Stainless racks

[John churn]

I have been smoking since Dec. I always change the tin foil in the grease pan,bottom, and cover the wood box after each use.

I usually don't put the 3 racks in the dish washer or wash them. Doesn't seem to be a problem, so far. I usually put the cover back on the next day and store the unit beside the grill. Nice looking combo I might add.
Sometimes it might be couple of weeks between uses. The other day when I took the cover off I saw some ants hanging around the vent hole. When I looked inside there were none. Now I am rethinking maybe I should wash the racks after each use.

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[old sarge]

My racks are hand washed after each use. I do so because there is no high heat like from my grill to burn off stuff.

[DivotMaker]

Wash the shelves after each smoke, remove the foil, and wipe down the excess grease inside.  Also, dump/wash the drip pan.  If not, you'll get what you found...ants and other bugs, especially this time of year!

[John churn]

Got it . I figured as much.  Thanks for helping

[Mr.Ed]

Remember John, ants like good BBQ too. 

Yes on an Si they need washing to be clean.

[Gene]

Hi John,  here's something you probably know already but it works great for me so I thought I would pass it on.  I "grease" my racks with vegetable oil before smoking.  I just put a bit of oil in my palm and rub it all over the racks.  Kind of messy but I don't have to wash a brush when I'm done 

I bought one of those flat plastic storage containers and after the smoke I put the racks in them with some hot water and Dawn and let them soak for awhile.  They come clean easily with a little scrubbing.  The longer they soak the easier they clean.

Hope this helps.

[Suzie-Q]

My two cents: I lightly pre-oil my racks as it seems to help in clean up latter.  Post smoke, I dump them in soapy water to soak, then drain and use a plastic "scrubby" with baking soda to get clean and shiny for next time.

[Durangosmoker]

I usually forget to oil the racks, but I, too, soak them in soapy water after cooking on them.  And I have found that using a "magic eraser" sponge to clean them works like a charm. They almost look like new.

[SconnieQ]

There was a post here about a mouse that got in through the blow hole (and could not get back out). Thankfully it was still alive when they opened the door (or the smell would not have been good). I've often thought about plugging that hole when I put it away...

[Limey]

I plug mine with a synthetic cork from a wine bottle-zero maintenance, the price is right and you have to drink the wine!