How to Clean Rusty Grill Grates

Method #1: Baking Soda Paste

Simply mix baking soda and water until you have a thick paste. Rub the paste onto the rusty grill grates and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Use a wad of aluminum foil or a non-metallic brush to scrub the paste from the grates, taking the rust along with it. This tends to work best for mildly rusty grates but might not be effective on heavier rust. Rinse with water and allow to dry.

Method #2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This works using the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda. First, you’ll spray or wipe vinegar onto the rusty grates, then sprinkle with baking soda. The soda will fizz up and release the rust. Vinegar can be reapplied to more stubborn areas and scrubbed with aluminum foil. Rinse it off when you are done.

Grill grates can also be soaked overnight in vinegar to remove heavy rust. Use a shallow pan so that the grill grates are fully submerged.

Method #3: Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Lemon juice is an acid that will release rust from metal like vinegar does. The addition of baking soda sprinkled on the lemon juice will aid in the removal of rust. Rinse it clean when done.