We love metal fire pits for their sturdiness and longevity. Their rust potential – not so much. Whether you currently have a metal fire pit and hate the rusting or are hesitant to give this fire pit type a try due to potential rusting, we can help. We’ve done all the research on fire pit rust and will share our findings with you in this guide.
Metal fire pits, specifically those that are partially made of iron, are susceptible to rusting. This rust is not only an eyesore but carries a serious health risk in some cases. Owners can scour the rust away, and future rusting can be prevented through mindful storage, regular cleaning, and more.
There’s a lot that you need to know about fire pit rust, and we’re going to jump into all of it in this article. If you want to learn more, keep on reading as we cover why fire pits rust, how to remove rust, and rust prevention tips you can implement right away.
Why Fire Pits Rust
Before we get into rust prevention and removal, we’ll first cover why fire pits rust. It has to do with science, but we’ll keep things simple. Any metal that contains iron has the potential to rust. This rusting is natural and due to the iron being exposed to water or oxygen. Over time, the iron oxidizes (turns into iron oxide) and grows that flaky reddish coating that we love to hate.
Here are a few things that increase the oxidation rate:
- High humidity levels in the surrounding area.
- Frequent temperature fluctuations.
- Rainy days or a rainy climate.
- High levels of salt in the air.
- Placing the metal near or in water.
Perhaps the most annoying thing about rust is that it gets progressively more pronounced over time. This is specifically if you do nothing about it.
You won’t notice rust right away. It takes time for oxidation to take place. However, the more the iron is exposed to water, the quicker the rust will appear and the more you’ll see.
Rust-Resistant Fire Pits
You may have seen metal fire pits advertised as rust resistant. Sometimes, it’s because these pits don’t have any iron in them (aluminum and copper are a couple). It could also mean that the fire pit does contain iron but has been coated with a rust-resistant chemical. This doesn’t mean the fire pit will never rust.
Eventually, the rust-resistant coating will burn away, and rust will be in your future.
How to Remove Fire Pit Rust
The good thing about rust is that it can be removed with the right method. And it’s easier than you might think. Below, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions for how to remove fire pit rust using a couple of methods.
Remove Rust in a Natural Way
For anyone who prefers to tackle rust with natural methods, this section is for you. There are several natural remedies that can effectively remove rust and bring back your fire pit’s original finish. They include:
- Dissolve the rust with white vinegar. White vinegar is acidic and can quickly eliminate rust by dissolving it. Simply pour the vinegar on the rusty areas of the fire pit and scrub away with a scrub brush. Once the rust is gone, rinse the pit thoroughly with water – if you leave the vinegar on the pit, it will begin to damage the metal. Dry thoroughly.
- Scrub the rust away. If you have a wire brush around, you can use that to get rid of the rust. Simply use a wire brush or steel wool pad to scrub away any rust you can see. If you’re having trouble getting it off, you can let some vinegar sit on the pit for a few minutes and then try scrubbing again. The rust should come off without a problem.
- Use baking soda paste. Baking soda is a well-known rust remover that many have used with success. Combine baking soda with water until a thick paste forms. Then, apply the paste to the rusty areas of your fire pit and set a timer for 2 hours. After the time is up, use a steel wool brush to scrub the rust away.
- Sand it off with sandpaper. Sandpaper is abrasive enough to break down rust. To get the rust off, we recommend using 180-grit sandpaper. Then, scrub again with 320-grit sandpaper. After that second round of sanding, you’ll have a smooth, rust-free surface. Be careful with the sandpaper and take your time – you don’t want to scratch the metal.
The above natural remedies should bring you the most success. But there are others that you may want to try if these don’t resonate with you. They include:
- Potato
- Lemon juice
- Cola
*These remedies are a little iffier than the previous ones, so we only recommend these if you’re in an experimenting mood.
Remove Rust with Chemicals
Chemical rust removers are sold at hardware stores and online and are specifically formulated to get rid of rust. But they’re not all the same. We’ll cover two of the best below.
Rust-Oleum
Rust-Oleum is an extremely popular item that has really good reviews and has been used for decades. The product contains phosphoric acid, which dissolves mild to moderate rust on metals in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. For extremely rusty surfaces, you may need to do multiple rounds with the product to get the rust off. You shouldn’t let the surface dry.
Here are the main benefits this product offers:
- Quick rust removal
- Paint-ready surface in an hour
- Spray-on vs. submerge
Note for Rust-Oleum safety: Phosphoric acid is very strong and can irritate your skin and cause other health issues. So, always protect your skin by wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. We also recommend wearing gloves and protective eyewear. And don’t use it in a non-ventilated area. Lastly, always read the instructions and precautions in their entirety.
