Keep Your Grill Rust-Free with These Essential Tips

A rusty grill isn’t just an eyesore—it can ruin your cooking experience and even affect the taste of your food.

Rust weakens the metal, making your grill less durable over time.

Luckily, preventing rust is easy if you take the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll cover why rust forms, how to stop it, and the best ways to maintain a rust-free grill for years.

Understanding Rust and Its Causes

Rust happens when moisture and oxygen react with metal, leading to corrosion. 

But when it comes to grills, several other factors speed up the rusting process:

• High heat exposure: Constant heating and cooling cause metal to expand and contract, creating tiny cracks where moisture seeps in.

• Grease and food residue: Leftover food and grease trap moisture, encouraging rust to form.

• Improper storage: Leaving your grill uncovered exposes it to rain, humidity, and even morning dew.

Learn More: Remove Rust from a Flat Top Grill: Simple Cleaning Guide

How to Prevent Rust from Forming

The key to stopping rust is regular maintenance and proper storage. 

A few small habits can go a long way in keeping your grill in top shape.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

A clean grill lasts longer, so it’s important to develop good cleaning habits:

• Brush your grates after every use to remove food particles and grease buildup. A wood grill scraper, like the Easy Function wood grill scraper, is a great alternative to metal tools. It conforms to your grill’s shape over time, ensuring a precise clean.

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• Use natural cleaning hacks—rubbing an onion or a lemon on warm grates helps break down residue and prevents rust.

• Avoid using traditional wire brushes as they can shed bristles that might end up in your food. If you prefer a brush, a safer option is the Easy Function bristle-free brush, designed to provide deep cleaning without the risks of loose bristles.

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• Clean the grease tray or drip pan regularly. Grease buildup can trap moisture and accelerate rust formation.

Protecting Your Grill

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to rust prevention.

• Always use a grill cover to shield your grill from rain and humidity. A waterproof, UV-resistant cover offers the best protection.

• Store your grill in a dry place when not in use. If you keep it outside, placing it under a covered patio can help.

• Avoid leaving pellets or charcoal inside the grill when storing it. These can absorb moisture, creating a damp environment that encourages rust.

• Use a dehumidifier if you store your grill in a garage or shed—this reduces excess moisture in the air.

Related Read: Remove Rust from BBQ Plate Easily for a Better Grill

Seasoning and Rust Prevention

Seasoning isn’t just for cast iron skillets—it also protects grill grates from rust!

• Apply a thin coat of oil (such as grapeseed, palm, or olive oil) to your grill grates after each cleaning. This creates a barrier that repels moisture.

• Use a grill mat or cooking sheet to keep food from sticking and reduce grease buildup. Less residue means less risk of rust.

• Re-season your grates regularly, especially if they start looking dry or flaky. This keeps them protected and improves their performance.

Removing Rust and Restoring Grates

If rust has already formed, don’t panic—you can still save your grates!

• Scrub the rust off using a wire brush or steel wool. If you prefer a tool that’s easier on your grates, the Easy Function bristle brush offers heavy-duty cleaning with an ergonomic grip and a built-in scraper. Plus, it’s designed to last with free lifetime replacements.

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• Burn off any lingering food particles before scrubbing. Heating the grill first loosens up debris, making it easier to clean.

• Re-season the grates after scrubbing to restore their protective oil coating.

• Use a rust inhibitor for extra protection—these sprays create a moisture-resistant barrier to prevent future rust.

Investing in Rust-Resistant Grates

Not all grill grates are created equal—some materials are better at resisting rust than others. 

If you’re looking to upgrade, consider these options:

• Stainless steel grates: Affordable and easy to clean, but they don’t hold heat as well and can wear down over time.

• Porcelain-coated grates: Good heat retention, but the coating can chip if cleaned with metal scrapers.

• Cast iron grates: The most durable option, offering excellent heat distribution. They require seasoning but last for years with proper care.

If you grill often, investing in higher-quality grates can save you money in the long run by reducing rust-related damage.

Best Practices for Rust Prevention

A few extra habits can keep your grill in top shape:

• Preheat your grill before cooking—this burns off excess moisture and leftover residue.

• Brush the grates before and after cooking to remove food particles.

• Apply a light oil coating after each cleaning to prevent rust and make future cleaning easier.

• Cover your grill whenever it’s not in use to shield it from rain and humidity.

Long-Term Maintenance and Upkeep

To keep your grill rust-free for years, regular maintenance is key:

• Wash the exterior surfaces regularly, especially if you live near the coast or a pool. Salt and chlorine can speed up rust formation.

• Use stainless steel cleaners and polish to remove rust spots and keep the grill looking new.

• Inspect and replace worn-out parts like burners and heat deflectors—they can trap moisture if they start to deteriorate.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a clean, rust-free grill that lasts for years.

Final Thoughts

Rust can be a major headache, but with the right maintenance, you can prevent it from taking over your grill.

Regular cleaning, proper storage, and seasoning your grates will help extend the life of your grill and keep it in great condition.

If you're looking for safer and more effective cleaning tools, check out Easy Function’s grill maintenance products.

From eco-friendly wood scrapers to heavy-duty bristle brushes with free lifetime replacements, there’s a solution for every grill.

Click on the image below to see the full range of Easy Function products!