Deep cleaning the WSM


 
R

russell swift

TVWBB Super Fan
Sad to report that I've totally neglected my WSM since my last cook in August. Since then, mildew and mold have overtaken the smoker, even with a Weber cover (moisture coming in from the ground up). What is the recommended product for cleaning the inside of the WSM? I plan on replacing all grates. In the past I've used Greased Lightning, but there is some serious funk growing. Is it safe to use a bleach-based cleaner? Recommendations please....
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by russell swift:
What is the recommended product for cleaning the inside of the WSM? I plan on replacing all grates. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd fill the ring with a couple of chimneys of lit charcoal and let her rip (with the grates and empty water pan in it) as hot as she'll run for as long as it will burn. That should burn all the nasties out of the WSM and may make the grates salvageable with a grill brush and some elbow grease. If not, you can always replace them.

If you still feel like you need to clean it further you could use some Simple Green, Greased Lightning or similar cleaner. Don't know about bleach but I'd think that as long as you rinsed well it should be safe to use any cleaner.

Good luck!
 
I agree with the others; a good hot burn will solve the problem. I live in a humid area and a few times a year I'll open my up and there'll be a amount of mold growing. A single hot burn removes all of it. Afterwards, brush your grates and you're good to go.

Paul
 
A good trick for cleaning the grates is to fire up your gas grill as hot as it goes, then throw the grates on the grill for about five minutes. Then hit them with a good brush and you'll get most of the grease and grime off it.
 
I'm considering drilling a small (1/4") hole in both my water pan & the bottom section of the wsm to let any rain water that gets in drain out onto the drip pan.

I'm not sure if there's a down side that I don't see.
 
I had the same problem a few years ago. I just took the whole smoker to the car wash and hit it with the high pressure hose. I think but I'm not sure I used the soap too. But it did the trick. I just rinsed it with my garden hose when I got home. The grates I just cleaned over a chimney of lit coals.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Clint:
I'm considering drilling a small (1/4") hole in both my water pan & the bottom section of the wsm to let any rain water that gets in drain out onto the drip pan.

I'm not sure if there's a down side that I don't see. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Get yourself a better cover. I got mine off of Amazon. The one it comes with isn't waterproof. It will let water in through the seams. This should keep you from having to drill any holes into your water pan.
 
I use a commercial-grade trash bag over the WSM before I put on the cover. That keeps the water out, so no more mold problems.
 
Pick up a spray can of Colemans Tent Waterproof @ your sporting goods place. A liberal dose on your WSM cover will help considerably.
 
But the only thing that cures the laziness problem (my wsm isn't covered as I'm typing this) is the holes... and the only downside with that is (and I'll post it if I'm wrong) the holes rusting, and eventually having to buy a new bottom section..
 
Before I realized how important "seasoning" your WSM was, I'd through it in the dishwasher. If you have a tall tub you can put in each section individually. Comes out pretty much like new. I do NOT recommend putting the bottom section in there (like I did once) all the grains of sand from charcoal get everywhere, it took like 2 or 3 more cycles for that crap to not be on the clean dishes. Just do the middle section, lid & grates.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top