Evapo-Rust
Another great option is Evapo-Rust. This option is known to be safer than Rust-Oleum, given that it’s non-toxic. This rust remover works by soaking, not sanding or scrubbing. To use it, you’ll have to submerge the rust in the solution and wait for at least 30 minutes for light to moderate rust.
If you’re dealing with really bad rust, leave it soaking for up to a day. When time is up, you’ll see that the rust is gone.
Here are some benefits of this product:
- Non-toxic
- No corrosion
- No scrubbing or sanding
Note on Evapo-Rust safety: Though the product is marketed as a non-toxic option, it still pays to be cautious with it. The product can still irritate the eyes and cause internal issues if ingested. So, all the precautions we mentioned with Rust-Oleum apply to Evapo-Rust as well. And don’t forget to read the instructions and precautions on the bottle.
How to Prevent Fire Pits from Rusting
Though you’ve got many options for removing rust from your fire pit, it’s always best to prevent the rust from forming. Luckily, there are several things you can do starting today to keep the rust away.
Don’t Let Your Fire Pit Get Wet
If you’re trying to avoid rust, the first preventive measure you should take is keeping your fire pit dry. Moisture is one of the main things that speed up the oxidation process; it makes your metal fire pit rust quicker. If you’re wondering how you’ll keep your fire pit dry, here are some ideas:
- Store your fire pit inside on rainy days or during the winter months. This tip will only apply to those who have a portable fire pit. If you don’t, skip to the next point. Doing this will protect the pit from the weather’s worst. Store it in a dry area.
- Use a fire pit cover whenever you’re not using the pit. Fire pit covers come in many different variations and price points, so your chances of finding the perfect one for your fire pit are high. Just ensure that the cover you choose is weatherproof and offers protection from the rain.
Oil Your Fire Pit Now and Again
If you didn’t know that you should be oiling your metal fire pit, this tip can feel like an imposition. But if you decide to add oiling to your fire pit maintenance routine, you can dramatically reduce rusting over time. The oil acts as a barrier between the metal and the outdoor environment, which slows down oxidation and rust formation.
The best times to oil your fire pit include:
- After every use. Don’t do it until the fire has died down and the metal has cooled.
- Every week or so when the fire pit isn’t in use.
Vegetable oil and canola oil both work like a charm for this purpose. All you must do is rub the oil onto the metal and let it sit. This method is most helpful when the metal is already mostly clean.
Keep Up with Your Fire Pit Cleaning Sessions
When ash and other debris are left inside the fire pit for a prolonged time, it can accumulate moisture from the surrounding environment. That moisture then touches your fire pit, and rusting begins. So, it’s crucial to keep up with your fire pit cleaning sessions.
After each use, you should remove ash and other debris from the bowl of the pit. Whenever the pit needs a deep cleaning session, use the following steps to get the job done right:
- Take three soft cloths, some mild soap (dish soap is fine), and a large container of hot water.
- Combine the water and soap to create a soapy solution. You’ll need to stir it to ensure the soap is evenly distributed in the water.
- Dip one of your cloths in the soapy water solution and wipe down the inside and outside of the fire pit.
- Dip another towel in water and wipe away any soapy residue from the first step. If there’s too much soap, you can use a water hose to spray down the fire pit.
- Wipe the pit down with a dry towel before allowing it to air dry the rest of the way. Take your time with this step and get it as dry as possible with the towel.
You don’t have to do a deep cleansing session every time you use your fire pit. Depending on how often you use it, it may need a heavy-duty cleaning every 3 to 6 months. If you use it a lot year-round, every 3 months is most appropriate. If you barely use it, go with it every 6 months. Whenever you see a buildup, that’s a clear sign that the pit needs a deep cleaning.
Can You Use a Rusty Fire Pit?
You can use a rusty fire pit. If the look of the rust doesn’t bother you, feel free to use it while it’s rusty. The truth is that rust is natural and will likely become an issue at one time or another, so chances are you’ll find yourself with a rust fire pit. While you can slow down the oxidation process with the tips mentioned earlier, that doesn’t mean the metal will never rust.
Believe it or not, there’s a type of fire pit that’s purposely rusted to protect the structural integrity of the unit. It’s called a corten steel fire pit, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite amongst homeowners who are looking for a more low-maintenance pit. The rustic look of the fire pit makes it unique, and you won’t have to battle the rust since it’s supposed to be there.
Keep in mind that if your fire pit isn’t designed to be rusted, you should try to take care of rust as soon as your can. It can cause the fire pit to collapse.
Is Fire Pit Rust Dangerous?
You may have heard that rust is dangerous and can give you tetanus. But that’s not the case. Yes, rusty objects have been known to cause tetanus infections. However, it may come as a surprise that the rust wasn’t the cause of those infections. It was the bacteria that had settled on the object.
