An outdoor stove is necessary if you love spending summer, spring, or fall evenings outdoors. They help keep the chill at bay while making it possible to grill hotdogs or make s’mores over the open fire. And if you own a solo stove, you know that it is built to last.

But even then, it is prone to rusting just like any other metal over time. So how do you prevent your solo stove from rusting?

Are solo stoves rust-proof?

Prolonged exposure to harsh weather will likely increase your solo stove’s rust and discoloration. Solo stoves do rust if they’re left out for long periods. However, they are made of stainless steel, and consequently, they will resist rust for quite a long period, but not indefinitely.

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That means they’ll survive getting wet a few times if you accidentally leave them out in a shower, provided they dry off reasonably quickly afterward, but over a long time, your stove will start to rust away.

It is advisable to store your Solo stove in a cool, dry place. Even if you only have it out in summer, your solo stove will inevitably get wet at some points unless you live in an extremely dry area.

How do I protect my solo stove from rust?

Rust forms on metal when exposed to high amounts of moisture and air. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to rust. Once the rust sets in, it can be difficult to remove and keep at bay.

Clean your solo stove after each use

This is one of the better ways to prevent rust as ash and food residue can retain and absorb trace amounts of moisture, and this, along with the heat, leads to corrosion on the stove’s steel surface.

Ensure the ash is cold to the touch and then empty it or vacuum it. Once the ash is cleaned, wipe the stove with a dry cloth to remove any final residue.

Cover when stored outdoors

If it’s too much of a hassle to keep moving the stove when you want to use it, consider covering it with a tarp or specially-designed cover instead. Remove the ashes and make sure the stove is completely cold before doing so; you don’t want any risk of your cover catching fire.

Always cover your fire pit when it’s not in use. However, moisture can damage the grate and ashpan inside your fire pit. Instead, get a good-quality cover that comes with a fire-retardant coating. If you can’t, take extra care to ensure the stove is empty and safe before it gets covered.

Note: If your solo stove is wet, let it dry or dry it off before covering it. And remember to pin the tarp down at the edges to stop it from blowing off in the wind.

Alternatively, Store It Inside

This is the best way to prevent your solo stove from rusting. You can store it in your a garage or shed. You can also store it under a covered patio area or gazebo.

You could also tuck it under the edge of a caravan or a rock overhang if you’re on the move. Always ensure the fire is completely out, remove any ashes, and make sure the stove is thoroughly cold before bringing it inside.

You should never try to move the stove while it’s hot. Instead, you should clean out the ashes and make sure there are no lingering embers before you move them. In addition, it’s best to store it away from any flammable materials as an extra safety precaution.

Note: Never put your stove away with ashes in or while it’s hot. Don’t place it near straw or fabric, and only put an empty, cold, clean stove anywhere near your sleeping space.

Dry It Off

Drying it off promptly can make a big difference if your stove gets wet. Pay particular attention to corners and edges where moisture might cling for longer. Wipe away all excess moisture with an old towel or rag, which will help prevent rust.

Note: Never put your solo stove away wet; it’s much more likely to rust if it’s stored with moisture on it.

Oil The Stove

This tip is only to be used when you have finished with your stove for the year; remember that oil is highly flammable, and you should never put it on a stove you’re planning to use soon.

However, if you’re storing your stove in a shed and you’re concerned it might still get a little damp, wiping a bit of cooking oil over it will help to repel moisture and keep the metal in good shape. If you live in a humid part of the world, this is particularly useful for protecting your solo stove.

Check It Regularly

Remember that catching rust early can prevent it from causing major damage, so make a point of checking for rust gathering on your stove regularly when it’s outside, whether or not you’re using it.

Inspect your Solo Stove every so often and check for any signs of rust, and if you find any, then take the steps above to remove them.

Dry The Solo Stove Properly

If you have left your Solo Stove in the rain, it will survive as it is durable enough to do so, but it wouldn’t be advisable to do this very often. If your Solo Stove does get wet, you must dry it immediately.

Find a dry rag, cloth, or towel and dry it thoroughly, getting into all the tight areas to remove lingering moisture; this will help prevent rust from forming on the stainless steel.

Oil Your Solo Stove To Prevent Rust

If you aren’t going to use your Solo Stove for a long period, then it would be advisable to add a thin layer of oil to the inside and outside before storing it, and this will keep moisture away and reduce the risk of corrosion setting in.

You can use cooking oil if you wish or use a synthetic product like WD-40 or similar to create a moisture repellent barrier while not in use.

How to easily remove rust from a solo stove

Follow these steps to remove rust on a solo stove;

Items needed

• Solo Stove
• A toothbrush or non-abrasive sponge
• 1 cup Baking Soda
• ½ Cup Water
• 2 Tbsp Vinegar or Lemon Juice optional

Steps

1. Mix the Baking Soda and Water to make a paste. Adjust amounts to make it the consistency of oatmeal.
2. Rub the paste on the rusty spots and sit for 5-7 minutes.
3. Gently scrub with the toothbrush to try and lift the rust from the surface of the Solo Stove.
4. If you need a more concentrated solution, add a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture and stir. Then apply and repeat until the rust is removed.

Note: add a thin coat of Corrosion Preventing WD-40 to the surface to prevent further rust buildup.

Will a solo stove rust in the rain?

Yes. A little moisture on the outside of your fire pit is okay if you dry it off afterward. However, if left exposed to the elements for an extended period, the solo stove will start to rust. Solo stoves are made of quality materials, but they will break down over time if they are constantly soaked or exposed to strong sunlight.

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If you need to store your solo stove outside, make sure it is covered somehow. Pull it under an overhang, put it beneath a little marquee, or buy a cover that will protect it from the sun and the rain.

Note: Do not put flammable fabrics near the stove while warm or hot.

How to clean your solo stove

To clean your Solo Stove, you need to empty the ashes once the stove has cooled. Then use a brush to brush on any caked-on ashes on the stove’s grate and interior walls. Then wipe out the stove with a damp cloth.

Note: Your Solo Stove will acquire a blue and gold tint over time. This heat tint is completely normal. It tends to happen to stainless steel under intense heat. Likewise, the Solo stove discoloration is completely normal, according to the manufacturer.Several different home methods and chemicals can remove the solo stove discoloration.