Feeling INCREDIBLY stupid


 
LMichaels

LMichaels

TVWBB 2-Star Olympian
So, yesterday was absolutely hectic. Working on plumbing (doing the new remineralization filter and testing), the "babies" here all day driving me and da boss nuts, trying to cook a meal (2 kinds of steak cooked on 2 type of grills started on Big Z tenderloin tip steaks and a filet I cut and a nice ribeye), cleanup, IDK I could write a small book here. Anyway "finally" daughter took the little ones home, I finished cleanup in kitchen (while the boss sort of collapsed). Figured I would just leave all the grills uncovered last night, but then at last minute decided to cover Big Z. Except the black cover I use on the Wolf was on top of it, since I decided late to use the Wolf to final sear the beef. But, then of course I had to restart the Wolf because the tenderloin cuts were not done enough for some "sensitive" palates :D
So in the midst of trying to eat my own supper, I had to refire the Wolf. Now it's the end of the time, and I wanted to cover Big Z so I simply tossed the Wolf's cover over it to get Big Z's.
Fast forward to just 20 minutes ago. I look outside and noticed "shimmering" above the Wolf. Well OH :poop: :poop: :poop: half the grill was turned on. I quick turned it off and took the cover off only to find it partially melted to the hood.
Now I have to figure out how to clean that off. IDK what it is about that grill. There is no visible "feedback" of it being "on" Really no marking on the knobs or the panel that are easy to see at a glance, no thermometer to see, and literally I was so tired I didn't feel the heat emanating from it when I tossed the cover over it partially. Thank heaven I'd only draped the cover over the hood and only 3 of the 6 burners were on. Although I guess had I decided to cover it, I would have noticed the heat in short order.
Now, I have to figure out best way to get that little mess off the hood
 
Read the title and thought you wrote an unauthorized biography of my life.

I hope you find a good way to get it cleanded up and I'm very happy that nothing bad happened.
 
It sure did smell bad when I started peeling it off :D I'm guessing a razer scraper and maybe some lacquer thinner along with perhaps a scrub pad?
 
Mate, it could have been far worse.

Something that will dissolve crud, for sure, and it may not be lacquer thinner. A scrubby pad in a drill, very lightly used, might be good. Heat it up maybe, possibly using a propane torch?
 
Sorry this happened but you caught it in time. I would try a little nail polish remover to see if that type of plastic will dissolve. If so, some acetone is your ticket. Good luck!
 
In case any of these AI recommendations meet your fancy:



Below is a “start-safe, finish-clean” workflow that grill-techs (and more than a few unlucky home cooks) use when a vinyl/poly cover fuses to a hot hood. It’s written so you can stop as soon as the plastic is gone—no need to do every single micro-step.

1. Gather the right gear (first, do no harm)​

NeededWhyNotes
Heavy leather or heat-resistant glovesProtects hands during hot or cold steps
Plastic putty knife or old credit cardPrimary scraper that won’t scratchKeep edges smooth
Single-edge razor in a holder (optional)For porcelain-enamel or glass-smooth steelHold at ~45 °
WD-40, cooking oil, or mineral oilPlastics swell & release when oiledSafe on paint & enamel (The Spruce)
Goo Gone / Goof Off Heavy-DutyCuts stubborn residueTest a hidden spot first (Reddit)
91 % isopropyl alcoholDegreases after solvents; Weber-approved (Weber)
Fine 0000 steel wool or non-scratch nylon padFinal polish on stainless / enamelMove with the grain on stainless
Ice packs or dry ice slab (optional)“Freeze-and-pop” methodSkip if hood can’t be chilled

2. Choose your “break-bond” strategy​

Surface finishTry cold first if…Try heat first if…
Porcelain enamel (shiny, glass-like)Residue is thin dripsLump of cover is still thick
Stainless steelYou have easy freezer/dry-ice accessYou’re already prepping a cookout
Painted/powder-coatAlways try cold first to avoid blisteringUse only low heat (≤ 200 °F)

A. The cold & brittle method​

  1. Pack the area with ice cubes in a zip-bag or press a dry-ice slab on it for 2–3 min.
  2. The plastic contracts faster than metal; pry an edge with the plastic scraper and “flake” it away.
  3. Repeat in small sections until the bulk is gone.
    This trick takes advantage of the different contraction rates of plastic vs. steel and is widely recommended by pit-masters for stuck grate plastics. (Pitmaster Club, Pitmaster Club)

