How to Clean a Traeger Grill: A Simple Guide

Keeping your Traeger grill clean is key to making sure it works well and keeps delivering those delicious, smoky flavors you love. 

Luckily, with just a few easy-to-follow steps and a little know-how, you can get it done in no time. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a Traeger grill and get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning key components like the pellet system, grates, and grease traps. 

Let’s get started!

Should You Really Bother Cleaning Your Traeger Grill?

You might be thinking, “I just used it to grill up some burgers. Do I really need to clean it already?”

The answer is a big, fat yes! 

Leftover grease, ash, and food particles can build up over time. This can mess with your grill’s performance, affect the taste of your food, and even lead to safety issues like grease fires. 

No one wants their next burger tasting like last week’s BBQ chicken, right? Regular cleaning not only keeps your grill in top shape but also helps your food taste amazing and fresh every time.

Plus, it’s a great way to prevent rust and extend the life of your Traeger!

If you notice your grill’s looking a little worse for wear, you might need to replace a part or two. No worries – you can find all the parts you need at Appliance Factory Parts.

When Should You Clean Your Traeger Grill?

Before we get into the cleaning process, here’s a quick rundown of when you should be cleaning your Traeger grill:

• After each use: Wipe down spills and scrape off any leftover bits on the grill grates.
• Every 2-3 cooks: Do a deeper clean inside the grill.
• Every 3 months: Clean the grill’s exterior (more often if you don’t use a Traeger grill cover!).
• Every 6 months: Clean out the grease chute and the pellet hopper.

Now, let’s get to the fun part – how to do all of the above!

How to Clean Traeger Grills Grates in 3 Easy Steps

First things first – let’s talk grates. After every BBQ session, they’re going to have some leftover food and grease, and if you don’t clean them, that gunk is just going to build up. 

And let’s be honest, no one wants a dirty grill ruining a good steak!

Here’s how to keep your Traeger grill grates clean:

• Step 1: Warm grates are easier to clean, but make sure they’re not hot – no one needs grill burns!

• Step 2: Traeger recommends staying away from wire brushes as they can damage the ceramic coating. Instead, grab a nylon cleaning brush.

• Step 3: Wipe down the grates with a cleaning cloth or paper towel. For stubborn bits, try a mix of distilled white vinegar or baking soda with water to loosen things up.

Pro tip: Feeling adventurous? Some people swear by scrubbing grates with half an onion or lemon – gentle on your grill and super effective!

Want more tips? Check out our post on how to clean grill grates for more in-depth advice!

How to Clean the Traeger Pellet System and Hopper

Don’t forget the behind-the-scenes heroes of the pellet system: the hopper, auger tube, and firepot. 

Whether you’re using a Traeger Redland or a Mesa Pellet Grill, the pellet system is the heart of your Traeger pellet grill – and it needs a little TLC to keep those smoky flavors coming. 

Here’s how to keep it in top shape:

• Pellet hopper: First, turn off and unplug your grill. Then, make sure to empty the pellets from the hopper after every use – leftover pellets can absorb moisture and jam up the auger tube. Now, give it a quick vacuum to get rid of any sawdust.

• Auger tube: Check for jammed pellets that could block the flow by cleaning it out once in a while. If things are looking stuck, clean it out to keep everything moving.

• Firepot: Scrape out ash and debris after each use for a clean burn, and vacuum out the cold ashes or sawdust. Double-check that the firepot fits back in properly – make sure the grill is cold first!  

Need tools for this job? Check out our grid cleaning brushes, Venturi cleaning brushes, and basting brushes to get the job done right.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Grease Channels, Too!

While the hopper handles the pellets, the grease channels make sure you don’t end up with unwanted flare-ups. So make sure to clean them out regularly to prevent blockages.

If your grill has a chimney, don’t forget to clean it out, too.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on these areas to avoid grease fires and help extend the life of your Traeger.

How to Clean the Grease Trap on a Traeger Grill

The grease trap does all the dirty work, catching drips and grease. But if you forget about it, you’re in for a nasty surprise.

Clogged grease traps can cause flare-ups and smoke. That’s something you definitely don’t want during your cookout! 

So, make it a habit to empty the grease trap regularly. Don’t wait until it’s overflowing!

• Clean it out with warm, soapy water or a grill degreaser, and if you’re using a liner, swap that out, too.

• When you’re done, wipe down the grease trap with a paper towel or cleaning cloth. Use a mild degreaser or vinegar solution to tackle any stubborn spots.

Tip: If you’ve got a newer Timberline or Ironwood model, don’t forget to clean the grease governor and ash keg!

How to Deep Clean Your Traeger Grill

Every couple of months (or more often, if you’re grilling fatty foods like pork belly), your Traeger is going to need a deep clean to keep it running like new. 

It’s not as hard as it sounds – we promise!

Here’s how to deep clean your Traeger grill:

• Step 1: Remove the grill grates, drip tray, and heat baffle. Take out the firepot for a really thorough clean.

• Step 2: Use a shop vac to clean out the barrel, fire pot, and under the heat shield. Get rid of any ash or food residue.

• Step 3: Spray down the inside and outside of your grill with a non-chemical cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe everything down with a paper towel or cleaning cloth. This helps remove grease, ash, and grime buildup.

• Step 4: Once everything is spotless, put the grill back together – reinsert the drip tray, grates, heat baffle, and firepot.

Want more in-depth tips on keeping your grill spotless? Check out our complete guide to cleaning a grill.

A Clean Grill Makes for Tastier BBQ

By staying on top of these simple steps, you’re making sure every cookout is a success. Trust us – just a little bit of maintenance can make a big difference in flavour.

Whether you’re grilling steaks on a Traeger Mesa Pellet Grill or smoking ribs on a Traeger Redland, a little cleaning goes a long way! Stay on top of regular cleanings, and your grill will be ready to go whenever you are. 

Need more cleaning tips? Don’t forget to check out our posts on how to clean a Weber grill and how to clean a flat-top grill for even more handy advice!

Soleen September 11th, 2024

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos