Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist, humid areas and often grows on surfaces that are wet for too long. Mold is easily spread by spores, tiny seeds that can travel far from the source to sprout new growth. Outdoor grill covers also get wet when it rains, which is why it’s common for grill covers to develop green mold. Luckily, this type of fungus is not hard to remove.
Green mold appears as dark green spots on grill covers and can be recognized by its musty smell. When you wipe away the green spores with a paper towel, the spores often smear and leave behind a dark colored stain. It’s important to kill off these spores before they have plenty of time to grow into new colonies.
Green mold requires warm temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it, will usually thrive during summer months but may also appear in spring or fall if your grill cover gets wet during inclement weather. Green mold can quickly spread once it takes hold, so it’s best to treat the problem right away rather than wait for the grill cover to dry out.
Steps for Removing Green Mold from an Outdoor Grill Cover
You can remove most green mold from grill covers with a few simple steps:
- Scrape off any dried green spores and scrub away any powdery residue with a soft-bristled brush soaked in undiluted white vinegar, undiluted household ammonia or hydrogen peroxide (do not combine vinegar and ammonia). Rinse the grill cover after applying the cleaning solution by spraying it down with water from a garden hose. Let it air dry overnight. The next day, apply another clean paper towel to the grill cover and wipe away any remaining stains until they are gone. Let your grill cover air dry again before using it.
- If the grill cover smells like mold even after it has air dried, you can try to deodorize your grill cover by soaking it in a mixture of water and baking soda. Soak the grill cover overnight or for several hours until the smell is gone. Rinse off any remaining baking soda with plenty of fresh water before letting your grill cover air dry again.
- To avoid green mold stains on your grill covers, always wipe them down right away if they get wet during rainstorms or watering activities. Letting the grill covers sit wet for too long will encourage growth of fungi, bacteria and algae that may be difficult to remove later on. Wipe them down regularly using hot soapy water on a sponge or soft-bristled brush.
- Store grill covers in a dry place and do not stack them on top of each other when they are wet, which can cause mold and mildew to develop faster than normal.
- If your grill cover is not made from vinyl or plastic, it may be machine washable. Vacuum mold off the grill cover with a soft brush attachment before throwing it in the washer to make sure no spores are left behind. If you notice any green stains after washing, use a bleach solution on a clean sponge or soft-bristled brush and scrub away the stains. Keep grill covers out of direct sunlight while they dry so that they don’t fade.
- If you have a grill cover with an aluminum frame, wipe regularly using a solution of vinegar and water to minimize the risk of stains appearing.
By following these steps for removing green mold from grill covers, you will help prevent grill covers from getting wet too often and encourage growth of this type of fungus. You can also purchase grill covers that have been treated with chemicals to inhibit mold growth if frequent cleaning doesn’t keep mold under control.
Conclusion:
Mold can be easily removed from grill covers with the proper cleaning solutions. Green mold will often leave behind dark stains, so it’s important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. Mold can grow on grill covers that are left out in wet conditions for too long, so use bleach if necessary and remove grill covers before they get wet whenever possible. Always clean grill covers regularly to keep them looking nice and smelling fresh.
Grill cover is a piece of fabric or other material used as a covering over the cooking area of a grill or grill-like appliance (such as an oven). Grill Covers – You put your hands up! Now you are under arrest… by grill covers!
Grill covers should be removed before they get wet and should be cleaned to prevent mold and other growth. Mold can often leave behind dark stains, so it’s important to act quickly. Regular cleaning is the best way to keep grill covers looking nice and smelling fresh. Don’t forget grill covers come in different materials such as vinyl or plastic- machine washable grill covers are also available.
