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Not an expert but I just use a plastic paint scraper and scrape the barrel, with the grill grates every half a dozen cooks ill scrape with Alfoil or brush, then pop in a tub with really hot water and detergent And clean with a scourer, I don’t get them like new but most crust off.
someone said to me as long as you get it hot before raw meat touches, all is good.
Grates and Grease is all I clean regularly. I will Scrape any Flaking or Creosote Buildup, off the ceiling and walls, As Needed, typically mid and end of the BBQ season. Too Old to get out there in the Winter.
There is no Safety Hazard as you always Pre-Heat the Smoker...JJ