There’s nothing like throwing some tasty food onto the grill and enjoying a relaxing meal in the yard, whether that’s a quick evening supper for the family or a family party where the grill will be working overtime. Imagine though if you have made a snap decision to entertain only to be faced with a rusty grill when the lid is opened!
Unfortunately, this happens to lots of people who love grilling, but it is a problem that can easily be avoided in the future if you can devote a little effort and care on a regular basis.
Why do grills rust?
Rust is actually iron-oxide and it develops from a chemical reaction caused by your steel or iron grill grates being exposed to moisture in some way, and for a particular length of time. It’s unsightly and makes your grills unusable without treatment, or unusable completely if neglected; but it doesn’t take much to keep them rust free if you know what to do. Need help? Check out these five tips that will clue you on how to prevent rust on your grill.
Tip #1 – Keep the grill clean
This means cleaning the entire unit, and in particular the grill grates, after you have used the grill – yes – every time! A quick wipe down is okay for the grill itself, while the grates need to be brushed off to remove debris and ash, if relevant. Use a special grill brush to avoid it shedding and sticking to your grates. If you use the grill a lot then at least once or twice a month it needs a deep clean, and this is where you need water, plus a sponge and a gentle cleaning fluid.
Tip #2 – Oil the grates regularly
Keep the grates oiled, especially after washing them as it reduces sticking and helps keep moisture out. Vegetable oil works fine, simply add some to a cloth and rub the grates. The other is also simple – just move the grill to a place like a garage where they are protected from the elements. This is especially important if you live near the ocean (salty sea air), or in a humid location.
Tip #3 – Avoid cleaning with citrus products
Soaps and solutions containing citrus extracts can encourage rust so should never be used. Regular (mild) cleaners without citrus are fine.
Tip #4 – Dry everything thoroughly before storing
After washing and drying the grates air drying in a warm (non-humid) place after drying with paper towels is the best option, if it is possible. Grills have lots of difficult to see places which can be missed when drying by hand, and by the time any rust moisture in those areas causes is seen it may be too late to even save the grill.
Tip #5 – Keep the grill covered
Ideally, it should be stored in a garage or indoors, (a must if kept in a wet or humid climate), but a properly fitting grill cover is fine for other climates.
