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I have heard one can use a rusty BBQ grill to make BBQ as it will burn away rust, I wanted to find out if anyone has ever tried it and if is it safe to use or not. My BBQ grill has been out in open for a year.
So, how do I clean a rusty BBQ grill to use it again safely?
This is actually a good question. So, the simple answer is... there isn't enough rust on the grill to cause any issues, unless the rust is flaking off in chunks and you eat those chunks.
There are many people that use cast iron pots to cook in. These also rust over time. When needed the pot is brought out of storage, a metal scourer is used, and the pot is scrubbed. After this the pot is washed with soap and water and is ready for use.
Cooking food in a pot will allow for more of the rust to be absorbed into the food in question than just laying your food on the grill.
What I do to clean my grill is, take a steel brush and give it a good rub to remove any loose debris. Wash it with soap and water. Give it a light coating of oil and it's good to go.
Hope this helps you.
I would cover the grill with a copper grill mat. They are easier to clean than a grill too.
Consider that traditional iron-supplement medicine is orange juice with rusty nails left soaking in it for a few hours (remove nails before drinking).
As for the grill, scrape off the loose rust, oil it, and enjoy.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ingesting rust in small amounts will not harm your health (unless you have a rare disease called hemochromatosis, which causes your internal organs to retain iron). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions against inhaling large amounts of rust (usually a workplace hazard rather than a kitchen one), which can cause respiratory issues. In fact, iron oxide is used as a safe, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved food coloring. In other words, you probably won’t be harmed if you eat food baked in rusty pans or cooked with rusty water… but if you have a choice, why would you want to?
— Risks Of Using Rusted Cookware.
