Why Rust Forms on Grills
Rust is iron oxide, which forms when iron metal comes into contact with oxygen and moisture. Since BBQ grills contain iron and steel components, they are prone to rusting when:
- Exposed to rain, sprinklers, humidity or damp weather conditions.
- Stored outdoors without a grill cover.
- Not properly cleaned and dried after each use.
- Cooked food drippings and sauces left to bake on the grates.
These factors allow moisture to creep into small cracks and crevices of the grill, causing the metal to oxidize and rust over time.
Cleaning vs Removing Rust
It is important to understand the difference between cleaning and removing rust from your BBQ grill:
- Cleaning involves getting rid of grease, baked-on food residue and surface dirt using soapy water, degreasers or grill cleaning brushes. This helps slow down rust formation but does not get rid of existing rust.
- Rust removal requires using chemical rust removers, abrasives or other rust-specific treatments to get rid of any visible rust spots and restore the grill’s surface. This is necessary for grills with significant rust issues.
Regular cleaning helps prevent new rust, but removing existing rust is also needed to prolong your grill’s lifespan.
How to Remove BBQ Grill Rust
Here are the most effective ways to remove rust from your gas or charcoal grill:
1. Use a Grill Brush and Elbow Grease
A stiff, sturdy grill brush is often enough to scrub off some surface level rust from your grill grates and body. Nylon and brass bristle brushes work best for this. Dip your brush in soapy water and scrub the rusty areas applying firm pressure.
The friction helps rub away minor rust spots and flakes. Make sure to scrub along the direction of the metal grain for best results. Hit the same spot multiple times to remove stubborn rust layers.
This works well for light rust that has just started forming on your grill. But for heavier rust buildup, more intensive treatments are required.
2. Baking Soda and Water Paste
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift rust from metal surfaces when made into a paste.
Make a thick paste using 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Use a sponge or scrub brush to apply this paste onto rusted areas and let it sit for 5 minutes. The baking soda will react with the rust to help loosen it.
Now scrub rigorously with a grill brush to remove all paste residue and rust. Thoroughly rinse the grill with water after cleaning. Dry well to prevent new rust formation.
For tougher rust, sprinkle some baking soda directly on the rusted surface and rub with 1/2 a lemon. The acid from lemon juice dissolves the rust which can then be scrubbed away using a brush.
3. Vinegar Soak
White vinegar is an effective acid for dissolving rust buildup. You can soak small grill parts in vinegar or apply it directly to the surface rust spots.
For soaking, disassemble the rusty grill parts and fully submerge them in a basin or tub filled with undiluted white vinegar. Allow to soak for 2-3 hours.
For direct application, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and liberally spritz it over rust spots on the grill surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a wire brush.
The acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the rust to dissolve it. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the grill well after vinegar application to prevent new rust.
4. Rust Remover Solutions
Look for commercial rust removing solutions at your local hardware store or online. These usually contain acids like phosphoric, oxalic or hydrochloric mixed with surfactants.
Popular rust remover brand names include Whink, Evapo-Rust and Naval Jelly. Check the product label and see if it is suitable for your grill material before using.
Apply a thick layer of the rust remover gel onto affected areas as directed. Allow it to sit so the acid can react with the rust. Use a scrub brush to remove the gel residue and dissolved rust.
These removers work more quickly than household vinegar. But they are also the most expensive rust removal method for grills.
5. Replace Severely Rusted Parts
For grills where large sections are completely rusted through, replacement of those parts is needed. This includes grill grates, burners, flavorizer bars or engine parts.
Attempting to remove heavy rust buildup from these components is not worth the effort and will shorten their lifespan. It is better to simply buy a new replacement part.
Look up your grill model online to find the right replacement parts. Install them properly to bring your grill back to top working condition.
How to Prevent Rust on a BBQ Grill
Prevention is always better than dealing with rust damage. Here are some tips to keep your grill rust-free:
- Dry the grill thoroughly after each use and wipe down with cooking oil for seasoning.
- Invest in a good grill cover to protect from moisture when stored outside.
- Remove accumulated grease and food debris regularly with grill brushes.
- Paint over any scratched spots with high-temp grill paint to seal the metal.
- Apply vegetable oil to grates using a paper towel to prevent rusting.
- Avoid leaving the grill uncovered in wet weather. Store in a garage or shed if space permits.
Following proper grill maintenance and care will help you avoid having to remove rust frequently. But even with precautions, some surface rust is bound to form over time. Use these rust removal techniques to keep your BBQ grill in top shape for many years of juicy, smoky grilling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Rust from Grills
Can I use sandpaper to remove rust from my grill?
Yes, you can use low-grit sandpaper, steel wool or abrasive pads to manually scrub off rust from your grill. Start with coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove heavy rust buildup. Then smooth with 120-150 grit. Always scrub in direction of metal grain.
What temperature kills rust on a grill?
Heating a rusty grill up to 600°F can help loosen some rust flakes, allowing you to brush them off more easily. But temperatures alone don’t fully remove or kill rust. You need to use cleaning solutions or abrasives too.
How do you remove rust from a gas grill?
Turn off the gas supply and brush off any loose rust flakes from the grill body. Use a baking soda paste or rust removal gel applied with a brush to lift rust from metal surfaces. Rinse and dry well when done. Remove rust from the internal gas components only if you have technical expertise.
Can I use CLR to remove rust from my grill?
Yes, you can use a calcium, lime and rust (CLR) remover spray to clean rust spots off a grill surface. Apply the CLR liquid, let it foam up for 5 minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse. Wear gloves when using CLR cleaners.
Does WD-40 remove rust from grills?
WD-40 can help loosen some surface rust when sprayed on and given time to penetrate. But it doesn’t fully remove or dissolve rust. Use mechanical scrubbing too. WD-40 is also flammable, so completely wipe it off grills before lighting them.
Conclusion
Rusting is a common issue with outdoor grills that requires periodic removal and restoration to keep grills running optimally. Using the rust-busting methods listed in this article, from baking soda solutions to commercial rust removers, you can effectively eliminate grill rust and prevent permanent damage.
With some season-ending deep cleaning using these techniques, you can keep your grill looking shiny and brand new ready for summer BBQs. Be diligent about drying and covering your grill to minimize new rust formation as well. Happy grilling!