The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Steel Fire Pit Smokin’ Hot: How to Care for Your Custom Fire Pit

If you want to prevent rust from starting on your fire pit, you need to maintain it correctly and keep it clean. You should clean your fire pit thoroughly after every use as the ash in the fire pit can absorb moisture from the air or rain. This ash and moisture mix will then sit in your fire pit directly on the metal’s surface, which can cause rust if not cleaned. This is the worst place to have moisture sit on your fire pit, as the interior is the most prone to rusting due to the heat it experiences during use.

A fire pit rake and shovel can help to keep the fuel off the bottom of the fire pit (basically, it acts as a brush and pan to scoop the coals out) which can help to prevent rust and prolong its lifespan. Use a silver pot scourer or soft sandpaper for hard-to-clean bits that get stuck onto the dish. Then oil your fire pit. This process will not only keep it clean but also help with rust prevention. Think of it as a spa day for your fire pit. It’ll thank you for it.

When storing your steel fire pit, make sure it is dry and free of any debris. This will help to prevent rust and prolong its lifespan. A high-quality carbon steel fire pit can withstand harsh elements but its lifespan can be prolonged even further with the proper care.

If you’re leaving it outside, it’s important to make sure it’s not getting drenched in the rain or basked in the sun. A waterproof canvas fire pit cover  can help keep it dry and it will also help to keep it clean and free of debris. Think of it like a cosy blanket for your fire pit. Placing the fire pit on a level surface can help prevent it from rusting or tipping over. And don’t forget, just like us, your fire pit needs some shade from time to time.

They can damage the finish and increase the likelihood of rust. Use water instead to clean it and avoid using abrasive materials. It’s like using a harsh exfoliant on your skin, it might feel good in the moment, but it’ll leave you feeling rough and damaged.

Overloading your steel fire pit with huge logs that can maintain heat for prolonged times may cause it to warp in extreme cases. Make sure to use the appropriate amount of fuel for the size of your fire pit. Think of it like trying to fit into your skinny jeans after an excessively big family dinner; it’s just not going to be a comfortable squeeze.

Using the wrong type of fuel in your steel fire pit can cause damage and rust. Use only dry, seasoned wood and approved fire pit fuel such as eco-friendly firelighters. Using unfit fuel is like putting diesel in a car that runs on gasoline; it’s just not going to work.

Last but not least, regularly inspect your steel fire pit for rust and take steps to prevent or remove it as soon as you notice it. As mentioned earlier, use a high-grade silicone oil to put a protective layer over the steel, using a rag or sponge to apply. The oil will create a natural protective barrier all over your fire pit to help protect it from the elements and the fire when you use it. This method is easy to do yourself and will not take a long time to complete. Rusting is a natural occurrence with steel products. By doing this, you will help with prolonging the lifespan of your steel fire pit. If your fire pit has a black coating on it, the paint will eventually burn off the area where the hot coals sit, inside and underside. You can purchase both the standard maintenance oil bottles and spray cans directly from The Fire Pit Company for easy at-home touch ups.