How To Clean Electric Smoker With Mold

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Mold can be a serious issue in homes, and it is especially important to clean electric smokers if there is any mold present.

This article will discuss how to clean an electric smoker with mold and some dangers of not cleaning it properly.

6 Steps to Clean Your Electric Smoker With Mold

1. Prepare the Following Materials Before You Start

Before you begin cleaning your electric smoker, there are a few preparations you need to make:

  • A regular bin bag or recycle bag can be used for ash and other waste
  • Soft cloth
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • A non-metal, soft bristle brush will be best to avoid any scratching on your smoker.
  • Plastic tarp
  • Sponge
  • Bucket
  • Sunflower or canola oil
  • Cleaning gloves
  • Face covering

Wait to discard any materials inside the smoker, like the drip tray, racks, and water pan. You can remove any remaining charcoal, briquettes, or other materials from the smoker.

To protect your health, it is recommended that you wear cleaning gloves and a face covering or mask when handling mold. Doing so limits your exposure to mold spores, which can cause an allergic reaction if inhaled.

Related: How To Use Wood Chips In An Electric Smoker

2. Start the Smoker

Fire up the smoker and get that temperature as high as it can. The heat will kill off the mold and any other bacteria that might be present. Not to mention, it will make it much easier to clean.

Just let it smoke for at least half an hour to be safe. And there you have it, your electric smoker is now clean and ready to be used again. No more mold, no more bacteria – just good old-fashioned smoked food.

3. Clear Away all of the Dirt and Grime

Once you’ve let your electric smoker cool down, it’s time to get scrubbing. Use a wire brush, or something similar, to scrape and scrub every piece of the smoker. This includes the racks, drip pan, and any other removable parts.

You may want to take out the racks and drip pan for deeper cleaning. 

One tip for cleaning your electric smoker is to mix hot water and apple cider vinegar, spray the inside of the smoker, and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and cleaner.

You can also use oven cleaner to clean out your electric smoker. Whichever method you choose, scrub every part of the smoker for a thorough clean.

4. Use a Power Wash

A power wash is a great way to clean your smoker quickly and effectively. However, you need to be careful when using a power wash, as you can easily damage your smoker if you use it incorrectly.

Power washing is best for cleaning the racks and other metal parts of the smoker, but it is not as effective for cleaning the glass window. When power washing, hold the power washer safely from the smoker and avoid using too much pressure, which can break the glass window.

After power washing, it is also a good idea to wash all parts of the smoker with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. By following these steps, you can ensure that your smoker is clean and in good condition.

5. Reassemble the Parts

Now that the smoker is clean, it’s time to reassemble it. First, ensure all parts are dry by towel drying them or letting them air dry. If any water is left inside, it could cause the smoker to rust.

Once everything is dry and set aside in its rightful places according to the guidebook assembled before taking apart the device, put everything back but not too forcefully to avoid breaking something.

Start up the smoker before you use it. This will help eliminate any leftover moisture from the last time you used it. Once you finish cleaning it, your smoker will be good as new!

6. Season Your Electric Smoker

When deep cleaning your electric smoker, lightly coat the inside with oil to prevent corrosion and mold growth. For this purpose, use high-temperature grilling oil in a spray can (sunflower or canola).

Leaving the doors open after use will allow air to circulate and help prevent rusting, thus prolonging your smoker’s life.

Related: How to Use a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

What Causes Mold to Grow in an Electric Smoker?

Because mold prefers moisture, grease, and cold environments, it is important to take measures to prevent its growth in your electric smoker.

Mold growth is more common in the fall and winter, especially inside electric smokers. If you don’t clean your smoker after every use and leave it for an extended period, it will likely develop mold.

Prevent your smoker from rusting by cleaning it after each use and properly storing it in a dry, temperate location. Follow these tips to avoid mold buildup in your smoker.

How to Prevent Mold in the Future?

To prevent mold from growing in your electric smoker, cleaning it out after each use is important. Any extra food or grease left inside the smoker can provide a food source for mold, so it is important to scrape off any extra grease and ensure the interior is clean.

It is also important to store the smoker in a dry place with open vents to prevent moisture from building up inside the smoker. Finally, spraying a grill or vegetable oil on the racks before cooking can help prevent food from sticking and make cleaning difficult.

Conclusion

Cleaning your electric smoker regularly is important to maintain its performance and prevent mold growth. Following the steps outlined in this article can easily keep your smoker clean and in good condition.

Thanks for reading!

Bobby Johnson

When he's not writing about barbecue, you can find Bobby smoking meat for friends and family. He's been a backyard pitmaster for roughly half his life, and has worked with nearly every cut of meat. Not everyone has a hands-on guide to teach them BBQ, but that's what Bobby hopes to do with Electric Smoker HQ. He wants to help people create amazing food that they can be proud of.