Now that you’ve invested in a Traeger grill, you want to keep it in good condition. To do so, you need to know how to clean it properly. This blog post will walk you through how to clean a Traeger grill step-by-step. So, whether your grill is dirty from a recent cookout or needs a more thorough cleaning, follow these steps and get your grill looking and smelling like new again!
How Long Does It Take to Clean a Traeger Grill?
The time it takes to clean your grill will depend on how often you use it and how dirty it is. If you use the grill regularly, you should clean it about once a month. For less frequent grillers, every few months is probably sufficient. As for the actual cleaning process, allow 30 minutes to an hour to give it a good scrubbing.
What Supplies Do I Need?
To clean your Traeger grill, you’ll need a few supplies:
- A putty knife or old toothbrush;
- A wire brush;
- A vacuum cleaner;
- Traeger Pellet Grill Cleaner (or another all-natural degreaser);
- A sponge or rag;
- Soapy water (optional).
Instructions: How to Clean a Traeger Grill
- First, you’ll want to ensure your grill is turned off and cooled down completely. You don’t want to be cleaning a hot grill – that sounds dangerous.
- Once the grill is cool, remove the grates and set them aside. If they’re particularly dirty, you may want to soak them in soapy water for a few minutes first.
- Next, use the putty knife or toothbrush to scrape off any built-up residue inside the grill. Pay special attention to the grease drip pan and flame tamers (if your grill has them). Vacuum the inside of the grill and the firepot thoroughly.
- Empty the hopper and vacuum out sawdust from the hopper and the auger tube. Once you’ve removed all the big pieces of debris, it’s time to break out the wire brush. Scrub the inside of the grill until it’s shiny and new-looking again.
- Now it’s time to decrease! Spray the inside of the grill with the natural degreaser and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it down with a sponge or rag.
- The final step is to clean the grates. First, scrub them with the wire brush to remove any stuck-on food. Then, spray them with a degreaser and wipe them down. You may want to do this step twice if they’re particularly dirty.
- And that’s it! Once you’ve finished all the steps, put the grates back in place and admire your handiwork.
When to Clean My Traeger Grill
As a general rule, you should clean your grill about once a month if you use it regularly. For less frequent grillers, every few months is probably sufficient. Of course, if you notice your grill is starting to look dirty before it’s been a month, don’t hesitate to give it a quick cleaning!
Every time you use your grill, you should clean it and remove any food from the grates. However, you must do a more thorough cleaning every two to three cooks (at least every 20 hours of cooking time).
A few other things to keep in mind:
- If you change the pellets in your hopper, vacuum out the old pellets first.
- After a particularly greasy cookout, you may want to degrease the grates more than once.
- Always make sure the grill is cooled down completely before attempting to clean it.
- You can use Grease Pans as an alternative to parchment paper.
- Caring for Your Traeger Grill. In addition to regular cleanings, you can do a few other things to keep the grill in tip-top shape.
- Make sure you’re using good quality pellets – cheap pellets may not burn as hot or produce as much smoke, which could affect the flavor of your food.
- Invest in a good cover for your grill to protect it from the elements when it’s not in use.
- And finally, if you have any questions or concerns about the grill, don’t hesitate to contact Traeger customer service. They’re always happy to help!
Clean Your Grill’s Exterior Every Three Months
In addition to regularly cleaning the inside of the grill, you should also take some time every few months to clean the outside. This will help keep it looking new and prevent rust from forming.
To clean the outside of your grill, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can use a mild cleanser or vinegar solution if there are any tough spots. Once you’ve wiped down the entire grill, dry it off with a clean towel. And that’s it! By following these steps, you can keep your Traeger grill clean and in good working condition for years to come.
Inspect And Clean the Grease Drip Every Six Months
Every six months, clean and maintain the grease drippings twice. You may want to do this more frequently if you use your grill several times a week.
First, remove the grease drip pan and clean it with soapy water. Then, dry it off and put it back in place.
Next, inspect the grease trough and ensure that there is no blockage. If you notice any build-up, use a putty knife to scrape it away.
Finally, inspect the catch cup for any cracks or holes. If you find any damage, replace the cup with a new one.
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How to Clean a Traeger Grill – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Often Should I Clean My Grill?
A. As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your grill about once a month if you use it regularly. For less frequent grillers, every few months is probably sufficient. Of course, if you notice the grill is starting to look dirty before it’s been a month, don’t hesitate to give it a quick cleaning!
Q. Is It Necessary to Empty The Fresh Pellets And Vacuum Out The Hopper And Auger After Every Feeding?
A. No, it is not necessary to empty the fresh pellets and vacuum out the hopper after every feeding. However, we recommend you do this at least once a month.
Q. How Can I Clean the Outside of My Traeger Grill?
A. To clean the outside of your grill, wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can use a mild cleanser or vinegar solution if there are any tough spots. Once you’ve wiped down the entire grill, dry it off with a clean towel.
Q. I Noticed Some Grease Build-Up on My Grates After My Last Cookout. How Can I Remove It?
A. If you notice any grease build-up on your grates, scrub it off with a grill brush or scrubber. For tougher build-ups, you may need to soak the grates in soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Q. I Accidentally Dropped My Drip Pan, And It Cracked. Can I Replace It?
A. Yes, you can replace the drip pan if it cracks or breaks. Traeger sells replacement drip pans on their website.
Q. Can You Store Wood Pellets Outside?
A. No, you should not store wood pellets outside. Wood pellets should be stored in a cool, dry place. If they get wet, they will expand and may damage your grill. It’s critical to move the wood pellets to a container that will be used to close or seal them.
Q. What is the Best Way to Clean My Hopper?
A. The best way to clean the hopper is to vacuum it out with a shop vac or similar device. You can also use a brush to remove any pellets stuck to the hopper’s sides.
Q. Does Heat Kill Germs on a Grill?
A. Yes, heat does kill germs on a grill. However, cleaning your grill before cooking is essential to ensure that any foodborne bacteria are removed.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Traeger grill is important to ensure that it functions properly and lasts for years. Luckily, it’s not tricky – be sure to do it regularly!
If you have any questions about how to clean a Traeger grill, feel free to ask in the comments below. And happy grilling!
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