
Tips for Cleaning Up a BBQ
Become the New Mr. (or Mrs.) Clean
Simplify your bbq cleanup and enjoy the party
Your bbq party was a success, based on the praise given by your guests. Likely because you followed our tutorial on how to make a bbq look good, of course. Now your next head scratcher ensues… the dreaded cleanup. Fear not, you won’t have to cringe at the thought of this with our tips to shorten and simplify the cleaning process.
Hacks to solve the party cleaning dilemma… mid party
1. Don’t wait until the end of the event to start managing the chaos. Casually picking up trash as you go will help the aftermath feel less overwhelming. Or, place a trash can or bag in eyesight so guests throw items away themselves. Here are our favorite trash holders that don’t look like, well, trash:
- Wicker laundry basket - pretty, yet does the job (for dry items, so see options below)
- Large wicker-style design trash can - your functional yet decorative trash can
- Plastic party tub - easy to hose down, great for plates with sauces etc.
2. Lighting candles throughout the event helps with food odors and makes a space seem cleaner than the way it looks.
3. Keep guests clean throughout the party by offering hand wipes (bulk or individual) in multiple spots and even placing sanitizer on the table so they can get sticky bbq sauce off their hands. Licking fingers may do the job, but this is a more sanitary approach. This will also solve the problem of sticky fingers dirtying up other surfaces. If you ever wondered if a cute, mini trash bin existed to easily dispose of wipes…it does.

Post-party cleanup
- Disinfectant wipes: life saving and used on everything. Grab the whole box and get to practicing your wax on, wax off skills! Great for tables, chairs, pool floaties, decorations, any surface that was touched by the person who doesn’t use the provided hand wipes (not calling out names).
- A combo of all natural bbq cleaner spray and a tough scrub brush removes the char and grease with ease. To solidify the clean slate, a wipe of a stainless steel polish does the party trick.
The cleanup battle can be won. Instead of hours spent cleaning up a bbq after guests leave, you’ll be able to sit back and relax with a glass of wine. Check out more party planning hacks here.
More articles
.jpg)
15 Hosting Habits That Make Every Gathering Better
From setting the table in the morning to apologizing less for what nobody noticed, these 15 hosting habits prove that the best gatherings aren't about getting everything right — they're about creating a room where people feel so at ease they stay a little longer, pour another glass, and forget to check the time.

How to Host a Pool Party With a Popsicle Bar Guests Will Remember
A relaxed, memorable pool party doesn’t need an elaborate theme or overplanned schedule. This blog centers the gathering around one simple signature moment: a beautifully styled popsicle bar. With colorful popsicle flavors, easy toppings, light poolside food, self-serve drinks, comfortable backyard details, and a playlist that moves from afternoon swim time into golden hour, the party feels thoughtful without becoming fussy. The overall takeaway: keep the hosting simple, prep what you can ahead of time, and let guests linger, graze, swim, and customize their own sweet summer treat.

Our Favorite Late Summer Dinner Recipes
These late summer dinner recipes make the most of tomatoes, corn, peaches, herbs, and easy outdoor entertaining—simple menus for lingering around the table before fall arrives.

Sign up for expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties—all straight to your inbox.
Your shortcut to stress-free hosting
Spend less time coordinating and more time actually connecting.