If you regularly use your grill, then you will be familiar with the fact that it will grow rusty over time. Your grill will often be exposed to the elements, and if you use it regularly, it is even more common for your grill grate to grow rusty much quicker. When this happens, it is normally a good sign that you need to give your grill a deep clean.
But how are you supposed to clean rust from your grill grate? Well, that’s a good question! Cleaning your grill is actually surprisingly easy, as long as you know what you’re doing. In this guide, we’re taking a look at how to remove rust from a grill grate, and lots of other important things to know when it comes to rust on your grill grates.
So if you want to find out more, keep on reading!
Is It Okay To Grill On Rusted Grates?
First things first, let’s take a look at whether, or not, it is okay to grill on rusted grates. This is something that most people will have wondered from time to time. Especially if you are about to cook some burgers on your grill, but find that it is covered in rust. So is it okay to grill on rusted grates?
Well, as long as you are grilling on rusted grates only once in a while, then the rust on your grill won’t do any harm. It might even add some flavor to your burgers or chicken. Rust is essentially iron oxide, and in small amounts it is harmful. However, when consumed in large amounts, iron oxide can become dangerous. This is why you should only grill on rusted grates once in a while, and not regularly.
So, yes, occasionally, it is alright for you to grill on rusted grates. It isn’t ideal, but in small amounts it will not do you any harm. However, this isn’t something that you should fall into the habit of doing. Cleaning your grill is important, not only for your health but for the health of your grill too.
How Often Should You Remove Rust From A Grill Grate?
Cleaning your grill is incredibly important. You should briefly clean your grill grate every single time that you use it. This is very important as the food that you have been cooking could leave germs on your grill grate, and this could make anything you cook in the future contaminated.
But briefly cleaning your grill grate after using your grill simply isn’t enough. As well as cleaning your grill grate briefly each time you use it, you will need to give your grill a deep clean periodically. Especially if you use it frequently. Grills are not cheap, and they are super fun to use, so you should respect your grill. Deep cleaning it regularly is the best way to do this.
Generally, it is recommended that you give your grill a deep clean once every 6 months. During this time, you should not only deep clean your grill, but inspect it for any signs of damage too. When you are doing this clean, we recommend detaching any removable bits of your grill, inspecting them and deep cleaning them separately from your grill. Doing this should catch any rust nice and early, leaving your grill as good as new!
How To Remove Rust From A Grill Grate
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and take a look at how to remove rust from a grill grate. There are a couple of methods that you can use to remove rust from your grill grate, let’s look at them one by one.
Vinegar And Salt
One method that you should consider using is the vinegar and salt method. Salt and vinegar aren’t just condiments, they can be incredibly effective when it comes to cleaning rust from your grill grate.
To do this, simply combine 2 parts to 1 part vinegar, mix and pour into a spray bottle. Cover the grate in the vinegar-salt solution and then store the grate in a plastic carrier bag overnight. Leave to soak overnight, then wipe the grate with an old cloth, this will remove the rust residue, and all the rust.
Baking Soda
The next method that you should consider using is the baking soda method. Baking soda is a great natural cleaner, and it can be used to clean all sorts of things, including your grill grate.
To use this method, begin by scrubbing as much rust off as possible with a soft brush. Then sprinkle some baking soda onto the grate, and turn the BBQ on. As the grill heats up, the baking soda will begin to bubble up. Once it finishes bubbling, turn the grill off and leave your BBQ to cool down. Then use a soft brush to clean away the last of the rust.
Preventing Rust on Your Grill Grate
There are a couple of different things that you can do to prevent rust on your grill grate. Here are some of the best things that you can do to prevent rust from developing on your grill, ensuring that your grill stays healthy.
To prevent rust on your grill, you should:
- Give your grill grate a quick clean after every single use to remove any food grime.
- Put a fitted cover over the top of your grill whenever you are not using it to prevent it against the elements.
- Add vegetable oil to the grill grate after every use. A small amount of vegetable oil on the grill grate will repel water, preventing your grill from rusting.
Summary
In short, removing rust from your grill grate is incredibly simple. There are a ton of different methods that you can use to remove rust from your grill grate, and one of the best ways to do this is by using baking soda. In this guide, we have also covered how to prevent rust on your grill grate.
Thanks for reading!