How to clean a rusty barbecue

Ever fired up your grill only to realise it's seen much better days?

We know the feeling – but luckily, we have the solution, too.

Rust can be a barbecue's worst enemy, but don't worry—reviving your grill is easier than you think. We promise!

In this guide, we explain how to clean a rusty barbecue and restore its former glory in a flash.

Whether you have a gas, charcoal, or dual fuel grill, these steps will ensure you're BBQ-ready whenever the sun decides to surface!

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get that grill gleaming?

Let’s go!

Before you start scrubbing away at the rust, it’s crucial to prepare your grill properly. This step isn’t particularly exciting, but it makes the rest of the process so much easier, so it’s worth doing :)

Begin by ensuring the grill is completely cool. Then, remove any leftover ash or food debris from previous grilling sessions.

Lay down a tarp or old newspaper under your grill to catch any rust flakes or cleaning solutions. Having a clean workspace not only makes the process smoother but also helps you spot areas that need extra attention.

Gather these tools and materials to make the job easier. You’ve probably got most, if not all, of these at home already!

Grill brush

Baking soda

Vinegar

Rust removal solution

Sandpaper or wire brush

Cloths or paper towels

Cooking oil for re-seasoning

For more detailed information on tools, check out our blog on removing rust from tools.

Start by disassembling the grill.

Remove the grates, burners, and any other detachable parts. This allows you to clean each component thoroughly, ensuring no rust is left behind.

For more general BBQ cleaning tips, check out our blog on How to clean any type of BBQ.

For minor rust spots, a few simple household items can work wonders.

Here are two easy methods to clean that (slightly) rusty grill:

A sturdy grill brush can be super effective at tackling light rust. Follow these three easy steps to get your grill gleaming:

Choose the right brush: Select a grill brush with strong bristles. Brass or stainless-steel bristles work well for different types of grills.

Brush the rust: Firmly scrub the rusty areas with the grill brush, applying consistent pressure. This helps to remove loose rust particles and surface rust.

Wipe down: After brushing off the loose rust, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining debris. This ensures that you have a clean surface to work with for the next steps.

You can create a powerful rust-fighting paste by combining baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how:

Mix the paste: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Stir until you form a thick paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more vinegar. If it’s too runny, add more baking soda.

Apply the paste: Use a brush or cloth to apply the paste generously to the rusty areas of your grill. Make sure to cover all the rust spots thoroughly.

Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit on the rust for about 30 minutes. This gives the mixture time to break down the rust.

Scrub: After the paste has set, use a grill brush to scrub away the rust. The abrasive nature of the baking soda combined with the acidity of the vinegar makes this a very effective cleaning method.

Rinse: Once you’ve scrubbed off the rust, rinse the area with water to remove any remaining paste and debris. Dry the grill thoroughly to prevent new rust from forming.

Heavier rust requires a bit more elbow grease and specific solutions.

But don’t worry, these tried and tested methods will get your BBQ clean in no time.

For tougher rust spots, a commercial rust removal solution is worth considering. They contain powerful rust-dissolving agents that break down stubborn rust and make it easier to scrub away. Here’s how to use a commercial rust remover:

Choosing the right product: Commercial rust removers are available at most hardware shops, home improvement centres, and online retailers. Popular brands include Evapo-Rust, WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak, and Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver Gel. These products typically contain powerful rust-dissolving agents like phosphoric acid or oxalic acid.

Application: Follow the instructions on the product’s label carefully. Generally, you’ll need to apply the solution directly to the rusty areas using a brush or cloth. Some products may come in a spray bottle for easier application.

Waiting period: Most rust removal solutions need some time to work. This can range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the product and the severity of the rust. Try to be patient and allow the solution to work its magic; it’ll be worth it!

Scrubbing and rinsing: After the solution has had time to penetrate the rust, use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub the area. This should remove most, if not all, of the rust. Rinse the grill with water to wash away any remaining solution and rust particles.

Safety tips: Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using commercial rust removers. These products can be quite potent, and you want to avoid any skin contact or inhalation of fumes.

Sanding and wire brushing are two effective methods of cleaning rust off a BBQ. Here’s how to do it:

Selecting the right tools: For heavy rust, use medium to coarse grit sandpaper (80-120 grit) or a sturdy wire brush. Both tools are effective for reaching down to the metal.

Sanding the rust: Begin by sanding the rusty areas with sandpaper. Use circular motions to effectively break down the rust. For larger rust spots, a wire brush attachment on a drill can save time and effort.

Consistent pressure: Apply steady pressure while sanding or brushing to ensure you reach the metal surface beneath the rust. Be thorough to remove all traces of rust, as any leftover rust can spread.

Cleaning up: Once you’ve sanded down to the metal, wipe the area with a damp cloth to clear away dust and rust particles. This step is crucial before moving on to re-seasoning or protecting the grill.

Once your grill is rust-free, it’s essential to re-season and protect it.

Doing so is simple – just apply a thin layer of cooking oil to all metal surfaces and heat the grill for about 30 minutes. This process creates a protective coating that prevents rust.

But for extra protection and peace of mind, consider investing in a BBQ grill cover to shield it from the elements.

By following these steps, you can transform your rusty grill back into a BBQ hero in no time.

Just remember, a bit of regular maintenance will keep rust at bay and ensure your grill is always ready for action.

So, gather your favourite foods, fire up the barbie. and ignite your summer cookouts with your new gleaming grill.

Happy barbecuing!