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Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor BBB accredited business profile
BBB RATING: A+

How to Clean & Secure Your Outdoor Kitchen

During periods when you won’t be using your outdoor kitchen, it’s a good idea to clean and secure it properly. Whether you’re shutting it down for the winter or during vacations, your kitchen needs certain things for it to be ready to roll when you’re ready to start cooking again. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share a few tips.

Cleaning your outdoor kitchen in Point Washington FLThoroughly clean the kitchen

This is pretty much common sense, but we suggest taking extra care in cleaning your outdoor kitchen before shutting it down. Grease, spills and other grime will be much harder to remove after sitting for days or weeks – or months. Possibly worse, the smell of food will attract rodents, bugs and other wildlife, many of whom have far better scent receptors than we humans do.

Key areas to clean and sanitize include:

  • Grill
  • Prep stations/work stations
  • Sink
  • Refrigerator (also clean out food that could spoil)
  • Trash bins
  • Furniture and table tops

Protect what needs protecting

We get a lot of rain in Florida, so if you’re planning to be away for more than a week or so, it might be wise to invest in some sturdy tarps. You can cover the entire kitchen or just specific components you wish to keep away from rain and dust.

Countertops can be covered, and they can also be sealed. You can buy special countertop sealant and do it yourself. If you prefer, you can have the job done professionally. This will greatly extend the life and beauty of your countertops. You also might consider a water sealant for any wood cabinetry. Wood and rain don’t mix well. Wood that soaks up water can bloat and warp and cause all kinds of problems.

Grills definitely need to be protected, particularly in rainy weather. If your grill has a cover, make sure it’s closed. Put a tarp over it. Look for a pre-made cover designed for your grill and use it. An unprotected grill can become fall victim to rust, bug infestations and layers of blowing dust and dirt.

Shut off the gas

If you have an outdoor gas grill or range, shut off the gas supply during the time you’re away. The same goes for a fire pit that runs on natural gas or propane.

Have a friend or neighbor keep an eye on your outdoor kitchen

If you’re leaving for vacation or any kind of extended trip, you might have a friend or neighbor stop by to pick up the mail, feed the cat and just make sure your home is secure. Ask this person to take a look at the outdoor kitchen during his or her visits. There likely won’t be any major emergencies, but just in case there are, your house-watcher can alert you so you can take the right action.

Outdoor Kitchen Installation and remodeling in Town of Cinco Bayou FLAre you dreaming of a nice outdoor kitchen?

Doodlebuggers specializes in outdoor kitchen designs for homes throughout Pensacola and Destin. Our certified designers and installers will help you plan for everything you need to bring new life to your backyard living spaces. Our team will also properly set up your outdoor kitchen appliances and amenities, making sure all work complies with local and state codes.

Reach an outdoor kitchen expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.

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