When it comes to barbecuing, nothing beats the smoky flavor and convenience of a pellet grill.
However, if your grill is not well-maintained, rust can form on the cooking grates, causing food to stick and making it difficult to clean.
This article will show you how to remove rust from your pellet grill using everyday household items.
Why Are My Grill Grates Rusting?
One of the most common causes of grill grates rusting is using the grill while it’s still wet. Even if your grill has been cleaned and dried, moisture can still linger in the metal, causing it to rust.
Another common cause of rust is leaving your grill uncovered or in an unenclosed space where rain or snow can get to it. If you live in a humid climate, your grill is more likely to rust.
Finally, sometimes there’s just something about the metal that makes it more prone to rusting, even if you take all the necessary precautions.
What Could Make a Pit Boss Grill Rust?
Rust can form on a grill for a variety of reasons. The two most common causes are moisture and improper cleaning.
If the grill isn’t dried correctly after being washed, water can sit in the nooks and crannies and cause rust to form.
Similarly, if the grill isn’t cleaned regularly, grease and food residue can build up and lead to rust.
How to Stop Your Pit Boss Grill from Rusting (6 Easy Steps)
Here are the 5 easy ways to remove rust from your pellet grill:
Use a Grill Cover:
The first step in preventing rust on your pellet grill is to use a good-quality grill cover. A thick, durable, and waterproof grill cover will help protect your pit boss against the elements and thereby prevent any more rust from forming on your grill.
If you take care of your grill and regularly do this simple maintenance task, you can prevent any possible damage or rust in between uses.
Use Touch-Up Paint:
Touch-up paint is specifically formulated to cover up small scratches and imperfections on the surface of your grill. This paint can be purchased from most hardware stores and will help to conceal any blemishes on your grill. You can also apply Rust-Oleum’s Rust Reformer spray to help prevent rust from forming on your wood pellet grill surfaces. Then apply the touch-up paint on those sprayed spots.
Inspect for Loose Screws or Bolts:
While cleaning your grill, look out for any loose screws or bolts that may be present on it. These can weaken joints over time and lead to warping, further promoting rust formation.
Season the Grill:
A quick and easy way to remove rust from your pellet grill is by seasoning it. Seasoning the grill will help to prevent rust from forming again in the future. To season a pellet grill, start by preheating the grill over high heat (350 degrees Fahrenheit) until you see smoke coming out of the vents. Make sure to add pellets to the pellet hopper.
Then, decrease the temperature to medium-low (100-150 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it cool down for an hour or so until you have a thin layer of ash on your pellets.
Finally, turn off your grill and use a brush with oil to coat all surfaces inside the grill, including the cooking chamber and any internal components that come into contact with food. You should also coat the exterior of your pellet smoker. I recommend using coconut oil since it can last up to a couple of years before it gets rancid.
Avoid Using Water on The Flame Broiler:
When cleaning your pellet grill, it is important to avoid using water on the flame broiler. Water can damage your flame broiler and may cause rust or corrosion.
Instead, use a brush with stiff bristles to remove any stuck-on food particles from the surface of your flame broiler. You can also use a wire brush to remove rust or corrosion from metal surfaces.
If you find a significant rust build-up on your flame broiler, consider replacing it completely. This is especially true if the grill has been used for many years and shows severe wear and tear.
Deep Clean Your Grill:
Deep Cleaning out your grill and grates can prevent rust. Here is the step-by-step Guide:
1. First, remove the grates and burners from your grill.
2. Next, clean out any ash collected at your grill’s bottom. A wet-dry vac will save you time.
3. Use a wire brush to scrub off the built-up grease and grime from your burner tubes and the inside of your grill’s body.
4. Finally, thoroughly wash all parts of your grill with warm, soapy water to get rid of any lingering dust or dirt particles before putting it back together and reassembling it on your deck or patio.
Other Methods to Clean a Rusty Grill:
Here are some other methods to clean a rusty grill:
Soap and Water:
Soap and water are commonly used methods for cleaning up a rusty grill. Mix dish soap with water, and use it to scrub the grill’s surface. Be sure to rinse well with clean water afterwards.
Vinegar and Baking Soda:
Another option for removing rust is to use vinegar and baking soda. Mix these two ingredients into a paste, and use it to scrub the rusty areas of your grill.
Sandpaper:
If you’re dealing with heavy rust build-up on your grill, sandpaper can be used to get rid of it. Wet the grill’s surface, and sand away any visible rust with the sandpaper.
Once all the rust has been removed, rinse off the grill well and then dry it thoroughly before using it again.
Safe Rust Removers:
Several safe and environmentally friendly ways to remove rust from your pellet grill. These include using vinegar, lemon juice, or even cola!
Pour your chosen substance into a spray bottle and apply it to the rusted areas on your grill.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed until all of the rust is gone, or very little is left.
Lemon Juice and Powdered Detergent:
Lemon Juice and powdered detergent are also great options for removing rust from your grill. Scrub the rusted area with a mixture of lemon juice and powdered dishwashing soap using a soft sponge or cloth.
Rinse away any residue once you’re done, then dry the surface with a clean towel or rag. Repeat as needed until all of the rust is gone.
Buy Ceramic:
Many pellet grill professionals recommend using a ceramic rod to remove rust from your pellet grill. Ceramics offers superior protection against rust and is easy to clean when it gets dirty or is covered in food residue.
To use a ceramic:
1. Start by removing any loose rust on the surface of your pellet grill with a soft bristle brush or cloth. Be sure to inspect all sides of the grilling surface so that every part of it is free from debris, crumbs, etc.
2. Next, wrap a piece of sandpaper around the end of the ceramic rod until you have reached the desired level of smoothness (usually 220-400 grit). Sanding your grill with high-grit paper will help remove any deep or stubborn rust spots.
3. Once the surface is smooth and clean, rub a small amount of oil onto the grill with a clean cloth to prevent further corrosion. You can also reapply this oil every few weeks to keep your pellet grill in top condition.
Clean with a Plastic Spatula:
To remove any stubborn areas of rust, use a broad, plastic spatula to give your grill a good cleaning. This is a good alternative to a wire brush if you fear the wires getting loose unto your grill grates, which can later get into your food. This will be a safety hazard. Also, the plastic material prevents the scraping of elements and paint from your pellet smoker.
With the spatula, scrape the affected areas and make sure to get into the nooks and crannies that may have collected some grime over time.
If this doesn’t fully remove all the rust, spray some degreaser onto your grill and scrape the affected areas again.
Wear safety gloves and protective eyewear when using a spatula or other cleaning tools. This will help protect your hands and eyes from any grit that may be left behind on the grill’s surface after scrubbing it.
Surely, there are many different methods for removing rust from your pellet grill. But if you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your grill looking like new and protect it against further damage. So go ahead and invest in that weatherproof cover today!
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to remove rust from your pellet grill, it’s time to start! Be sure to follow the tips and tricks we outlined in this article so you can restore your grill to its former glory.
If you have any questions or run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re always happy to answer questions and offer advice. Let us know how your restoration project goes in the comments below!