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Been a long time since I had one , but I used to do like Ray . I used a sanding sponge because it would flex to the contour of the metal and was a bit easier on the fingers . No wire brush . The bristles are softer than the metal on the smoker . If deposits get left behind , you rusting becomes worse . Then used the spray bomb he posted .
I then started sanding and wiping with oil like mentioned in post 3 .