From the first rays of the sun, BBQ enthusiasts dusted off their best grills to prepare them for a summer of outdoor cooking. We are no longer limited to dining indoors, we can all enjoy freshly cooked, sizzling meals outdoors.
While warmer weather encourages us to get out into our backyard, it also encourages us to create an attractive outdoor space to relax and spend time with friends and family. So, once you have invested in the landscaping of your outdoor terrace, in the garden furniture and in the best plants for your patioyou’ll want to make sure you take good care of it.
However, even if your patio may be suitable for a barbecue banquet, Andy McLaughlin, landscaping and paving specialist at RF paving, warns that hosting a barbecue could be detrimental to your garden and paved areas if not done correctly and safely. It reveals where in the garden you shouldn’t have your grill, what materials can be damaged and how to clean ash and food stains from your paving stone.
1. Where to Place Your Grill
When using a grill, McLaughlin says that (aside from the obvious caution the user should take to protect themselves) one should also be careful about the surfaces and surroundings where the grill will be used. “It is advisable to never place the grill directly on a surface or paving stone; the direct heat generated may damage the surface.
“Surfaces such as wood, plastic and grass may be the most obvious to avoid, but even with natural stone and exterior porcelain, grills should never be placed directly on the surface.”
He explains how high temperatures can cause damage: “While some materials may be more tolerant of higher temperatures, if the temperature is too high, materials like natural stone can crack. Even with porcelain, which is produced at approximately 1,300°C/2,372°F, it risks scorching the finished surface, spoiling the aesthetic appearance.
However, McLaughlin adds that the mistake of grilling directly on surfaces is more common with disposable grills. In this scenario, he suggests raising it off the ground. “Use a spare piece of non-combustible material, supported by other pieces, such as a spare piece of paving supported by house bricks,” he explains.
This is less of an issue with standard grills, as he says they are raised on stands, adding: “While there may be some sort of heat transfer through the stand, it is very unlikely that the heat is sufficient to damage the surface. .”
2. How to Clean Food and Ash Stains from Patio Pavers
When grilling outside, your patio will inevitably be stained by food spills and ashes from the grill. Although McLaughlin says most marks can be easily removed, he adds, “You have to be careful about the type of mark you want to remove from the paving and the type of paving you need to clean. If you use cleaning solutions, check with the manufacturer that the cleaning substance is suitable for removing the stain and is also suitable for use on the type of covering.
He says fatty foods and drinks are often left out while guests enjoy the hospitality and can stain the paved area. “Often there are substances that can remove stains, but removing them quickly is key to minimizing lasting marks.”
McLaughlin also mentions that some materials are more porous than others and once stains permeate the surface, they can become more difficult to remove. He advises: “It is essential to check with manufacturers for application methods and suitability when using cleaning products, as some cleaners may not be suitable for stains. »
Natural method for removing grease stains from paving stones
When oils or grease are spilled on the patio, McLaughlin says the easiest and often most cost-effective way to remove marks is to simply use household dish soap.
“This product should be applied cleanly to the affected area, scrubbed with a stiff brush, then rinsed with water after a short time (15 to 20 minutes) to help remove the marks,” he explains.
Household detergents contain sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, which breaks down grease and turns it into a water-soluble solution that can be easily disposed of.
The same approach can be taken to clean up ashes or soot spilled on the patio. However, if there are more stubborn stains or marks, it says a specialist cleaning fluid may be necessary, but adds: “Always check with the manufacturer to make sure this is the correct solution for the stain to be eliminated and that the solution is compatible with the paving.
3. Make sure your grill is on a flat surface
One of the main concerns when using a grill in your garden is safety, which is why McLaughlin says: “It is essential to have a flat, even surface where the barbecue is to be placed.
“If this cannot be achieved in the desired area, then another area for grilling should be considered. Having an uneven surface could be dangerous, causing the grill to become unstable or even fall over and potentially spill hot coals,” he adds.
In addition to being dangerous, as it can cause burns and possibly ignite objects, it can damage the grill, as well as requiring you to clean a stained area, if the grill was placed on a floor.