How To Fix Rusted Grill Bottom – The Best Techniques For Repair

Grilling food without a steel grill is hard (though it’s possible); thus, having this device is essential.

However, are you in trouble with finding the solutions of how to fix rusted grill bottom? This is a common problem faced by users of this device.

Don’t worry. You will find that the techniques to deal with this issue are surprisingly simple.

This writing not only points out the solutions but also lists the causes and provides some tips to prolong the durability of this product.

There is also information about the items required for repair and detailed instructions available.  

Why Does The Bottom Of My Grill Rust Out?

Rust is a normal phenomenon in your steel barbecue after long use, regardless of any preventive measures applied.

Before getting the solutions to this problem, it is essential to point out the causes. Here are the most common elements making rusted grill bottom:

Saltwater: In particular, salt and humidity exist in the atmosphere, especially in coastal areas. Thus, this mixture can corrode the metals, including your steel grills or barbecues, if they are not stainless.

Water: When you put the grill outdoors, not to mention the washing water, both rain and winter snow are the sources of rust. Remember to oil the device after cleaning.

Chemicals: The cleaning products containing chlorine or bleach may cause rust on the surfaces.

Food residue: After cooking, there are particles of food staying on the device. After a long time, they degrade and get acidic, which results in rust on your steel barbecue shells.

How To Fix Rusted Grill Bottom

There are multiple methods for the bottom of grill rusted out repair with different elements and techniques required.

Take into account the suggestions below and choose the most fitted one for you.

1. Using Dishwashing Soap And Water

When it comes to the light-cussed stains, you can make use of dishwashing soap and warm water to fix rust on grill after each use.

It is not good to purchase a product formulated with too many chemicals or poisonous elements.

It not only erodes the grill backside and worsens the rust but also goes into your food due to improper cleaning.

Instructions:

• Mix the soapy dishwashing with a certain amount of water in a spray or a bucket.
• Spray the mixture on the surfaces of your device. Spend about 15 to 20 minutes soaking. The greasy corruption is dissolved during this time.
• Use a polyamide brush or a rag to get rid of the remaining food particles.
• Rinse the steel barbecue backside with water and wipe it dry.

2. Scraping Off

How to fix bottom of grill rusted out quickly? The best solution is simply using a scraper. There is a wide range of rough materials such as sandpaper, steel wool, or wire brush to remove the dust.

Instructions:

• Use a type of scraper to remove the large dirt and debris chunks.
• Use water and dishwashing cleaner soap along with the scraper to get away the leftover grease. Do not miss the corners while cleaning.
• Rinse the device with clean water for proper removal.
• Use a paper towel to wipe it down and apply a light coat of cooking oil on the surface. 

3. Using Vinegar And Baking Soda

The acid in vinegar reacts with the baking soda to remove the rust and even enter the crevices and cracks.

Instructions:

• Take the amount of white vinegar and baking soda with the ratio of 1:2 and combine. Use a twig bottle as the container.
• Spray the texture on your steel barbecue surfaces and let it soak for some minutes.
• Use a bristle brush to get rid of the leftover stains.
• Wipe the device with a rag.

4. Using Commercial Rust Remover

There are countless types of commercial remover for kitchenware available.

It is recommended to invest in the non-toxic ones when you clean the rusty surfaces exposed to the food. Follow the directions from the manufacturer as well.

Instructions:

• Use a brush to get away the dirt and grease on the grill backside.
• Spray the remover liquid and soak the device for an amount of time suggested in the direction.
• Use a moist and clean cloth to wipe off the product.

5. Using Citric Acid

Another option for the bottom of grill rusted out repair is using citrus fruits such as lemon and lime. These contain citric acid, which has quite a similar function as vinegar.

As a result, the rough metal surfaces will be removed. You can combine the citric acid with dissolved baking soda, dishwashing soap, or salt.

Instructions:

• Prepare a potent paste of citric acid mixture and thoroughly apply it to the barbecue grill downside.
• Let the coat stay overnight on the surface to break down the particles of rust.
• Use clean water or a moist cloth to remove the coat. Use the steel wool to get rid of the leftovers.
• Rinse your device again and repeat the process if necessary.

Moreover, there is a solution to deal with the damaged backside of your steel barbecue. Use an epoxy filler to refill the holes.

This material can harden as metal and withstand high temperatures, up to 2400°F.

Instructions:

• Remove the free rust and clean the greasy and dusty backside by dishwashing the cleaning soap.
• Follow the direction on the packaging of the product to fill the outlet.
• Clean the surface and create a coat of high-temperature paint to get a proper finish.

FAQs

When Do I Need To Replace A Rusted Grill Bottom?

It is not safe to cook on a rusted grill as minor particles can stick to your food during cooking.

Ingesting rust once is not harmful; however, constant intake of this element will cause issues to your intestinal tract.

Thus, throw it away if epoxy filler can not refill the cracks on your rusted grill. Meanwhile, American users always replace their steel barbecue every three years.

In fact, people can use the gas grill for 5 to 15 years. The difference in durability depends on the maintenance of the users.

How To Prevent My Grill From Rusting Fast?

Here are some tips for you to slow down the process of your grill getting rusted.

Stainless Grill With Ceramic Grates

In fact, stainless steel is not totally non-corrosive. However, it can properly withstand the corrosion and slow down the rusting process.

The protective layer will be degraded due to regular cleaning and heating over time.

Thus, the coat of ceramic grates not only avoids sticking but also prevents water from contacting directly with the device’s metallic parts.

Proper Cleaning

Remember to clean upside down the grill after each use to reduce the chance of greasy build-up.

You should often have a deep clean to remove the dirt at the corners and other hard-reaching parts of the device. Before cleaning, disassemble the entire grill.

Seasoning

As mentioned before, applying a thin coat of vegetable oil to the device is recommended. You should have the oil cover both inside and outside surfaces to prevent water from entering.

Weatherproof The Steel Grill

In the last step, wrap the steel barbecue with a vinyl or nylon layer.

This wrapper is a superior protective coat when you place the device in a location having regular rain, snow, or highly concentrated humidity.

Meanwhile, keeping the steel barbecue indoors is a better option.

Conclusion

You have been through a list of techniques on how to fix rusted grill bottom and further advice for improving the quality of your device.

Having a grill backside with corruption not only affects the quality of your cooking and food but also wastes you much more money to fix and replace.

Thus, follow the provided tips to prevent your device from corrupting quickly.

Additionally, you should invest in stainless products with higher quality and longer durability that can withstand harsh conditions.

Having a wise choice at the beginning is also a way to prevent this problem later.