Nothing says summer quite like having a delicious barbecue for dinner. The smell of burning charcoal and sizzling meats is enough to make anyone's mouth water, and we've definitely been having the right kind of weather for it here in the UK recently. 

If you spent the weekend grilling, then there's a good chance your BBQ is looking a bit worse for wear. Burnt-on food and grease can be pretty tricky to deal with, but before you start scrubbing away, it's worth having a look in your kitchen cupboards for a solution. According to home and garden furniture experts at VonHaus, one item can help you dissolve those pesky stains from your BBQ. 

According to the experts, baking soda is a 'secret weapon'. It gently breaks down the grease without harsh chemicals. Add just enough water to form a paste, then scrub gently with your brush for a 'cheap and effective' solution. 

But there's another little-known product that can work wonders when it comes to cleaning the BBQ. The experts have recommended soaking your grill grates or removable parts in a cup of brewed coffee.

The acid in the coffee can help dissolve the burnt-on food. Rebecca Smith, buyer at VonHaus, said: "It’s unconventional, a bit quirky, but sometimes a change of pace is exactly what you need."

If you don't have a scrubbing brush to hand, then there's another kitchen item that can work just as well. 

Rebecca said: "Crumple a piece of aluminium foil into a loose ball, and use it to scrub off burnt-on residue. The foil is cheap, effective, and great for getting into those tricky corners of your grill grates.”

If your grill shows signs of rust, then it's a simple fix. Grab a small bottle of vegetable oil and lightly oil the cleaned areas. This thin coat protects the surface against moisture. 

And once your grill is clean and rust-free, it's easy to keep it that way. After every session, take a few minutes to brush off the grates.

You should also make sure to protect your grill with a waterproof cover in order to stop any dust or damp from sneaking in when you're not expecting it.