How to Prevent Rust on Your Grill: Best Tips and Practices

A well-maintained grill can last for years, but one of the biggest threats to its longevity is rust.

Rust forms when moisture and grease build up on your grill grates, leading to corrosion and damage.

The good news?

With the right cleaning and storage techniques, you can keep your grill in top shape and rust-free.

Let’s go over what causes rust, how to prevent it, and what to do if your grill grates already have some rust buildup.

Understanding Rust and Its Causes

Rust doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it happens when high heat, moisture, and grease come together. 

Here’s how:

• Moisture Exposure: Humidity, rain, and even condensation can cause your grill to rust.

• Grease and Food Buildup: While it might seem like grease protects your grill, it actually speeds up corrosion. Food residue left on grates can trap moisture and encourage rust formation.

• Heat and Metal Reaction: High temperatures weaken metal over time, making it easier for rust to form—especially on gas grills.

Understanding these factors is the first step to keeping your grill in good condition.

Learn More: Keep Your Grill Spotless: The Best Grill Grate Cleaner Guide

Preventing Rust

Preventing rust requires regular maintenance.

Here’s what you can do:

• Clean After Every Use: Scrape your grill grates after cooking to remove food bits and grease. A bristle-free brush, like Easy Function’s coiled stainless steel grill brush, can clean between the grates while reducing the risk of wire bristles breaking off.

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• Use a High-Quality Grill Brush: A bristle brush, such as Easy Function’s 3-in-1 BBQ brush, is designed to handle deep cleaning without damaging your grill. Its ergonomic grip and built-in scraper make removing stubborn debris easy. Plus, if you’re looking for a deal, we’re offering:

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• Wipe Residue Off: After scrubbing, wipe the grates with a damp cloth to remove any loose particles or bristles.

• Apply a Light Coat of Oil: Seasoning your grill with vegetable oil helps create a barrier against rust. Use a paper towel to spread a thin layer over the grates after cleaning.

• Choose the Right Cleaning Tools: If you prefer an eco-friendly option, Easy Function’s wood grill scraper molds to your grates over time, offering a natural, chemical-free way to clean your grill without risking bristle contamination.

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Protective Measures

Adding extra protection to your grill helps prevent rust in the long run. 

Consider these options:

• Use a Grill Mat: A grill mat keeps food from sticking while reducing grease buildup. This not only makes cleaning easier but also helps keep your grates rust-free.

• Apply a Rust Inhibitor: A rust-resistant spray or grill-specific cleaner can add an extra layer of defense. Just be sure to use food-safe products like Traeger All Natural Grill Cleaner or ECOLAB Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser.

• Upgrade Your Grill Grates: Some materials resist rust better than others. Stainless steel and cast iron grates last longer and are easier to maintain. If your grill grates are prone to rust, consider investing in higher-quality replacements.

Discover More: Remove Rust from BBQ Plate Easily for a Better Grill

Storing Your Grill Properly

Storage plays a big role in preventing rust.

Here’s how to keep your grill safe between uses:

• Empty the Grill Before Storing: If you use a pellet grill, don’t leave pellets inside. Moisture can make them clump together, leading to mold and rust.

• Keep It Dry: If you store your grill in a humid area, running a dehumidifier can help. This reduces moisture in the air and slows rust formation.

• Use a Grill Cover: A heavy-duty grill cover protects your grill from rain, snow, and UV damage. Look for one that’s waterproof and fits your grill snugly.

Dealing with Rust

Already dealing with rust?

Don’t worry—here’s how to get your grill back in shape:

• Scrub with a Wire Brush or Steel Wool: Remove surface rust by scrubbing the grates with a stiff-wire brush or steel wool. If you’re using a bristle brush, be sure it’s a high-quality, safe design like Easy Function’s 3-in-1 BBQ brush.

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• Season the Grates After Cleaning: Once the rust is gone, apply vegetable oil to the grates to create a protective layer.

• Burn Off Leftover Food Bits: Before scrubbing, turn the grill on high for a few minutes to loosen any stuck-on residue.

• Replace Severely Rusted Grates: If rust has eaten through your grates, it may be time for a replacement.

Additional Tips

• Keep Your Grill Clean and Dry: Moisture is the biggest enemy of grill grates, so always wipe them down after cleaning.

• Follow Your Grill’s Manual: Different grill materials require different cleaning methods. Check your manual for the best approach.

• Season Your Grates Regularly: Just like cast iron pans, grill grates benefit from frequent oil seasoning.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your grill from rust isn’t complicated—it just takes a little routine care.

By cleaning your grates after each use, storing your grill properly, and using high-quality cleaning tools, you can enjoy rust-free grilling for years to come.

Looking for the right cleaning tools?

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Now, fire up the grill and cook with confidence, knowing that rust won’t get in your way.

Happy grilling!