So I went to break out the Kamado for the season and low and behold I didn't clean it properly after my last cook of 2025. I opened the dome to a moldy mess! I normally do a fair amount of winter cooking still and probably just thought I'd get to it next cook… 🫣
So I'm in the process of ordering a replacement gasket and doing a hot burn for a few hours (600°+). I've heard after that you should try and brush the dome and parts, but not to use any chemical cleaners. Would you advise bringing in the grates and ceramic plates to hand wash,?
Also I have no idea what to do with the SloRoller system as it can't handle a high heat cook like that. Please help me get back my smoker.
by vulture1162
13 Comments
Light it. Let it burn off. Brush midway if you like but these are self cleaning. Just let it burn high temp
Use zero chemicals and you also don’t need Hours at high temp like you asked. If your fancy you can scrub your grates (not needed), but never ever scrub/clean any ceramic parts including the deflectors
Had this last year too. I burned/brushed it as you said and also ran the grates through the dishwasher since they would have direct contact with the food. I’ve cooked many times since with no issues.
it wont be there if you run it up to 650deg….
Just clean the slo roller. Its metal mold wont stick to it
Hot as Fck, no chemicals, no scrubbing. Kill it all with fire, and all will be fine. (Yes I’ve been in a similar situation).
Use lump charcoal, it burns hotter
And get the charcoal looks usable?
Burn it
Hot burn. Get it hot, It’ll burn off mold and dry it out. It’s fine.
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TL;DR: Fire
Last cook of 2025? You are not using it enough
Gonna be the idiot to say this, but use the damn thing! If you crank it up, you better be smoking pork, grill chicken thighs. You own a tool to bless your neighbors with incredible stuff. If you don’t want to use it for yourself, get some skirt steak and make fajitas for strangers. That’s how you eliminate mold. Kick me in the nuts as you may, but I stand by this. Bob
I’m new at this, but why would you need a replacement gasket? Can’t you just put some firewood in there and let flames kill the stuff on the gasket too? I bought a Kamado Joe used, split up a log, did a quick cook, and then dropped my wood splits in there. With the vent cap off and the lid slightly open, it cranked up to 1000 °F fairly quickly