weber have their own branded cleaners that are sure to keep your grill in tip-top shape. With some cleaner and a wire brush, you’ll be ready to go for grilling season.

Tidying Up Ceiling Fans

Besides keeping you cool on summer days, ceiling fans are really great at collecting dust and dirt. Luckily, there are plenty of microfiber dusters with extended handles, meaning you won’t have to break out the ladder. Just make sure to move your furniture out of the way so no dust bunnies land on them, and just a quick reminder, please turn your fan off before cleaning.

By following these tips, you can get your patio looking great in no time. If you’re considering upgrading your outdoor living space or building one from scratch, contact TCP Custom Outdoor Living for a consultation. We can help you design a great outdoor space and provide professional installation services.