How to Clean a Spit Roaster | Auspit Cleaning Guide

Pulled the Auspit out of the shed for the first trip of the season? Before it goes anywhere near a fire, give it a once-over. Knowing how to clean a spit roaster properly is what keeps it turning smoothly for years, and it takes a lot less effort than you'd think.

This guide covers every part of your Auspit: the stainless skewer and prongs, the powder-coated post and the battery motor. You'll learn when to clean, what to use, and the one mistake that can strip the finish off your gear. If you're still working up to your first cook, start with our guide to charcoal spit roasting with an Auspit, then come back here for the clean-up.

Auspit Cleaning at a Glance

What Is Your Auspit Made Of, and Why Does It Matter?

Different finishes need different care, so check what you've got before you start scrubbing.

The Auspit Stainless Steel Compact Spit Roast Kit is made from 304 stainless steel throughout, which makes it the easy-care option for coastal camping or anywhere rust is a worry.

The Auspit Original package is a mix. The skewer is stainless steel, but the support post is powder-coated steel, and that black coating is what protects the post from corrosion. Treat the two parts differently and both will last.

When Is the Best Time to Clean a Spit Roaster?

While it's still warm. Grease and fat wipe straight off warm metal, but once they cool and set you're in for a lot more elbow grease.

Warm doesn't mean hot, though. Let everything come down to a temperature you can comfortably handle before you start, and never grab a skewer straight off the coals.

A quick clean after every cook beats a big scrub at the end of the trip, every time.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Skewers & Prongs

Stainless steel is the easy one. Treat it the way you'd treat any good stainless gear.

1. Fill a tub or bucket with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap.

2. Wipe down the skewer with a microfibre cloth dipped in the soapy water.

3. Always wipe along the grain of the metal, not across it. You'll see faint lines running the length of the rod. Follow those.

4. Work around the prongs, getting into the corners where fat collects.

5. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

If you've been adding extra large stainless steel prongs for bigger cooks, they get exactly the same treatment. For baked-on residue that soapy water won't shift, a dedicated stainless steel BBQ cleaner does the heavy lifting, which brings us to BBQ Magic.

BBQ Degreaser: When to Reach for BBQ Magic

Sometimes a cook leaves more behind than warm water can handle. That's where a proper BBQ degreaser earns its spot in the camping box.

BBQ Magic BBQ Cleaner and Degreaser is non-caustic, so it's safe to use in and around food areas. It works on stainless steel and cast iron, and it's the one we reach for on spit gear.

For soft fat deposits: spray it on, rub with a soft cloth, then rinse.

For hard-set deposits: spray it on, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, remove the residue with a scraper, then rinse.

On powder- coated parts: BBQ Magic is fine, but keep the contact time short and don't let it sit. Skip the metal scraper and use something gentle, like a plastic scraper or a soft non-scratch sponge.

How to Clean Powder Coated Steel On Your Auspit

The black powder coat on the Original's post is tough, but it isn't bulletproof. The fastest way to ruin it is steel wool.

Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on powder-coated parts. They scratch through the coating and take the paint off, and once bare steel is exposed, rust has a way in.

Instead:

• Use hot soapy water and a soft cloth.

• Clean it while it's still warm, so the grease comes off without a fight.

• For stubborn spots, use BBQ Magic with a short contact time and a gentle tool, as above.

• Rinse and dry completely.

Can the Motor Get Wet? How to Clean the Battery Motor

No. The motor has electronics inside, so keep water well away from it.

Wipe the outside with a slightly damp cloth. Wring it out so it's barely damp, not wet. Don't rinse the motor, dunk it or spray cleaner onto it. If there's grease on the housing, take it off with the damp cloth and a little patience, then dry it straight away.

How to Clean Your Spit After Use at Camp

You don't need a kitchen sink to do this properly. Boil the billy or kettle for hot water, add a squeeze of dish soap to a tub, and you're set.

Before you pack up:

• Dry every part fully before it goes back in the carry bag. Packing it away damp is asking for trouble.

• Take the batteries out of the motor if it'll be sitting unused for a while.

• Keep the skewer, prongs and post together in the bag so nothing goes missing between trips.

Planning the next one already? Our ideas for quick weekend camping getaways are a good place to start.

Spit Cleaning FAQs

Can I use steel wool on my Auspit?

Not on the powder-coated post or bracket. It'll scratch through the coating and remove the paint. Stick to a microfibre or soft cloth.

Can I use BBQ Magic on a powder-coated Auspit?

Yes. Keep the contact time short, don't let it sit, and use a gentle tool instead of a metal scraper.

Can the Auspit motor get wet?

No. Wipe it with a slightly damp cloth only, and keep water away from the electronics.

What's the best way to clean a stainless steel spit skewer?

Hot soapy water and a microfibre cloth, wiping along the grain of the metal. Clean it while it's still warm and dry it thoroughly.

How often should I clean my spit roaster?

After every cook. A quick wipe while the gear is warm takes a few minutes and saves a big scrub later.

Look After It and It'll Look After You

An Auspit is built to handle a lot of campfires, and a few minutes of care after each cook keeps it that way. Clean it warm, match the method to the finish, keep the motor dry, and pack everything away bone dry.

Ready to add to your setup? Browse the full Auspit spit roaster range for skewers, prongs and accessories.