So, you don’t have to worry about rust from a health standpoint. Rust isn’t dangerous to us. If you want to prevent tetanus, the best way to do so is with a current tetanus vaccine.
Can You Paint a Rusty Fire Pit?
Are you thinking about giving your fire pit a new paint job even though it’s rusty? You’ll be glad to know that you can do so as long as you use heat-resistant paint. Paints like these will be able to withstand extremely high temperatures (up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit). Just know that if your fire pit is rusty, the final paint job will look bumpy and potentially uneven.
What’s more is that not all rust is okay to paint over. Some rust is unstable and will fall off or dissipate over time. If that’s the type of rust you’re dealing with, know that some of the paint will come off along with the rust. There goes all your effort.
For the longevity of your paint job, we recommend removing as much rust as possible before painting. This may require scrubbing, sanding, or using natural or chemical methods as outlined above. Once the rust is removed, you’ll tape over any hardware and get to spray painting. On average, it takes a few hours for a single coat of paint to dry.
How Rust Can Affect a Fire Pit Over Time
Most don’t know that rust can get worse over time, penetrating the metal and even going through it. That is, if you don’t do anything about it. So, when you notice that rust is getting worse and worse, don’t waste time. Take steps to remove the rust as soon as possible.
Even if the rust doesn’t go completely through your fire pit, it can weaken any screws, bolts, and other metal parts. The result is reduced stability. And if your fire pit tips over while lit, that can be a huge fire or explosion hazard.
In addition to that, rust is an eyesore in most cases, especially when it begins to look flaky. At that point, your fire pit probably looks a far cry from how it did when you got it home.
Eventually, the fire pit’s longevity will take a hit. Metal fire pits usually last anywhere around 10 years. But if you let rust take over, you won’t get nearly as many years out of the pit. In humid areas with lots of rain, the rust could be so bad that the fire pit doesn’t make it to even 5 years.
3 Best Metal Fire Pits for Rust-Resistance
Do you want to limit the amount of rust you’ll deal with, or better yet, avoid it entirely? There are metal fire pits you can use that won’t ever rust. Then, there are options that incorporate rust-resistant components. Keep reading as we reveal three of the best metal fire pits for rust resistance.
Global Outdoors 26″ Genuine Copper Fire Pit with Screen
The Global Outdoors 26″ Genuine Copper Fire Pit with Screen is a great choice for anyone who wants to skip the rust entirely. Since the fire pit is made of copper (which has a very low iron content), copper won’t ever rust. In addition to that, copper doesn’t corrode. Just know that it is easy to dent, so you’ll have to be careful how you handle it.
Here are a few other benefits associated with this fire pit:
- The pit is made of 100% genuine copper.
- You get a spacious 24-inch bowl, perfect for small to medium-sized gatherings.
- The pit comes with a screen to promote safety and keep embers and sparks from escaping.
- PVC cover and poker are included with your purchase.
- Cool, rustic aesthetic that meshes well with most outdoor décor styles.
The happiest customers state that the pit is easy to assemble, looks classy, and is lightweight.
Sunnydaze 29″ Bronze Cauldron Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Another rust-free fire pit option is this Bronze Cauldron Wood-Burning Fire Pit by Sunnydaze. As you can tell by its name, this fire pit is made of bronze. Bronze doesn’t contain any iron, so it won’t rust. Though this is great, bronze does have the tendency to take on a new hue over time. To keep the finish from tarnishing, keep it clean and coat it with an anti-tarnishing product.
Here are some benefits of this bronze fire pit:
- It comes in a 29″ size, which is rather large and sits several inches above the ground.
- The pit comes with a spark screen for your safety.
- Installation is a breeze – just secure each of the four legs, and you’re ready to go.
- You get a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- The pit is portable, so you can move it around to your heart’s content.
Those who were overjoyed with the fire pit said it was beautiful and that the screen was high quality.
NATURAL EXPRESSIONS 32-Inch Fire Pit
Do you prefer a painted fire pit over one of the previous options? Opt for this NATURAL EXPRESSIONS 32-inch pit. Though it’s made of steel, which can rust, it’s coated in rust-resistant paint. So, rust won’t be an issue.
Some other benefits associated with this pit:
- Two-tier grill for cooking.
- You get a spark mesh for safety.
- Metal feet to keep the pit stable and reduce tip-over risk.
- Rotating grill area.
- Large 32″ size diameter, perfect for the entire family.
- Poker and fire pit cover included.
Those who were most impressed with the pit stated that it’s easy to use, beautiful to look at, and functions as expected.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about fire pit rust. As you now know, rust is reasonably preventable and manageable so long as you know how to go about it. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you transform your outdoor space.
