SOS Oven and BBQ: How to Remove Stubborn Build-Up and Burnt-On Residue

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When you use your oven or barbecue regularly, burnt grease, carbon residue, soot and black crusts can quickly build up on internal surfaces. This type of dirt is not the same as everyday kitchen grime. Instead, it forms because of high temperatures, bonds strongly to the surface and becomes harder to remove over time.
In these situations, generic cleaners and DIY solutions are often ineffective. Worse still, they may lead to overly aggressive scrubbing that damages surfaces. That is why it is important to understand how this dirt forms and how to treat it properly. With the right approach, cleaning becomes easier and surfaces stay in better condition for longer.

Key takeaways from this article

• High-temperature dirt is not ordinary dirt and requires a specific cleaning method
• Routine maintenance helps prevent heavy build-up and unpleasant odours
• Deep cleaning is necessary when black crusts and carbon deposits are present
• A complete cleaning system makes oven and BBQ maintenance easier over time

When oven and BBQ cleaning becomes a real SOS

A targeted cleaning method is needed when:

• grease is baked-on and strongly bonded
• black crusts are clearly visible
• surfaces look dull or feel rough
• regular cleaning no longer works
• persistent odours develop during use

In these conditions, scrubbing harder is not the solution. Instead, you need a correct and controlled method.

Why burnt-on grease is so difficult to remove

During cooking, fats and food residues are exposed to very high temperatures. Over time, they:

• lose their oily component
• harden progressively
• bond chemically to the surface

As a result, dirt becomes carbonised. This explains why hot water or multipurpose cleaners often fail to dissolve it.

If you want to better understand why burnt grease and carbon residue require a specific approach, you can read our dedicated guide about cleaning ovens with carbon build-up.
👉 “Oven Cleaning Tips: How to Remove Burnt-On Grease and Stubburn Buildup”

Routine cleaning: how to keep ovens and BBQs cleaner over time

When dirt is still light and not layered, routine cleaning is essential. It helps prevent heavy encrustations and reduces the need for intensive cleaning later.

A specific cleaner such as PULIFUMO® is suitable for:

• removing light baked-on grease
• eliminating superficial carbon residue
• cleaning ovens, BBQs, cooking grates, roasting trays and cookware
• limiting the formation of black crusts and unpleasant odours

With regular use, surfaces stay cleaner. Moreover, maintenance becomes faster and less demanding.

Deep cleaning: when you need a stronger treatment

When dirt becomes layered or black crusts are firmly attached, routine cleaning is no longer enough.

In these cases, a deeper cleaning treatment is required. A gel-based cleaner such as PULIFORNO®, combined with an oven buffer pad, is especially useful when:

• grease is heavily baked-on
• stubborn black crusts are present
• surfaces no longer respond to routine cleaning

The gel works directly on the structure of carbonised dirt. The flexible nylon pad allows controlled mechanical removal. As a result, you can achieve an effective clean without using harsh or aggressive abrasives.

Oven and BBQ: different appliances, same type of dirt

Even though ovens and barbecues are different appliances, they often share the same problem: high-temperature dirt.

The most affected areas are usually:

• oven inner walls
• oven base and racks
• trays and roasting dishes
• BBQ grates and internal surfaces

Using specific products and suitable tools gives better results. In addition, it helps keep surfaces in better condition over time.

If your main issue is BBQ grates and barbecue build-up, you can also read our dedicated guide with practical tips.
👉 “How to Clean a BBQ Grill: Our Best No-Fail Tips”

The most common mistakes to avoid

When dealing with stubborn build-up, it is easy to make mistakes that worsen the problem:

• scrubbing dry without softening the dirt first
• using overly aggressive metal brushes
• applying cleaners on hot surfaces
• reducing the product contact time

A correct method reduces effort and helps protect the treated surfaces.

Why a complete oven and BBQ cleaning system can be useful

Cleaning ovens and BBQs with generic products often means working randomly. In many cases, there is no clear difference between routine cleaning and deep cleaning. As a result, carbon build-up keeps returning.
Over time, surfaces become harder to treat and cleaning takes longer. That is why a complete system can make a real difference.

A solution such as the OVEN AND BBQ KIT is useful because it helps manage every stage of cleaning correctly. It supports both routine maintenance and the removal of stubborn deposits. Moreover, it allows a more consistent and controlled approach.

In particular, it helps you:

• treat both light dirt and carbonised deposits with specific products
• clean ovens, BBQs, grates, trays and cookware more effectively
• alternate routine and deep cleaning without aggressive interventions
• achieve cleaner surfaces that remain easier to maintain over time

The kit includes in one package:

• a cleaner for routine maintenance (PULIFUMO®)
• a strong gel cleaner for deep cleaning (PULIFORNO®)
• a dedicated accessory for controlled scrubbing (OVEN BUFFER PAD)

Practical and cost-saving advantage of the OVEN AND BBQ KIT

Besides convenience, the kit also offers a cost advantage. Buying separate products for routine cleaning and deep cleaning often costs more. In contrast, a single kit provides everything needed in a more organised way.

For this reason, the OVEN AND BBQ KIT is especially suitable when ovens and BBQs are used frequently. It helps reduce cleaning time and keeps surfaces in optimal condition for longer.

Conclusion

Effective oven and BBQ cleaning starts with recognising the type of dirt you are dealing with. Burnt-on grease and carbon residue require a targeted method. At the same time, regular maintenance helps prevent build-up and reduces the time needed for cleaning.

Following a correct approach allows you to achieve cleaner, more hygienic surfaces that are easier to maintain. Moreover, using specific cleaners and suitable tools avoids overly aggressive treatments and improves the final result.

Do you need advice for your specific case?

Every oven and every barbecue can show different conditions depending on use, materials and the type of dirt build-up.
Marbec technical support can help you understand the best procedure for your situation and how to clean surfaces correctly.
👉 Contact Marbec for qualified technical assistance.