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A rusty grill doesn’t have to mean the end of your outdoor cooking adventures! With the right materials and methods, you can restore your grill to its former glory. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely remove rust, prevent it from coming back, and ensure your grill is ready for cooking up a storm.

💡 Did you know

The primary culprit of a rust grill is moisture. Failure to clean and dry the grill after use or cleaning leaves grease, food particles, and water behind, which can trap moisture.



Materials You'll Need

  • Wire brush or grill brush with metal bristles
  • Steel wool or abrasive sponge
  • Sandpaper (medium- and fine-grit)
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Lemon juice
  • Grill-safe oil (like vegetable or olive oil)
  • Bucket or spray bottle
  • Rubber gloves
  • Microfiber cloth or paper towels
  • Protective tarp or newspaper (to protect your work area)


Step 1: Prepare Your Grill & Work Area

  • Disassemble the Grill : Remove grates, burners, and any removable parts. This will make it easier to access all rusty areas.
  • Lay Down a Tarp or Newspaper : Protect your work area by laying down a tarp, as rust and cleaning materials can get messy.
Taking the grids off the grill


Step 2: Scrub Away Loose Rust

    • Use a wire brush or grill brush to scrub away as much loose rust as possible from the grill grates and other rusty surfaces.
    • For particularly rusty spots, use steel wool or an abrasive sponge to target the rust buildup.

*Take care not to scrub too hard on delicate surfaces; instead, use gentle pressure and circular motions.


Scrubbing the rust off the grids


Step 3: Choose a Rust-Removal Solution

Here are some effective homemade rust-removal solutions:

  1. Vinegar and Baking Soda : Mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply it generously to the rusty areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps loosen the rust and makes it easier to scrub away.

  2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda : For a milder approach, mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste. Apply it to the rusted areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. Lemon’s acidity helps dissolve rust without being too harsh on the grill.


Spraying grid cleaner on rusty grids


Step 4: Scrub & Rinse


  • After letting your chosen solution sit, use the wire brush or steel wool to scrub off the rust. You may need to repeat this process a few times if there’s a lot of rust buildup.
  • Once the rust is scrubbed away, rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
  • Dry everything thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or paper towel to prevent new rust from forming.
Wiping down rusty grids


Step 5: Clean & Reassemble The Grill


  • Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap .
  • Use a sponge or cloth to clean the entire grill, including parts like the lid, burners, and grates, to remove any residue.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry each part completely.

Putting grids back into the grill


Step 6: Season The Grates


To prevent future rust and keep your grill grates in good condition, season them:

  • Apply a light coat of grill-safe oil (vegetable or olive oil works well) to the grates using a paper towel.
  • Heat the grill to a medium temperature for about 15 minutes. This process creates a protective, non-stick layer that helps ward off rust and makes cleaning easier in the future.

Applying oil to the grids


Step 7: Prevent Future Rust with Regular Maintenance

  • Clean After Each Use : After cooking, clean the grill with a wire brush to remove any food debris and grease.
  • Oil the Grates : Lightly oil the grates after each use, especially before storing your grill for long periods.
  • Cover Your Grill : Use a grill cover to protect it from rain, moisture, and debris. Keeping your grill dry is one of the best ways to prevent rust.
Final cleaning on the grids


Excellent Materials for Rusty Grids

Helpful Tips To Maintain Your Grill
  • Clean After Every Use : Scrub the grates with a wire brush while the grill is still warm to remove food particles and grease.
  • Oil The Grates : Apply a thin layer of grill-safe oil to the grates before and after cooking to create a protective barrier against rust.
  • Cover the Grill : Always use a grill cover to protect it from rain, moisture, and debris when not in use.
  • Avoid Harsh Cleaners : Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda instead of corrosive chemicals.

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