Grill and Fire Pit Cleanups with the RIDGID Ash & Grilling Vacuum
Backyard cookouts, cozy nights by the fireplace, and quality time around the fire pit all have one thing in common: ash, soot, and leftover debris. If you do a lot of grilling, barbecue pit, or fire pit cleaning, we recommend cleaning up using the RIDGID 5 Gallon Ash & Grilling Vacuum.
Specifically designed for cleaning in and around your grills, fire pits, fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and outdoor kitchens, the RIDGID Ash & Grilling Vacuum comes with a metal crevice tool, metal extension wand, and metal-lined hose for safe, effective cleanup.
Before pouring charcoal or lighting a fire, it’s important to clear away leftover ash, soot, and buildup from previous use. This helps improve airflow, maintain even heat, and keep the fire burning efficiently. Follow these steps for proper cleanup:
· Ensure Ash is Cool
Before vacuuming, make sure all embers are fully extinguished, and that ash is cool to the touch.
· Remove Large Debris
Use a small shovel or fireplace poker to remove unburned wood chunks or larger debris. Scrape surfaces of your grill or fire pit to remove particles, ash, soot, and buildup.
· Disassemble Grill or Fire Pit Components
Remove grates or anything else that might block access.
· Check Your Filters
Before starting, make sure your Ash Vac has the RIDGID Fine Dust Filter installed so that ash will be captured. The RIDGID Ash & Grilling Vacuum already comes with a Fine Dust Filter when purchased, but you can also use a HEPA Material Filter or a HEPA Filter. Note: if your Ash Vac is not equipped with any of these filters, the vacuum can throw the ash out of the exhaust. Do not use the vac with torn filters.
· Ensure Drum Filter is Sealed
Make sure the RIDGID Ash Vac Drum Filter is installed and tightly sealed inside the drum in your Ash Vac to prevent cold ash from escaping into the air. Note: The Fine Dust Filter must be used inside the Ash Vac Drum Filter. Do not use the vacuum without both filters installed.
· Vacuum Cold, Dry Ash Only
Collect cold dry ashes, soot, and debris. Use the metal extension wand and crevice tool to reach into small spaces and crevices. Warning: Cold, dry ash pickup only. Do not use the vac for wet cleanups. DO NOT PICKUP HOT ASHES.
· Clean the Surrounding Area
Use the Ash Vac to collect any ash and debris that may have spread around the outside of your grill or fire pit.
· Empty the Drum
Open the drum to the RIDGID Ash & Grilling Vac and carefully remove the drum filter from the drum lip. Gently tap the drum filter inside the drum to remove loose debris.
· Clear and Reset
Remove the drum filter and set aside in an open area so you can empty the vac drum.
With the RIDGID Ash & Grilling Vacuum, cleanup is fast, safe, and efficient. Not only will your grill, fire pit, or fireplace look better, but regular maintenance helps extend the life of your equipment and ensures every burn starts clean. For other cleanup needs, like when you need to clean your house or do some spring cleaning, the RIDGID 3 Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vacuum may come in handy. RIDGID also offers versatile and efficient tools like the RIDGID’s NXT Max Accessories to tidy up your vehicle, remove pet hair, clean different surfaces, and more. The NXT Max Accessories are compatible with 2-1/2” hoses and wands for larger debris pickups.