There’s nothing like food cooked on a Blackstone griddle, and those who own this exceptional appliance would definitely agree.
But this cooking marble requires lots of attention and frequent cleaning. If you neglect it, dirt and rust can ruin the taste of everything you’re making on it, from sausages to pancakes.
But worry not! Here, we’ll discuss how to clean a Blackstone griddle to help you keep your food tasting as delicious as ever with minimal effort. This includes proper seasoning and storage tips that’ll enable it to run smoothly for a lifetime.
So, let’s start!
How Often Should You Clean Your Blackstone Griddle?
This is an easy question, and the answer is: after EVERY use. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just yourself, it’s important to clean the griddle immediately afterward.
If you don’t, the food will harden up and become difficult to remove. On top of it all, leftover grease will gradually build up and create a sticky, grimy, and difficult-to-clean mess.
Luckily, the regular cleaning process is pretty simple and only takes a few minutes of your time. And, by taking care of your griddle immediately, you’ll save time and effort down the road.
How to Properly Clean a Blackstone Griddle for the First Time
Blackstone griddles are made of cold-rolled steel. This is a durable material that’s ideal for even-heated cooking, but it has an unnerving downside — it’s flaking and rust-prone, just like cast iron.
This is why your Blackstone griddle gets pre-seasoned before it arrives at your doorstep!
But this isn’t the seasoning you want to be cooking on. There can be manufacturing and packaging residue present on it, so the best thing to do is to deep clean your Blackstone griddle before using it for the first time:
- Start by making a cleaning solution of warm water and some mild dish soap in a bucket.
- Wash the cooking surface with a soft towel soaked in the cleaning solution.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and a towel.
- Dry the griddle with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
Just like other cooking appliances, the Blackstone griddle can also be cleaned with other non-abrasive cleaning agents.
But there’s one big difference between cleaning regular kitchen appliances (say, your stove drip pans) and Blackstone griddle — the need for seasoning.
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle
After you thoroughly clean your Blackstone Griddle, it’s time to season it (especially if it’s new and you haven’t used it yet). Seasoning helps create a smooth surface for cooking and prevents flaking and rust.
The process is pretty simple:
- Apply a layer of cooking oil to the surface with a paper towel. We recommend using olive oil, canola oil, or regular vegetable oil.
- Preheat the griddle to 500 °F.
- Allow the oil to cook on the surface for about 15 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.
- Repeat this process two or three times to create a nonstick surface.
How to Clean the Blackstone Griddle After Cooking
After giving your Blackstone griddle a good spin, it’s time to remove all food residue and grease from it.
If you skip this step, expect to face dirt, build-up, and stickiness, which will render your grill practically unusable and increase the risk of rust.
So, what should you do to prevent this?
- Turn the heat on for a few minutes and let the residue loosen up.
- Turn it off.
- Use the Blackstone scraper, a putty knife, wire brush, steel wool, or a similar blunt object to scrape off any hardened food.
- Push food residue and gunk top through the side openings on the top.
- Use a paper towel or sponge to wipe the surface.
However, if food residue and gunk are still present on the cooktop, you should go a step further and:
- Pour a few drops of water onto the griddle surface.
- Scrape the surface again with a pumice stone (grill stone).
- Wipe the water away.
- Put some oil on top and spread it in a thin layer.
If you’re still not happy with the results or you can see rust on your griddle, you can try using some of the methods we’ll describe below.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle — Rust
There are several ways to give a new lease on life to a rusty and neglected Blackstone griddle. Here we’ll discuss the most eco- and wallet-friendly ways of doing that using ingredients you probably already have in your home — vinegar, salt, and baking soda.
Remove the Rust With Baking Soda and Salt
All you need to make your griddle rust-free is some baking soda and a pinch of salt. Baking soda is a natural rust remover, and when you combine it with salt, you’ll get an incredibly cheap abrasive paste that can do away with even the toughest of food residue.
In other words, your griddle will be fresh, and your wallet will remain full.
Here’s how to do it:
- Combine two tablespoons of baking soda and a pinch of salt with water.
- Mix the ingredients in to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the rusty spots on your griddle.
- Clean your Blackstone griddle with a pumice stone (scrub the paste with it).
- Wait for 30 minutes for the concoction to work its wonders.
- Remove the dirt and paste residue with a spatula.
- Thoroughly rinse with water.
- Dry your griddle with a clean towel.
This method won’t only eliminate rust but also remove any lingering odors from your griddle.
Clean a Rusty Blackstone Griddle With Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are another powerful household combo you can use to battle rust and lingering odors.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it can help you remove any bacteria that might be lurking on your griddle. On the other hand, baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can break down stubborn stains, rust, grease, and grime with ease.
This is how to use these cleaning agents:
- Put your oven gloves on and heat up the griddle.
- Combine baking soda and vinegar in a 2:1 ratio.
- Make a paste.
- Spread the paste over the rusty spots and wait for a few minutes.
- Scrape the paste off with a pumice stone.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry your griddle with a clean towel.
- Pour some oil onto the top and evenly spread it with a towel.
Extra Tips on Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle
Just like your favorite electric grill, the Blackstone griddle requires regular cleaning to keep providing you with meals as delicious as on the first day.
To make the cleaning process as simple and hassle-free as possible, follow these tips:
- Avoid dumping excessive amounts of water on your griddle (especially when it’s hot) to avoid warping the griddle top.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the surface of your griddle. Stick to a mild dishwashing soap like Dawn soap.
- Season your griddle regularly to keep the surface nonstick and prevent rust.
- If you’re dealing with residue or rust that’s stubbornly stuck on the surface — heat the griddle a bit to help loosen the grime before cleaning.
- Store your Blackstone griddle in a dry place, away from moisture and the influence of the elements. Investing in a hardcover or a canvas cover will also help prevent rust.
Conclusion
So, what’s the best way to clean a Blackstone Griddle? The answer is simple — the one that involves good scrubbing and lots of oil at the end.
If you follow the steps described above, you’ll know how to make your Blackstone griddle look (and work!) as good as new in every situation. Just remember to season it after each cleaning, and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious food for years to come.
FAQ
How often should you season a Blackstone griddle?
You should apply a thin coat of oil of your choice onto the surface before and after each use to prevent the penetration of humidity. A deeper (2–3 layer) seasoning should be performed after the initial cleaning and every few months or so of use.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, Dawn dish soap is mild and non-abrasive. For the best results, always dilute the soap in warm water.
How often should you clean a Blackstone griddle?
You should clean your Blackstone griddle after each use. A more thorough cleaning and seasoning should be done before you use the griddle for the first time and every couple of months after use.
If you use the griddle frequently, deep-clean it whenever the surface becomes stained.
Why is my Blackstone griddle sticky?
If your Blackstone griddle is sticky, you’ve probably applied way too thick layers of oil to it while seasoning. To make it non-sticky again, deep-clean the griddle and season it again. This time, make sure to wipe down as much of the oil as possible and only leave a thin layer.
Note that seasoning isn’t enough to keep you grilling like a pro. You’ll also need to learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle the popper way. So, scroll up, pick your favorite method, and get down to cleaning!
