Salt plus soot
Homes in South Shores, Point Fermin and on the hills above Cabrillo Beach get the ocean head-on. Closer to the harbor, in Central San Pedro and around the Vinegar Hill and Barton Hill areas, the air also carries the fine black dust that comes with ships, trucks and cargo terminals. That dust settles on everything outdoors, and on a grill it bonds with the grease film to form a dark, tacky layer that's hard to wipe off.
Left alone, that layer holds salty moisture against stainless and enamel, which speeds up staining and corrosion. It also clogs burner ports and air shutters over time. A proper cleaning cuts through it with degreaser and hot water, and a polish afterward helps the stainless shed the next round of grime more easily.
What we do in San Pedro
Deep cleaning
Grates, burners, heat plates, firebox and grease tray degreased, with the exterior cleaned of soot and salt film.
Learn moreStainless polishing
Restores the finish on hoods and doors dulled by salt and harbor grime.
Learn moreRust and corrosion repair
Rusted heat plates, burners and hardware replaced, and surface rust treated.
Learn moreBurner and ignition repair
Clogged ports, uneven flames and igniters that stopped sparking.
Learn moreRestaurant and commercial grills
Grills at restaurants and businesses near the waterfront, cleaned on a schedule.
Learn moreHills, stairs and older homes
San Pedro is hillier than people expect. A lot of houses sit on sloped lots with steps up from the street, and some of the older Craftsman and Spanish-style homes have back patios that you reach through a narrow side yard. We carry what we need in by hand and keep the work area covered so nothing drips on stairs or walkways.
Many of these homes have grills that have seen years of use. If yours is getting tired, our guides on how long grills last and signs your burners need replacing can help you judge where it stands before we come out.
Recent San Pedro-area work
Before and after photos from our techs.


San Pedro questions
Why does my grill get dirty so fast even when I don't use it?
In San Pedro, airborne dust and salt settle on outdoor surfaces quickly. Keeping the grill covered once it's cool and dry, and wiping it down every few weeks, helps a lot.
Do you work on grills at restaurants near the waterfront?
Yes. We clean commercial grills and can set up a recurring schedule for busy kitchens.
Can you service the fire pit too?
Yes. We clean and repair gas fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.
Is it worth replacing a built-in grill that's rusting badly?
If the firebox is rusted through, usually yes. We can measure your island and install a new grill in the same cutout, so the counter and stonework stay put. Our sales and replacement page explains how it works.
What does it cost?
It depends on the grill's size, brand and condition and on any parts. Call or text, or send photos, and we'll give you a quote.
Nearby areas
Clear off the salt and soot
Call or text us, or send a couple of photos, and we'll get back to you with a quote.
