How to Clean A Blackstone Griddle

Cleaning and reseasoning your Blackstone griddle regularly is essential to maintain its performance, prevent rust, and ensure a non-stick cooking surface. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cleaning a Blackstone griddle after each cook, especially for extra messy cooking sessions, and the subsequent reseasoning to maintain its seasoning layer. We will also provide a list of supplies you’ll need for the cleaning and reseasoning process.

I. Regular Cleaning After Each Cook:

Supplies needed:
– Heat-resistant gloves
– Spatula or scraper
– Paper towels or lint-free cloth
– Hot water
– Dish soap (mild)

Steps:
1. Allow the griddle to cool down: After cooking, turn off the heat and allow the griddle to cool down completely.

2. Scrape off food debris: Use a spatula or scraper to remove any food debris or stuck-on residue from the griddle surface. Be careful not to damage the seasoning layer.

3. Wipe down with a damp cloth: Dampen a cloth or paper towel with hot water and wipe the griddle surface to remove any remaining food particles.

4. Dry the griddle: Ensure the griddle is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust formation.

II. Cleaning for Extra Messy Cooks:

Supplies needed:
– Heat-resistant gloves
– Spatula or scraper
– Paper towels or lint-free cloth
– Hot water
– Dish soap (mild)
– Wire brush or grill brush
– Vinegar (optional)
– Baking soda (optional)

Steps:
1. Allow the griddle to cool down: Ensure the griddle has cooled down completely before proceeding with the cleaning process.

2. Scrape off excess food debris: Use a spatula or scraper to remove any large or stubborn food particles from the griddle surface.

3. Prepare a cleaning solution: Fill a container or bucket with hot water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Optionally, you can add vinegar (diluted with water) or sprinkle baking soda for extra cleaning power.

4. Soak and scrub: Dip a cloth or paper towel into the cleaning solution and thoroughly wet the griddle surface. Let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining food residues. Use a wire brush or grill brush to scrub the griddle surface, focusing on stubborn spots.

5. Rinse and dry: Rinse the griddle surface with hot water to remove the cleaning solution and loosened debris. Ensure that all soap residue is rinsed off. Dry the griddle with a cloth or paper towels to prevent rust.

III Reseasoning after each cook and clean:

It is important to maintain a well seasoned griddle, and I recommend re seasoning with every cook and clean. For an in depth article on Reseasoning your Blackstone, click here.

What To Avoid When Cleaning A Blackstone Griddle

When cleaning a Blackstone griddle, there are certain things you should avoid to prevent damage to the griddle and maintain its performance. Here are some things to avoid when cleaning a Blackstone griddle:

1. Abrasive cleaning tools: Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool, metal brushes, or harsh scrubbing pads. These can scratch or damage the griddle surface, compromising its non-stick properties.
2. Harsh cleaning chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as oven cleaners or bleach, as they can damage the griddle’s surface and potentially leave harmful residues.
3. Soap residue: While it is common to use a mild dish soap for cleaning, ensure that all soap residue is thoroughly rinsed off after cleaning. Soap residue can affect the taste of your food and may interfere with the seasoning on the griddle.
4. Excessive water exposure: While it is necessary to clean the griddle with hot water, avoid excessive water exposure that can lead to rusting. After cleaning, make sure to dry the griddle thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
5. Extreme temperature changes: Avoid exposing a hot griddle to cold water or immersing it in water immediately after use. Extreme temperature changes can cause the griddle to warp or crack.
6. High-pressure washing: Avoid using high-pressure washers to clean the griddle. The forceful water stream can damage the griddle’s surface and remove the seasoning.

Remember, the Blackstone griddle is made of high-quality materials, and regular cleaning with appropriate methods will keep it in excellent condition without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive tools.

Cleaning a Blackstone griddle is an essential part of its maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. By avoiding abrasive tools, harsh chemicals, excessive water exposure, soap residue, extreme temperature changes, and high-pressure washing, you can protect the griddle from damage and preserve its non-stick surface. Following the recommended cleaning steps using mild dish soap, hot water, and non-abrasive cleaning tools will keep your Blackstone griddle in great shape for many delicious cooking sessions to come. Remember, proper cleaning and care will help you enjoy the full benefits of your Blackstone griddle and create mouthwatering meals every time.