BBQ cleanup, roll on summer!

Heedtheadvice

Ideas requested to clean the bricks!

My concrete brick built BBQ is currently getting a refurbish for the summer.

I have a lot of it covered in 'soot', well actually burnt on carbon and I am trying to remove that not primarily for aesthetics but prior to re-pointing etc. to ensure good quality rebuild.

How can this be done safely without affecting mortar to brick bond etc.

I have tried pressure washing with only limited success, the hottest parts close to the charcoal burn are are very clean so tried heat from a blow lamp but that does not really touch it.

Running out of ideas.....

Help!

RelievedSheff

Can't help you with your questions but you are a bit late in the BBQ season to be doing this now!!!

Fire the thing up and get cooking 

Heedtheadvice

Thank you

You may think so but summer here is usually April and May and I will be in plenty of time for the 'summer' next year! Ideal to do cement building work in the damp we will get for the rest of the year

Davesnave

Aesthetics? Barbecue? Doesn't compute.

Personally, I like a barbecue on wheels so I can chase the setting sun at different times of the year. I'd not risk a brick one, as being MSE, I like to chuck water over the coals when I'm done and use them again the following week.

Also, I don't think there really is a season. I barbecued in the snow and it worked fine.

As to cleaning the bricks....isn't there something called 'brick acid' for removing mortar stains? I imagine it's pricey though, but someone may have used it and could advise.

daivid

Davesnave said:

As to cleaning the bricks....isn't there something called 'brick acid' for removing mortar stains? I imagine it's pricey though, but someone may have used it and could advise.

Extreme care is needed when using it, I don't know if it would work on soot deposits but lots of positive reviews on a popular diy/builders shop's website mentioning cleaning all sorts from grease to graffiti (and urging cauntion using it). Vinegar would be a safer starting point. Both have the potential to damage bricks if misused, particularly if bricks are older or damaged. Wikihow has suggestions on cleaning soot deposits from fireplaces.  

Heedtheadvice

Thank you. Ethanoic acid will be my starter (vinegar to the chip eaters!!)