A rusted patio heater poses risks and is not safe for use. Repeated usage of a rusted patio heater for many days will not only cause the heater to break down entirely but also pose a threat and risk of sudden accidents. Removing rust from your patio heater may sound complicated, but with our guide, you will ace it in no time. Regular cleaning and covering is the key to protecting your backyard fire features from getting rusted.
Safety Concerns Regarding Rusty Patio Heaters
Rusty home appliances are always risky; the risk is worse if it is a fire feature. However, a patio heater is less harmful than a rusty water heater, furnace, or fire pit. Still, it is enough to make you spend a lot if not cleaned and maintained regularly. Here are some possible threats and issues you will suffer if you keep using a rusty heater;
Releasing toxic gas or Carbon monoxide:
Rust makes metal weak, and it keeps getting penetrated when it touches fire, which can be dangerous if it happens to parts of your heating system that produce heat. For example, the patio heat reflector screen sends heat around the space. When components of it start to rust, the carbon monoxide may spread more.
Steel quick decline and brittleness:
If you use a rusted patio heater, mainly propane or gas types, the steel will get penetrated due to fire and heat, which may quickly decline. Also, if your bolts are rusted, it’s better to change them as fast as possible, else it may create imbalance, and the heater will tip over or even break down while you are using it. Finally, even if the heater stays in its place, it will keep decaying, and rust will destroy the structure eventually.
Malfunction and breakdown:
It will stop working if the patio heater’s thermocouple or inner parts are rusty. Or, else, you might experience the burner needing to be fixed. The worst is the patio heater may get fully broken, and you might have to spend a lot after repairing it.
How to Remove Rust from Patio Heater
Stainless heater, especially gas or propane patio heater, faces rusting a lot due to weather- effects. Also, not covering the heater from potential weather damage is a reason for the heater to get rusty. Body surface rust can be easily cleaned, while some inner parts can also be washed if rusted; however, remember to change the bolts if they are corrupted completely. Also, ensure the cylinder is neither rusty nor the hose connections. If they are, it’s better to exchange them with the help of an expert.
If your patio heater’s surface part is already rusted, then follow the below steps:
STEP 1: Let the patio heater cool down completely. You must wait for at least 30 minutes after you have stopped using it.
STEP 2: Sand the rusted spots with the steel brush or sandpaper until all the rust is gone and the metal is showing.
STEP 3: Mix baking soda with water or hydrogen peroxide for hard rust to make a thick paste. Put this acidic solution on the rusty metal surface with a cleaning cloth or pad and leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes.
STEP 4: Do more scrubbing until all the rust particles are gone.
STEP 5: Start using a rust-preventive primer or use high-quality spray paint to protect the metal from further rusting.
For inner parts of the burner, such as the thermocouple or the pilot, may get rusty. If the details are beyond cleaning, it’s better to call a specialist and exchange it using the warranty.
Follow the below steps to clean the rusty internal (for example; thermocouple) parts:
STEP 1: Turn off the gas connection or detach the tank, and using the screwdriver, undo the bolts and find the thermocouple.
STEP 2: Remove it from the pilot for cleaning.
STEP 3: After you have found the thermocouple and removed it, use the wire wool to rub off the rust from the thermocouple
STEP 4: If the rust is heavy, you can do sanding, then use the wire wool to get rid of the rust.
Final Verdict
All home appliances need regular cleaning and maintenance. And it is standard for the gas or propane patio heaters to get rusty after some time. So do not worry if your patio heater starts to get rust; instead, follow the above steps and clean it once a week. That shall prevent the heater from staying fine. Also, make sure you cover it or, better you, store it inside when you have finished enjoying the pleasant warmth with everyone.
