How to Clean a Traeger Grill: A Step-by-Step Proven Guide

If you own a Traeger grill, then you know how important it is to keep it clean.

A dirty grill can lead to all sorts of problems, including decreased performance and even dangerous flare-ups. Learning how to clean a Traeger grill is essential for maintaining its performance and preventing flare-ups.

Unlike charcoal grills or gas grills, Traeger grills require a slightly different cleaning approach. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps that you need to take to clean your Traeger grill properly.

This step-by-step guide will show you everything you need to know, from basic cleaning to advanced techniques to clean your Traeger grill properly. We’ll start with the basics and work our way up to more advanced techniques.

So, whether your grill is just a little bit dirty or downright disgusting, we’ve got you covered and will help you get your Traeger clean as a whistle!

How to Clean a Traeger Grill: The Basics

Traeger grills are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a convenient way to cook outdoors.

However, like any clean grill, they require regular cleaning in order to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. Proper Traeger grill cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your grill.

The good news is that cleaning a Traeger grill is relatively easy, and only takes a few simple steps.

What you’ll need to clean a Traeger grill

• A Traeger grill– they make many different types of pellet grills
• Grill cleaner- We recommend using Traeger’s own Traeger grill cleaner
• A bristle-free Wire Grill Brush
• Newspaper or something to put your grill grates on
• Grease trap/ grease bucket/ aluminum foil
• Warm soapy water (if you’re not using grill cleaner)
• Heavy-Duty paper towels (for disposal)
• Aluminum foil
• Rubber gloves to keep your hands clean
• Shop Vac for advanced cleaning

Step 1 – Cleaning The Outside of Your Traeger Grill

We are going to start the cleaning the Traeger on the outside of the grill and work our way in.

Chances are that even if you cover your pellet grill with some sort of grill cover (which you really should) the elements are still going to make your Traeger dirty as well.

Always open the grill lid before starting the cleaning process to ensure proper ventilation. Allow the grill to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before cleaning to avoid burns. Then start by spraying down your grill with your choice of grill cleaner; give a generous application to the outside of your grill.

Make sure whatever cleaner you use is safe for your particular grill, we recommend the official Traeger grill cleaner.

Let the product soak for 2-5 min, this really lets the cleaner penetrate the grease.  After the 5 minutes use a clean cloth or heavy-duty paper towels and wipe down your Traeger. The outside should now have a shine to it, this is the first step to a clean grill!

Step 2-4 – Cleaning The Inside of Your Traeger

Drip Tray

This is where the cleaning a Traeger process gets messy, so if you want to keep your hands clean, I would recommend some rubber gloves at this point. Anytime you’re cooking food with a high-fat content at high heat, that grease is going to make a mess of your Traeger Grill.

That’s why cleaning your grill grates frequently is so important, not to mention the unsung heroes of grills, the drip pan. Your drip pan will collect most of the grease that drips off, and these pans should occasionally be emptied and cleaned. Using soap to remove any stubborn residue is very needed here too. Be sure to dispose of old foil or drip tray liners.

Grill Grates

Go ahead and start removing the grill grates and use a wire brush to remove any loose debris and food particles. Go ahead and lay the grates down in some grass or on some old newspaper. These grates will be coved in gunk.

Next, spray the grill grate and everything you just removed (cooking grates, heat disturbers) with the BBQ cleaner or if you don’t have Traeger’s grill stainless steel cleaner go ahead and mix some warm water and dish soap in a bucket and use a sponge to scrub down these interior elements of the grill.

If using cast iron grates, you can use a baking soda and vinegar solution (2 cups white vinegar and 1 cup baking soda) to soak the grates overnight. Clean the grates thoroughly, and you are set!

Gunk Time

Next is the ‘Gunk’: All this black crud is really what you’re after when cleaning a Traeger grill.

A universal truth that exists regardless if you have a pellet grill, propane gas grill, or a traditional smoker, after consistent cooking this grease piles up. A grease buildup on any clean grill can lead to grease fires.

Grease can cause some serious flareups on your grill. If you’ve ever seen a video of a grill that’s consumed in flames there’s a good chance it was related to an excess buildup of this gunk. Grease can accumulate anywhere on the grill but it mostly collects under your grill grates.

Removing stubborn gunk might require some elbow grease, but it’s crucial for preventing flare-ups. To remove the gunk, do whatever you can do to get it down the hole at the bottom of the grill. Use a putty knife, and your hand+ cloth to get the piles down the hole. Make sure there is a grease tray/drip tray underneath to catch it. Pay attention to the corners and edges where gunk can hide.  

Be sure to pay special attention to the area around the burner, as this is where most of the grease and grime will accumulate.

