At Niehaus Lumber, we know that nothing beats the flavor of a perfectly grilled meal on a Traeger Pellet Grill. But before you fire it up for the season, it's important to give it a deep clean. Regular Traeger grill maintenance not only ensures great-tasting food but also extends the life of your grill, keeping it in top shape for years to come. Here’s our step-by-step guide to cleaning your Traeger Pellet Grill to get it ready for a season of delicious BBQ.

Why Cleaning Your Traeger Matters for Flavor & Safety

A clean Traeger Pellet Grill means better-tasting food, improved heat efficiency, and a safer cooking experience. Over time, grease buildup and leftover ash can lead to flare-ups, excess smoke, and even potential mechanical issues. By taking the time to deep clean your grill, you’ll keep it performing like new while ensuring every meal is as flavorful as possible.

How Often Should You Clean Your Grill?

Keeping your Traeger Pellet Grill clean is key to maintaining performance and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of how often different parts of your grill should be cleaned:

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these essential grill cleaning supplies—many of which you can find right here at Niehaus Lumber:

• All-natural degreaser/cleaner

• Cleaning cloths or heavy-duty paper towels

• Shop vacuum for removing ash buildup

• Drip tray liners or foil replacements

• High-heat cooking oil for seasoning grates

• Solid hardwood grill scraper (a great tool for scraping grates without damaging them)

How to Clean Your Traeger Pellet Grill

Step 1: Spray and Wipe the Grates and Chimney

Start by spraying the grill grates and inside the chimney with an all-natural degreaser. Use a cleaning cloth or heavy-duty paper towels to wipe both sides of the grates thoroughly. If there is any buildup, use a solid hardwood grill scraper to gently scrape off any stuck-on food or residue. Avoid wire brushes, as they can damage the surface.

Step 2: Remove and Clean Internal Components

Dispose of any old foil or drip tray liners. Take out the drip tray and heat baffle and wipe them down with a degreaser or warm soapy water. If your grill has a lower heat shield, remove it and clean underneath.

Step 3: Vacuum Ash and Residue

Use a shop vacuum to remove ash and debris from the firepot, grill interior, and under the heat shield. Also, empty the hopper and vacuum out any sawdust buildup from the hopper and auger tube to keep your grill running smoothly.

Step 4: Clean the Chimney and Grease Chute

Scrub the inside of the chimney or downdraft system with a cleaning cloth or paper towels to remove soot and grease buildup. Use tongs or a stick to guide a paper towel through areas where your hand won’t fit.

Step 5: Wipe Down and Reassemble

Spray the inside and outside of the grill with an all-natural degreaser, let it soak for a few minutes, and wipe it clean. Do not clean the Thermocouple or RTD unless there is visible buildup. Once everything is dry, reassemble the heat baffle, drip tray, new liners, bucket liners, and grill grates. Lightly coat the grates with high-heat cooking oil to prevent rust and sticking.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Traeger in Top Shape from Niehaus Lumber

• Use a Traeger grill cover to protect it from the elements.

• After each use, brush the grates while they’re still warm to prevent buildup. A solid hardwood grill scrpaer can help with this.

• Empty the grease tray regularly to avoid flare-ups and keep your grill safe.

• Perform a deep clean at least once per season for optimal performance.

Quick Maintenance Checklist

✔ Vacuum out ash buildup regularly
✔ Empty the grease tray after each use
✔ Wipe down the grill’s interior and exterior
✔ Deep clean grates and drip pan every season
✔ Cover the grill when not in use

At Niehaus Lumber, we have all the grill cleaning supplies you need to keep your Traeger Pellet Grill in top condition, from grill brushes to degreasers and high-heat cooking oils. Stop by our store, and we’ll help you get everything you need to make this grilling season your best yet!