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Just as it is important to clean your grill, it is equally as important to learn how to clean Blackstone griddle. Whether you have a built in Blackstone griddle that you use when entertaining friends or family or a portable Blackstone griddle that gets a true workout on your camping adventures, keeping it clean will help protect the cooking surface. Moreover, cleaning will remove bacteria and other contaminants, help future meals turn out tastier, keep your griddle functioning properly, and so much more. Read on to learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle after cooking, as well as how to restore one that has gotten rusty.
Tools & Materials
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Project Overview
Working Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Total Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $20 to $75
Before You Begin
The sections below outline the steps for cleaning a Blackstone griddle after cooking. If you just purchased a new model, you’ll also want to know the best way to clean a Blackstone griddle before using it. Fortunately, this is a relatively basic task. Simply fill a bucket with hot, soapy water and wipe down the entire surface along with the lid for the Blackstone griddle. Wipe everything down one more time with clean water and then dry the griddle using a microfiber cloth or paper towels. Be sure to allow it to fully air dry before covering it for storage to prevent rusting.
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How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking
Regardless of whether you have a gas or electric Blackstone griddle, it is essential to clean it properly after each use. Follow the steps below to keep your griddle clean and ready for future use.
STEP 1: Let the griddle cool completely and use a spatula to scrape away debris.
Before you can get into Blackstone griddle cleaning, allow the unit to cool completely. Once cool, clear the surface of food and burnt-on debris using a metal scraper. As you scrape the surface, move the debris you release towards the drip pans on the griddle.
STEP 2: Use a paper towel to wipe down the surface.
After you’ve removed food and other gunk from the surface of the flat-top grill, there will likely still be a lot of grease on it. Remove as much of this grease as possible using paper towels or a dish rag. If you choose to use a dish rag, just be prepared for it to be heavily soiled and difficult to clean.
STEP 3: Tackle stuck-on food residues with hot water and a scrubbing pad.
Using a little hot water can help you to get rid of any food or other debris that remains on the surface. Pour some hot water into a spray bottle and use it to spritz the surface of the grill. While the water on the grill is still hot, use a scrubber (non-metallic) or a Blackstone Scouring Pad to clear away any stuck-on messes. Grab another paper towel to remove the debris you loosened from the surface.
STEP 4: Dry the griddle using a microfiber cloth.
After cleaning the griddle, you’ll want to make sure that it is fully dry to avoid creating ideal conditions for rust to form. Use a microfiber cloth to rub down the cooking surface along with any other damp areas to help ensure that there is no excess water present anywhere.
STEP 5: Season the surface to prepare it for future use.
Once the grill is clean and dry, finish up by seasoning the surface. You can use a recommended Blackstone seasoning spray or conditioner or a few tablespoons of vegetable oil for this task. After pouring or spraying the oil, spread it evenly over the entire surface of the griddle. Proper seasoning will help maintain the non-stick cooking surface.
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How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle That Has Rust
When water, oxygen, and iron mix together, rust can form. If you live in a humid area or if your griddle or hybrid grill is exposed to too much water, it is quite possible that the steel (iron and carbon) cooking surface may develop rust spots—or even become heavily covered. Follow the steps below to learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle that has rust.
STEP 1: Turn on the griddle and put on a pair of heat-resistant gloves.
Removing rust from a cold griddle will be much more difficult than removing it from a hot one. Before you try to scrap away any of the corrosion, set the griddle to a high heat setting and give it time to heat up. Before moving on to the next steps, be sure to slip on a pair of heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands while working over the hot surface.
STEP 2: Use a metal scraper and some elbow grease to remove rust from the surface.
Once the grill is hot and you’ve put on your heat-resistant gloves, you can begin scraping the rust to loosen it from the grill. If you have the tool kit of Blackstone griddle accessories, you can use the metal scraper that came in it for this task. You’ll need to use some elbow grease and work in a pattern to avoid missing any rusty areas on the surface. It is important that the griddle stays as dry as possible during this cleaning; adding water will not help to loosen and remove the rust.
STEP 3: Let the griddle cool and then wipe away the rust.
Once you’ve used the scraper to loosen all of the rust, turn off the griddle and give it time to cool completely. Use a few paper towels to clear off the rusty debris from the surface.
STEP 4: Use a pumice grill stone and some oil to scrub the cooktop.
Measure about 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil and drizzle it over the griddle. Use a grill stone to scrub the entire surface of the grill. Give a little extra TLC to any areas with visible rust. After scrubbing the surface, use a microfiber cloth or a few paper towels to clean up the rust debris and oil. If necessary, repeat these steps to remove any rust that is still present.
STEP 5: Protect the griddle against rusting again by seasoning it and storing it properly.
After you’ve successfully removed all the rust from the grill, take measures to prevent it from rusting again. Start by seasoning the surface with oil to form a protective barrier over the cooktop. When not in use, be sure to store your large or small Blackstone griddle properly. Always keep it covered and in a dry location.
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FAQ About Cleaning Blackstone Griddles
Q. How often should you clean a Blackstone griddle?
A Blackstone griddle should be cleaned before the first use and after each subsequent use.
Q. How do you keep a Blackstone from rusting?
Blackstone griddle seasoning can help prevent rusting. Seasoning the griddle with oil forms a barrier that protects the surface against corrosion.
Q. How do you know when a Blackstone griddle is seasoned enough?
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle for the first time will require some time. You’ll need to repeat the steps of covering the surface with oil, heating the grill up, and letting it smoke a few times. You’ll know the griddle is properly seasoned when the entire plate has turned dark brown.
Q. Do you have to oil a Blackstone before every use?
Yes, you should oil your griddle between uses. Apply a coat of oil after you’ve finished cleaning the grill and it will be ready to use the next time you need it.
Q. Does vinegar clean a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, using vinegar is an alternative method to try when cleaning a Blackstone griddle. When cleaning your griddle using vinegar, you’ll want to start by heating up its surface. Then, combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution across the entire surface, turn off the burners, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and water solution to sit and soften stuck-on debris.
After about 15 minutes has passed, spray more of the vinegar and water solution over the grill and use your metal scraper to remove food residues. Give the surface a quick rinse and dry it off using a rag or paper towels before cooking or storing.
Final Thoughts
Follow the steps shared above to clean your Blackstone griddle after every use. Doing so will protect the cooking surface and make sure the griddle is safe and ready to use time and time again. If your griddle has been exposed to too much moisture and has developed rust, it doesn’t mean that it is ruined. With some high heat and some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease, you should be able to remove the rust and return the griddle to a clean and usable state. Always remember to season the griddle between uses to protect the cooking surface against rust.
