h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Sometimes,change that to always,the BBQ hotplate is disgustingly filthy, not being used for a few months or otherwise being used often(like a barbie in a park). It could be black with old grease, bird droppings and bits of unidentifiable gunk, yet there is a surefire way that seems to be the rule to prepare the plate ready for gourmet delights such as snags. Take a can of beer that is currently being drunk and gently pour this onto the burning plate. Do this a few times while scraping said plate and wiping smoke from eyes. Presto.............your plate is ready!

A good way of cleaning (or at least sterilising) the grill plate of an unused barbeque, is to actually place the grill on the hot charcoal for a few minutes. The heat will either burn off the loose gunk or render it sterile in a matter of seconds