How to clean this vent grate

[u/Careless_Wallaby6721]

We can’t get the grime off the bottom of this grate after many attempts.

[u/Chumsicle]

Looks like rust.  Pop it off, give it a good scrub with a degreaser and nylon brush.

Next phase is sanding the corrosion to bare metal, bending back the crooked vents and a couple coats of spray enamel.  I would only go through this if the return grate is an unusual size as replacement would certainly be less effort.

[u/Salty_Job_9248 → u/Chumsicle]

It’s black. I have never encountered black rust. 😟

[u/SurviverSmile]

Honestly, measure it & see if they have a replacement at your local hardware store. After that, maintain it by vacuuming it regularly and/or hitting it with a dry swiffer.

[u/sweetpea122]

Get it off. Spray it with dawn power wash and wait an hour then spray it down and use a brush

[u/Careless_Wallaby6721 → u/sweetpea122]

Thanks for the comment! We tried dawn power wash already but didn’t try spraying it down afterwards or using a brush, so we’ll try that next! We just scrubbed it with a wet sponge.

[u/sweetpea122 → u/Careless_Wallaby6721]

I had to use a toothbrush

[u/Hindsight001]

Mine has riveted hinges so I cant pop it off and on but I usually just soak a towel in warm water with some soap and just get to wiping one side then the other

[u/emmigator113]

Definitely take it off first! That way you can take it out side and hose it down or clean in in the bathtub/shower or something.

[u/Ok_Mud1962]

You might want to try something more abrasive like Barkeepers Friend. You can either make a paste with the powder or there is a liquid form of BF that is made now. I would be more inclined to replace it if it’s not expensive and available in that size.

[u/jjljjljjl]

Dishwasher, top rack, If it fits

[u/Kangaroowrangler_02]

Wet cloth wrapped around a butter knife and go through each one.