B. The gentle-heat & peel method​

  1. Fire the grill or a heat gun just enough to bring the hood to roughly 150-200 °F (you should still be able to touch it with a gloved hand).
  2. Wearing gloves, wipe a film of WD-40 or plain cooking oil over the softened plastic; let it soak 5 min.
  3. Use the plastic putty knife to push the pliable sheet off in strips.
  4. For a final sweep, a razor held shallowly on porcelain-enamel (or 0000 steel wool on brushed stainless) will lift the last wisps.
    Enthusiasts on Rec Teq and other forums report that this low-heat, light-scrape combo keeps finishes intact. (Rec Teq Pellet Grill Forum, The Spruce)

3. Erase the sticky shadow​

  1. Oil-soak pass – Mist WD-40 or Goo Gone, wait 3-5 min, wipe with microfiber.
  2. Alcohol pass – Moisten a clean cloth with 91 % isopropyl and remove the solvent film (Weber’s own tech note for sticker residue). (Weber)
  3. Finish polish –
    • Stainless: Buff lightly with 0000 steel wool in the grain direction, then finish with a stainless polish.
    • Porcelain enamel or paint: Use only a nylon pad and warm soapy water; avoid abrasives that cut the gloss.

4. Final wash-down​

A bucket of hot water with a mild dish soap will clear any chemical traces. Rinse, dry with a soft towel, and you’re ready to grill again (or to re-apply a light coat of stainless polish/protectant).

5. Prevent a repeat performance​

  • Let the hood cool below 140 °F before covering—or simply wait 30 min after shutdown.
  • Choose covers rated to 500 °F “rip-stop PVC-free” (they cost a bit more but don’t melt).
  • Store the cover on a side shelf rather than draping it over a hot lid mid-cook.

If you still have a stubborn patch…​

A citrus-free oven cleaner or a plastic eraser wheel on a drill will take off the last ghost of vinyl, but test first and keep the tool moving to avoid halo marks. (Both methods are field-tested by grill-club members, but they’re “plan C.”)
Follow the steps in order—stop as soon as the surface feels smooth and non-tacky. Good luck, and here’s to never draping a cover over hot steel again!
 
There's no reason to beat yourself up, yet every reason to rest and drink scotch. Be an Anchorman today. Tackle reality tomorrow.

You've battled enormous stress lately and carried lots of responsibilities yesterday.
 
Thankfully I did not have it blasting heat from all 6 burners, and it was a pretty cool evening and heavy dew. So it did not fully burn to it but I do have a bit of a mess.
 
Take it slow and cautious. Try an inconspicuous spot and experiment. Be careful of chems on plastic or stencils on controls.
 
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Well, it looks like it's gonna be a bit of work but decided to pour a very nice and very smokey Talisker single malt over a big ice ball, in one of my Chicago Skyline glasses, turn on the Cubs, and experiment with an old single edge blade. I actually made a bit of a "dent" in the project. So, I think with some new blades, maybe a heat gun, (Timothy I already put those scrapers in my shopping cart), some good solvent as well. Maybe mineral spirits because of it's ever so slightly oily nature, it may help a blade get to it without hurting the steel. Or maybe I can run the burners on low for a while to help soften the stuff

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Hoss, you’ll get that standing tall before I light my next cook!
Interestingly enough, I had the “Thermo inversion” ice pack right off the top of my head!
I’ve had “one of those” weeks. Shipping cremains, plumbing, bust friends kid committing suicide. Shoot, I wish I’d just had the grills to clean.
I did a few “mindless” head clearing projects today. Tweaking some things in the garage and shed, installed an additional umbrella holder on the Overperformer, planted a zillion things for SWMBO, and did a quick chicken quesadilla for dinner, I’m hitting the shower and then the sack! Tons of errands on the slate for tomorrow.
Good night folks, thanks for having me…
 
Timothy F. Lewis said:
Hoss, you’ll get that standing tall before I light my next cook!
Interestingly enough, I had the “Thermo inversion” ice pack right off the top of my head!
I’ve had “one of those” weeks. Shipping cremains, plumbing, bust friends kid committing suicide. Shoot, I wish I’d just had the grills to clean.
I did a few “mindless” head clearing projects today. Tweaking some things in the garage and shed, installed an additional umbrella holder on the Overperformer, planted a zillion things for SWMBO, and did a quick chicken quesadilla for dinner, I’m hitting the shower and then the sack! Tons of errands on the slate for tomorrow.
Good night folks, thanks for having me…
Click to expand...
Funny. Did chicken with a middle eastern spice rub/marinade tonight. Nice an spicy and aromatic. On the Ninja

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