How to Clean Up Quickly After a Cookout

Sure, the fun part of having a cookout is choosing the menu and decorating the yard, but with a little planning, post-party cleanup doesn't have to be such a chore. If you're hosting an outdoor get-together, here's what to do before, during, and after your barbecue to speed clean with ease:

  • Use several large trays to make it faster and easier to transport leftover food and serving dishes back into the house when the meal is over.

  • Stock up on pre-moistened wipes to quickly clean messy hands and faces, sticky surfaces, and zap fresh stains from clothing.

Related: Take the Grrr Out of Grill Cleanup

  • Keep paper towels or absorbent cloths handy to sop up spills and dry hands. We like Full Circle's Stick 'em Magnetic Kitchen Towel ($9; right). Hang it from your grill and it's always within reach.

  • Set up several trashcans, or better yet, get Flings Pop-Up Recycling and Trash Bins ($16/4; above). Just station these colorful, freestanding containers around your yard, and trash and recyclables will be sorted and ready to take to the curb by the time the last guest leaves.

  • Place plastic sheeting or even a shower-curtain liner under paper or fabric tablecloths so spills don't soak through and stain your table.

Related: Tips for Quick Deck Cleaning

  • Use a wire brush or crumpled ball of aluminum foil to scrape excess residue from warm grill grates so cleaning is easier (or maybe even unnecessary) when they cool.

In the mood for more speed cleaning tips? Check out our online all-around-the-house Speed Cleaning Guide.

What other ways do you have to make after-the-party cleanup easier? Let me know in the comments.

- by Carolyn Forte

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