Preventing and removing Mold in Smoker

[BigJim1]

I haven't done a search to see if this has been discussed in the past, but I would guess it has. What is the best way to remove mold from my electric smoker, and how do I prevent it from forming again? It has been a long time since I used my smoker, and it has become moldy inside. I would like to remove the mold without removing the seasoning of the smoker. But if that is necessary, I will do that and start from scratch.

 

[old sarge]

You can use oven cleaner and pretty much strip the interior down to bare metal without doing damage. Conversely, clean it with bleach water. The bleach will kill the mold. Follow up with a good rinse with clear water till there is no smell of bleach left. Then re-season. After you use your smoker, either leave the element on so as to dry it out after a good moist smoke or shut it down and leave to door open to dry out.

 

[forktender]

I would spray it down with White Vinegar before I tried anything harsher.
Vinegar will kill most types of mold, just make sure to rinse it well.
Personally I'd get the smoker hot, unplug until it's just warm then spray down with 100% vinegar, let sit for a while, respray it and get after it with a scrub brush, spray it down again, then rinse.

 

[old sarge]

I would spray it down with White Vinegar before I tried anything harsher.
Vinegar will kill most types of mold, just make sure to rinse it well.
Personally I'd get the smoker hot, unplug until it's just warm then spray down with 100% vinegar, let sit for a while, respray it and get after it with a scrub brush, spray it down again, then rinse.

Sounds much better than my drastic method.