Wipe Down

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the grill with clean water and dry it with a soft towel. Your Traeger grill is one step closer to cooking again!

Once everything is clean and dry go ahead and put all your grates back after you’ve wiped them down, and go ahead and get grilling on your clean Traeger grill! Clean the grates thoroughly, and you are set!  

Advanced Techniques For Cleaning a Traeger grill

If you thought the above steps were too easy, or you are looking for some extra deep detailing tips on how to clean a Traeger grill, then let us share some pro tips to give your Traeger grill that extra clean finish.

If you own a Traeger grill, then you know how difficult it can be to keep the grill clean. However, there are some advanced techniques that you can use to make cleaning your Traeger easier.

Specialty Brushes

One method is to use a rotisserie brush. This type of brush is designed to reach all the nooks and crannies of your grill, making it easy to remove built-up grease and grime when you clean your Traeger grill. For delicate surfaces, choose a bristle-free brush to avoid scratches.

Degreasers

Another Traeger grill cleaning method is to use a grill degreaser, Traeger makes their own brand but there are also many other products on the market that do a great job. The best cleaner for Traeger grill surfaces is one specifically designed for grills and smokers.

The grill degreaser will help to break down tough grease and oil deposits, making them much easier to remove. However, be sure to use a degreaser specifically designed for use on stainless steel grills, as other types of cleaners can damage the finish of your grill. A heavy-duty degreaser can be helpful for tackling stubborn grime.

Drip Tray Cleaning

A pro tip is to remove the drip tray/grease trap/ grease bucket, wipe out the gunk, and clean them with soapy water. All these items can accumulate gunk and can cause grease fires. Dispose of old foil or drip tray liners and replace them with foil new bucket liners.

Every time I deep clean a Traeger, I clean my drip tray/pan, grease trap, and grease bucket as well.

Traeger Grill Maintenance: How to Keep it Clean All Year Round

It’s important to clean your Traeger grill regularly to prevent the build-up of grease and debris in the fire pot. A clean grill will also help to ensure that your food tastes its best. There are a few simple steps that you can follow to clean your grill and keep it in top condition all year round. Traeger says clean grill components regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Components Cleaning

First, be sure to clean Traeger grill grates after each use. Every time you finish cooking you should scrape your grill grates. You can do this by scrubbing them with a wire brush or using a degreaser. Spray the grill grate with cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

As a pro tip I usually give my grates a good scrub as soon as I take my food off the grill once it’s finished cooking. Grill grates are one of the most important aspects of a clean grill, just think your grill grates are what your food touches.

Standard Maintenance

If you have tried all sorts of cleaners and your Traeger grill grates are still dirty you can always get a new set of grates. I tend to buy new grill grates every other year.

Monthly Cleanings

Next, clean the drip pan on a monthly basis. This will help to prevent the build-up of grease and debris. Finally, wipe down the outside of the grill with a damp cloth on a regular basis. Performing all these actions on a regular basis will also greatly reduce the risk of grease fires. Use heavy-duty paper towels for better cleaning and to avoid making a mess.

Grill Covers

Another investment you should make for your Traeger grill is a grill cover. A grill cover can protect your Traeger grill from the elements. A grill cover will also lengthen the frequency you need to clean your pellet grill.

Pellet Grill Best Practices

Another pro tip for properly maintaining your pellet grill is to not leave your pellets in the pellet hopper. Keeping your pellets in the hopper will expose them to the elements and can alter their cooking ability.

The pellets are made of wood and water and wood do not mix. If it rains while your pellets are in the hopper they can get moldy and affect your cooking.

When in doubt throw them out. If you are unsure how long your pellets have been inside the hoper its best to just chuck them and start fresh.

A Deeper Clean

If you own a Traeger grill, then you know how important it is to keep it clean. A dirty grill can lead to all sorts of problems, including decreased performance and even dangerous flare-ups. Clean all components, including the heat baffle, for a thorough cleaning.

If you follow all of the above steps that we have provided in this guide, your Traeger grill will last for years!

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to effectively deep clean your Traeger grill quickly and easily.

Whether you’re just doing a quick once-over or giving it a deep cleaning, these tips will help you get the job done right. Proper Traeger grill cleaning ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your grill.

While this guide focuses on Traeger grills that are proudly made in the united states, many of the principles apply to other types, such as cleaning a gas grill or charcoal grill. However, always refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.

So, don’t wait any longer – get out there and start grilling! Thank you for reading. Until next time!​

If you’re looking for help with cleaning your Traeger grill, or any other type of grill, then contact Hemphill BBQ.

We are the experts when it comes to grills and outdoor cooking, and we would be happy to assist you. We hope our guide on how to clean a Traeger was helpful.

FAQs About Cleaning a Traeger Grill