Restoring a rusty BBQ grill can seem like a daunting task, but with some time and elbow grease, you can get your grill looking brand new again. A little TLC and rust removal can bring an old grill back to life. Follow these steps and tips to learn how to restore a rusty BBQ grill.
Cleaning and Prepping the Grill
Before you can start removing rust, you need to clean and prep the grill surface. This will allow you to see the full extent of the rust and remove any loose debris.
- Give the grill a thorough wipe down with warm, soapy water using a sponge or rag. This will remove any accumulated dirt, grease or residue.
- Use a plastic bristle brush or steel wool to scrub the grill’s cooking surface. This will remove any loose flakes of rust and other debris.
- Rinse the cooking surface thoroughly and let the grill fully dry before moving onto rust removal. Allowing it to dry prevents further rusting.
- Consider removing grill parts like cooking grates if they are severely rusted. Soak them in an acid-based rust remover solution separately.
Thoroughly cleaning and drying the grill preps it forrust removal and prevents further damage.
Removing Rust from a BBQ Grill
There are a few effective methods you can use to remove troublesome rust from a BBQ grill once it’s been properly cleaned and dried:
Using a Wire Brush
A wire brush is one of the most effective tools for scrubbing away rust on a grill.
- Use a sturdy wire brush with metal bristles and scrub back and forth across the rusty areas. Apply plenty of elbow grease.
- Focus on the cooking grates and other surfaces with significant rust buildup.
- Once you’ve scrubbed off all loose rust, wipe the grill clean with a dry cloth.
Wire brushes allow you to physically scrub and scrape rust away. Just be cautious of scratched or further damaging thin metal.
Sanding Down Stubborn Rust
For areas with significant rust buildup, you may need to sand the area to remove it fully. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gently sand back and forth.
- Always wear gloves for protection when sanding.
- Make sure to clean away all sanding residue when finished using a brush or dry cloth.
Sanding can remove stubborn rust that a wire brush misses but should be done gently to avoid damaging the grill.
Using Rust Removal Solutions
For cook surfaces with polished or thin metal, a rust-removing acid solution may be a better choice than abrasive scrubbing.
- Apply the remover to rusted areas according to product directions. Allow it time to sit.
- Use a scrub sponge or plastic bristle brush to gently remove any loosened rust.
- Rinse the area thoroughly when finished and dry it fully.
Look for rust remover solutions that contain phosphoric or oxalic acid and are suitable for BBQ grill and metal surfaces.
Preventing Rust from Reappearing
Once you’ve removed all visible rust, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from quickly reappearing:
- Season the grill – Rub down the interior cooking surfaces with cooking oil after each rust removal session. This prevents moisture from reaccumulating.
- Touch up paint – Use high-heat touch up paint on any spots that are scraped down to bare metal to provide protection.
- Store properly – Keep your grill covered and dry when not in use. Storing it wet can lead to further rusting.
- Routinely inspect – Periodically check for new rust spots you can remove quickly before they spread.
- Clean regularly – Don’t allow grease buildup or debris to sit on the grill’s surfaces between uses.
With the right cleaning, rust removal and prevention you can keep your BBQ grill looking great season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring a Rusty Grill
How can I tell if my grill is too rusted to restore?
If the rust has caused holes, deep pitting or extensive flaking of the metal, the damage may be too severe to fully restore the grill. But moderate surface rust can usually be removed through thorough cleaning and the rust removal methods discussed.
What kind of wire brush is best for removing grill rust?
Look for a sturdy brush with tightly wound, stainless steel bristles. The bristles need to be strong enough to stand up to serious scrubbing. Light duty brushes meant for indoor use can bend.
Can I just scrub my grill with steel wool instead?
Steel wool alone often isn’t coarse enough to effectively scrub away tough rust. Use a wire brush for the heavy rust removal and reserve steel wool for gentle overall polishing.
Is it safe to use rust remover acid solutions on cooking surfaces?
Yes, rust removal acids are formulated to be safe for use on metal grill and BBQ surfaces as long as you rinse them thoroughly after use. Be sure to follow all product safety directions.
How often should I check my grill for new rust?
It’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection for any new rust spots each time you use your grill. Periodically clean and re-season the interior every few uses to prevent rust from taking hold.
Conclusion
While restoring a rusty BBQ grill takes time and effort, it can breathe new life into an old favorite. Keeping up with regular cleaning, seasoning and inspections can help prevent extensive rust from returning after you’ve completed the restoration process. With the right tools and techniques, even grills with moderate rust can be revived and kept in service for many more backyard cookouts.