Don’t let rust or grime ruin your gear. Learn how to properly clean, dry, and store your grill, tools, and accessories so they last for seasons to come.
Treat Your Gear Like You Treat Your Meat
Grills, smokers, tools, and accessories aren’t cheap—so why let rust, moisture, or neglect shorten their life? Whether you’re using a $100 backyard pit or a $1,000 pellet smoker, how you clean and store it matters just as much as how you cook on it.
With the right routine and a few small upgrades, you can keep your equipment looking sharp, working flawlessly, and lasting for years.
Why Rust Happens—and How to Stop It
Rust forms when moisture + oxygen + exposed metal meet. Heat, food residue, ash, and grease speed up that reaction.
Common Rust Culprits:
- Skipping the post-cook wipe-down
- Leaving grates or tools wet
- Storing gear outside without proper covers
- Letting ash sit too long inside a smoker
- Not re-seasoning cast iron grates or pans
Tip 1: Dry Everything Completely
This one sounds obvious, but it’s the #1 overlooked step in post-BBQ care. After cleaning:
- Wipe all tools and grates dry with a towel
- Leave your grill lid open for 10–15 minutes to air dry internal moisture
- If you washed grates, warm them on low heat for 10 minutes to fully dry
Tip 2: Oil Your Grates and Cast Iron
Moisture isn’t the enemy—unprotected metal is. A thin layer of oil locks in your seasoning and keeps rust at bay.
Best Oils:
- Canola
- Avocado
- Grape seed
- Flaxseed (for long-term seasoning)
How to Apply:
- Pour a small amount on a paper towel
- Rub over grates, pans, or cooking surfaces
- Heat for 10–15 minutes to seal
Tip 3: Store Tools Off the Ground
Leaving BBQ tools and accessories on the ground, deck, or stacked together invites rust and grime.
Smarter Storage Ideas:
- Wall-mounted hooks under a covered patio
- Tool bins with drainage holes to allow airflow
- Velcro straps or loops on the inside of your grill cover
- Magnetic racks for small metal tools (thermometers, probes)
Tip 4: Cover It Up (The Right Way)
A good grill cover is one of the easiest and most important investments you can make.
What to Look For:
- Waterproof, UV-resistant material
- Vents to allow airflow
- Adjustable straps or bungee ties
- Fleece or soft inner lining (to protect stainless steel)
Pro Tip: Don’t cover your grill while it’s still warm or damp. Let it cool and dry first.
Tip 5: Ash Removal = Rust Prevention
Ash traps moisture and becomes corrosive when wet. If you use charcoal or wood, clean out the ash after each cook, especially before rain or humidity rolls in.
- Use a metal scoop and steel bin
- Line the ash pan with foil for easy cleanup
- Wipe ash residue from the inside walls of your grill or smoker
Tip 6: End-of-Season Maintenance
Before winter storage or a seasonal break:
- Deep clean your grill and accessories
- Re-oil grates and cast iron
- Store small items (skewers, baskets, thermometers) indoors
- Drain and clean pellet hoppers or grease trays
Then cover, secure, and store your grill in a dry, sheltered spot until you’re ready to fire it up again.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your BBQ gear doesn’t just protect your investment—it makes every cook more enjoyable. Clean tools work better. Oiled grates cook cleaner. Covered grills stay ready year-round.
A little post-cook effort saves you from big repairs (or replacements) down the road. Respect your rig, and it’ll deliver for years to come.
Buy Here: Rust-Prevention and Storage Gear on Amazon
Keep your equipment looking and performing like new with these smart buys:
- Grillman Premium Waterproof BBQ Cover (Multiple Sizes)
Heavy-duty, fade-resistant, and built to handle all seasons.
https://amzn.to/3Rij0Kl - Caron & Doucet BBQ Grill Seasoning Oil
Natural, food-safe formula that protects cast iron and carbon steel.
https://amzn.to/42rwQ3v - Grill Caddy BBQ Tool Storage Rack with Hooks
Lightweight, rustproof, and holds all your essential tools.
https://amzn.to/4j7J3jz - Ash Bucket with Lid and Shovel
Safe and easy way to dispose of charcoal and wood ash.
https://amzn.to/4cAP6KR - Grill General 26 Piece Clean Out Tool Kit
Includes scrapers, blocks, and pads to keep your grill internals in check.
https://amzn.to/3Etcmhn
