How to Maintain Barbecue Island Cabinets?

Posted by kristen darin on March 27th, 2020

A new outdoor kitchen can be a big investment, and a big part of a well-outfitted grilling area includes a variety of barbecue island cabinets. The good news is you can keep the cabinets looking good for years with proper maintenance.   Here are a few tips.

Make a Cleaning Schedule

We often ignore this part, but the most important part of maintaining barbecue island cabinets is to keep them clean.   Depending on how much dirt, moisture, and salty air they are exposed to, this can vary from weekly to monthly cleanings, and plan to clean the insides twice a year or so to keep them shiny too.

Use Proper Tools

Even one scratch in your barbecue island cabinets can change the appearance of the whole kitchen. Using the right cleaning tools will protect the cabinets from accidental damage while cleaning.  Start with a shop vac with a brush attachment to remove the loose debris first.  Then, use only soft brushes and clothes to clean the cabinets.  Avoid stiff brushes, and forget about the ones with brass or stainless steel bristles in them.  Also, stay away from scouring pads and abrasive sponges.

Start from the Top

Use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and warm water.  It sounds obvious, but start cleaning the top of the barbecue island cabinets first.  Work your way from the top down so grime won’t run down on areas you’ve already cleaned.

Don’t Forget the Hardware

The handles and hinges of barbecue island cabinets need attention too. A toothbrush is great for cleaning tight spaces and corners.

Polish the Stainless

If your cabinets are made of stainless steel, they need to be polished after each cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep looking good and to maintain your warranty.  Stainless steel that is not regularly and properly polished will soon begin to discolor, and eventually corrode and rust.