Anyone with a barbecue urged to use surprising item

As the sun comes out and BBQ season kicks off, Brits are firing up their grills. But before you throw your sausages on the grill, there's something many people forget-cleaning the BBQ.

In fact, research reveals that Brits are some of the worst offenders in Europe when it comes to keeping their BBQs clean. But there's good news: there's an easy and surprisingly effective way to clean your BBQ with something you likely already have in your fridge-beer.

According to a Brits are officially the worst in Europe when it comes to cleaning their BBQs. Nearly a third of Brits wait until BBQ season starts again before cleaning their grills, and some admit to only cleaning them once a year-or never at all!

Shockingly, almost half of Brits don't think the quality of their food suffers on a dirty BBQ. However, failing to clean your grill could have serious consequences.

Dirty BBQs are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Plus, leftover grease and grime can increase the risk of fires. Neglecting to clean your BBQ can also attract pests, damage your grill, and ultimately shorten its lifespan.

Chris Bonnett, founder of , has shared a clever hack to make BBQ cleaning easier: beer. The carbonation and acidity in beer work wonders in breaking down grease and grime, making it easier to clean your grill without needing harsh chemicals.

"BBQs are often forgotten about until it's time to pull them back out and cook again, but it's important not to neglect cleaning them," says Bonnett.

"Although it can feel like a chore, grease and grime can build up quickly on the grill and affect the quality of your cooking. A clean grill will also help it last much longer."

Here's how you can use beer to clean your BBQ in just a few simple steps:

Heat Up Your Grill: Lightly heat your BBQ to loosen up the dirt. You don't want it too hot-just warm enough that the beer will sizzle when it hits the grill.

Pour Beer Over the Grill: Take any leftover beer (even if it's gone flat!) and pour it over the grill. The acidity helps break down grease, while the carbonation lifts debris.

Scrub Away the Grime: Once the beer stops sizzling, use a coarse scouring pad or grill brush to scrub away the loosened grime.

Wipe It Down: Finally, wipe away any remaining residue with warm water and a clean cloth. Your BBQ should now be sparkling clean and ready for your next cookout.

While the beer hack is an excellent quick fix, regular BBQ maintenance is key to ensuring your grill stays in good shape. As HG points out, using specialist cleaning products or a good brush can make a big difference. Nearly 60% of Brits use the right tools to clean their BBQs, which is higher than other European countries, but the real issue lies in how often we clean them.

Experts recommend scraping off grease and debris after every use and regularly cleaning your grill with the right products. If possible, invest in a BBQ cover to protect your grill from dirt and the elements when not in use.

Not only will a clean BBQ help keep harmful bacteria at bay, but it will also improve the flavor of your food. Grease buildup can affect the taste of your grilled meats, and leftover food remnants can leave unwanted odors. Plus, regular cleaning helps your BBQ last longer and ensures that every cookout is safe and delicious.