It’s that time of year again–the temperatures are rising, meaning we’ll be spending a lot more time outdoors in the coming months.
Your outdoor kitchen has likely been through a lot during the winter, so let’s go over some helpful tips for getting it back in working order right in time for the spring and summer.
Remove Debris
Your first step to spring cleaning your outdoor kitchen will be to remove any build-up and debris from your appliances, countertops, and shelving. This will likely include fallen leaves or twigs from the fall and winter that may have accumulated in the area.
Rinse all Surfaces
Once you’ve removed the larger debris, it’s time to start scrubbing down all surfaces with mild soap and warm water. This includes all your countertops, grills, pantry cabinets, and appliances to get rid of any stains and grime that built up over the course of the winter.
Don’t forget about the grates and burners on your grill, even if it takes a little more elbow grease and time to get them squeaky clean!
Check Equipment for Damage
The next thing you’ll want to do to prepare your outdoor kitchen for the warmer months is to inspect the area for damage or wear and tear.
For instance, you may want to check the gas lines and hoses to your grill to make sure they didn’t get cracked or worn since you last used it. Check out the burners and ignition system to make sure all is in working order.
If you have any doubts about the safety of your appliances, it’s always a good idea to have them checked out by a professional.
Gather & Organize Your Accessories
Many people pack away the tools and accessories for their outdoor kitchen during the winter. If this is the case for you, you can feel free to gather and organize them once you’ve finished cleaning the area.
This will be helpful once you’re ready to start cooking outside again, as you’ll know exactly where everything is located.
Add New Fixtures and Accessories
Spring is a great time to add some new accessories and appliances to your outdoor kitchen. If you need to purchase a new set of grilling utensils, a cover, or even a new grill, this can be a good time to see what’s available and get yourself well-equipped before the grilling season is in full swing.
Plus, if you’ve acquired some new tools since last summer, you may want to invest in some additional storage or wall cabinets that help you organize the space better and keep them easily accessible.
Add Plants and Greenery
With all the cleaning completed and the essentials in place, your outdoor kitchen is practically ready to go for the season!
There are some additional touches you can make to the space, like adding plants or flowers to really get you in the summertime mood–which also makes the area more relaxing and inviting.
You can consider planting some herbs or vegetables in pots near your cooking area. This will not only add a touch of greenery and freshness, but you’ll have them available for use in your cooking, too!
All in all, spring cleaning your outdoor kitchen is an important task that will help you get ready for the warmer months ahead. So by following these tips, you’ll be able to get your outdoor kitchen clean, organized, and ready for use in no time!