If you don’t take care of your griddle it will rust. Even if you’re using a high-quality griddle like Blackstone, proper maintenance is still key to ensuring longevity.
Are you looking for a guide on how to clean a Blackstone griddle? If you are, then you are in the right place.
In this article, you’d learn all you need to know about cleaning a Blackstone griddle.
This cleaning tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know including burner care, rust prevention, and grill seasoning. Follow the guideline below to know how to properly care for your Blackstone griddle.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle?
Cleaning your griddle can help prolong its lifespan. Taking care of your griddle is not as hard as people make it sound. You only need very little time to clean, and only a few supplies you probably already have.
Note that as long as you can clean your griddle before and after every use, then season it properly, you will prevent it from rusting.
Below are what you need and how to clean and season a Blackstone griddle.
What you Will Need?
- Scraper or metal spatula
- Microfiber towels
- Brush or non-metallic scouring pad
- Paper towels
- Pumice grill stone
- Vegetable oil
- Dishwashing liquid
- Bucket
How to Clean and Season a New Blackstone Griddle?
Mix the Cleaning Solution
In the bucket, add 1 or 2 gallons of hot water. Stir in a couple of squirts of good dishwashing liquid and stir well to mix.
Scrub the Cooking Surface
Scrub the griddle cooking surface with the microfiber towel dipped in the cleaning solution. Ensure you frequently rinse the towel in the cleaning solution as you scrub the cooking surface.
Rinse then Dry
Next, dispose of the cleaning solution, then refill the bucket with fresh water. Rinse away the soap from the cooking surface by dipping the microfiber cloth in the clean water to wipe down the cooking surface.
When you are done, use a dry towel to dry the griddle. Air-dry the griddle thoroughly before you season it.
Season the Griddle
Seasoning the griddle with vegetable oil helps create a nonstick surface for cooking and also prevents the formation of rust. Use about 2 or 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the griddle. Spread the oil with a paper towel, and ensure you rub every part of the griddle, including the back rim and sides.
Turn on all the griddle burners and set them too high until the oil begins to smoke and discolor. Turn off the griddle burner and allow the surface to cool, and you are ready to cook.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Use?
Allow Griddle Cool
Let the griddle cool down completely after using it before you start cleaning it.
Scrap Food Particles Away
Use the metal scraper or metal spatula to remove food particles from the griddle. If the food is stuck, use hot water to loosen them, then scrape them away.
Try to get as many food particles as you can with the metal scraper, then use the paper towel to remove any grease on the cooking surface.
Scrub the Cooking Surface
Spray hot water on the surface of the griddle and use the non-metallic scraper to clean the remaining food residue from the griddle. Don’t use the wire brush, as this will leave tiny bits of metal on the griddle, which can cause rusting. Use a paper towel to wipe away any food debris.
Rinse then Dry
In a bucket, mix a cleaning solution, and use the microfiber towel to clean the surface of the griddle and other parts. When done, dispose of the cleaning solution and refill the bucket with clean water.
Rinse the microfiber towel and use it to clean the griddle, while you frequently rinse the towel in the clean water. Thereafter, dry the griddle with the microfiber towel.
Season the Griddle
Use about 2 or 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to season the griddle. Spread the oil with a paper towel to cover the entire cooking surface of the griddle. Don’t leave puddles of oil on the surface of the griddle.
How to Clean a Rusty Blackstone Griddle?
Heat the Griddle
Heat the griddle as rust removes easily when the griddle is hot. So, before getting to work, wear heat-protective clothes and gloves.
The griddle needs to remain hot while cleaning, so you need to leave it on for much of the cleaning time.
Scrap the Rust
Use the metal scraper to remove the rust on the hot griddle. Work your way up the griddle in a methodical pattern so you don’t miss any spot on the corroded surface.
While scraping you may feel the need to add water, but don’t add water. Keep the surface of the griddle dry as you scrape off the rust.
Cool and Wipe Loosened Rust Away
After scraping the rust off the surface of the griddle, then allow it to cool completely. Use the scraper and a paper towel to remove all the loosened rust from the griddle surface.
Oil and Scrub Some More
Now that the griddle surface is clean from as much rust as you can possibly get out, pour vegetable oil on the surface of the griddle. Four to five tablespoons of vegetable oil should be enough to do the trick. Scour the vegetable oil with a pumice stone to make it easy to scrub. Use a paper towel to wipe away the oil and debris. If you can still see some rust, repeat the step until all the rust is gone.
Season the Griddle
When all the rust has gone, season the griddle with fresh oil. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the surface of the griddle.
After seasoning the griddle, ensure you store it in a cool dry place so you don’t have to do all the scrubbing all over again when you need to use the griddle.
Final Opinion
If you want to expand your outdoor cooking capabilities beyond grilling, then you need to add a griddle to your arsenal.
But note that even though you get a high-quality griddle like a Blackstone, maintenance is key to extending its lifespan.
Learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle the right way today so you can get the most out of it.
Review: Blackstone Grill Reviews