Do you dedicate some time off your busy schedule to clean your Blackstone griddle? If you don’t, you really need to. Cleaning your flat-top grill the right way enhances its functionality and longevity.
A clean griddle is fun to use and easy to maintain. The cleaning process is simple and won’t take much of your time. Below is an in-depth guide on how to clean a Blackstone griddle, depending on its state.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle
The best way to clean a Blackstone griddle is by starting with the cooktop and then the exterior. The cooking surface is the central part of the grill. So, first, focus all your time and energy on it before proceeding to the other parts.
When Should You Clean a Blackstone Griddle?
It is necessary to clean and season your new Blackstone griddle before the first use. This initial cleaning helps remove residues resulting from the manufacturing process and dust that gather during shipping.
You should also clean your grill after every cooking to ensure it operates at its optimal level.
Another instance when you should clean your flat-top grill is if it has rust. If it is a small patch, wipe it clean, add a layer of oil, and re-season the cooktop. But if the rust is severe, you will need to strip off the entire seasoning layer and scrub thoroughly with a grill stone.
How to Clean a New Blackstone Griddle
A new Blackstone griddle comes pre-seasoned to protect it from scratches and harsh elements during transit.
After assembling, you would want to clean it thoroughly to remove the factory coating and add a stronger layer of seasoning.
A soapy wash will also help clean off any debris and dirt from manufacturing and shipping.
What You Need to Clean a Blackstone Flat-top Grill
- A bucket
- Warm water
- A metal scraper or spatula
- A cleaning solution: Do not use harsh chemicals and cleaners on your griddle. Dishwashing liquid is preferable.
- Paper towels
- Microfiber towel (you can also use a lint-free kitchen towel)
- Non-metallic scouring pad or brush
- Pumice grill stone: It comes in handy when removing carbon buildup, grime, and grease from the griddle.
- Cooking oil
- Heat-resistant gloves: They come in handy when working on a hot grill surface.
Steps to Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle for the First Time
- Fill your bucket with warm water, squirt some dishwashing liquid soap, and stir to mix.
- Dip your microfiber towel in soapy water. Wring until damp but not dripping.
- Wipe down the grill cooktop with a damp cloth to remove any dust residues and loose debris. Ensure that you rinse the cloth in the cleaning solution a couple of times as you wipe the entire surface.
- Empty the soapy water and refill your bucket with plain warm water. Dip your cloth in the clean water, wring and wipe down the cooktop to rinse away the soap.
- Dry the cooking surface with paper towels. Let it air-dry for a few minutes before seasoning it.
- Next, turn on your Blackstone Griddle heat to high.
- Give it 10 to 15 minutes, after which the cooktop begins to turn dark.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil to the cooking surface. You can use your preferred cooking oil.
- Avoid using too much oil as it may cause the grill to become sticky.
- Use a handful of paper towels to rub the oil onto the surface. Put on heat-resistant gloves or use tongs to roll up the paper towels on the hot surface.
- Ensure that you also coat the grill sides and corners with oil.
- Keep the heat high on all burners until the oil burns off and stops smoking.
- Repeat the process at least four times.
Note:
You only need to use soap on your Blackstone griddle when cleaning it for the first time.
The first seasoning layer is vital in getting a perfect, non-stick cooktop. If you do it well, it will be easy to clean and maintain your flat-top grill after that.
If you don’t clean and season your grill well the first time, it becomes sticky and causes food to burn on the cooktop.
Ensure that you do not leave any residual moisture on the grill surface to prevent rust from forming.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Use
- After cooking, let your flat-top grill cool down, but ensure it stays warm.
- Use a metal scraper to scrape off juices and food particles stuck on the grill cooktop. Scrape towards the drip tray, then wipe off the remaining grease with paper towels.
- If there is relatively stuck food, spray hot water on the affected spots. Hot water helps to create steam that loosens up the food particles.
- Gently rub the surface with a Blackstone scouring pad or a non-metallic scrubber. Do not use soap or a wire brush.
- Rinse off any debris and residual water using paper towels or a microfiber piece of cloth.
- Use a lint-free cloth or paper towels to coat the griddle top with some oil. Ensure that the coating is thin and even.
Note:
Do not use soap to clean an already used griddle. Soap can leave residues on your cooktop, which may alter the taste of your next meal.
How to Clean a Rusty Griddle
- Turn on your grill on high heat. Rust loosens and is easier to remove when the surface is hot. Ensure that you have your heat-resistant gloves on.
- Using a metal scraper, scrape off the corrosion really hard but be careful to damage the metal. Be sure to keep your grill surface dry during this stage.
- Try to follow a systematic pattern to avoid missing a spot.
- Allow the grill to cool, then wipe off the loosened rust with paper towels.
- Pour 4 to 5 tablespoons of cooking oil on the grill top. Scrub the oiled surface with a pumice gill stone. Be patient as you work across the rusted area, including the corners and sides.
- Wipe off the oil and rust debris with paper towels.
- If you still notice some rust, add more cooking oil and scrub until all rust disappears.
- Season your flat-top grill with fresh oil to create a protective coating against rust.
- Store your grill in a cool, dry place and protect it from humidity.
You can read more on how to fix a rusty griddle.
Importance of Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle
Your Blackstone griddle collects grease and food residues every time you cook on it.
Accumulation of these two results in grime, which affects the normal functioning of your grill. It can also shorten your grill’s lifespan.
Here is why cleaning your flat-top grill is so essential:
It Ensures Efficient Functioning of Your Griddle
If you fail to take good care of your grill, you are likely to encounter the following problems:
- Griddle top peeling
- Griddle top rusting
- Igniter problems
You can avoid maintenance-related issues by implementing a regular cleaning routine.
Regular cleaning ensures that your grill maintains consistent proper functioning.
It Minimizes Incidents of Grease Fires
Cleaning your grill regularly helps to wash away grease before it accumulates.
If you let a lot of grease accumulate in the drip pan, it can easily catch fire as you cook.
Based on the data collected by the National Fire Protection Association, 10,600 home fires reported in the U.S between 2014-2018 were caused by grills. Among them, 29% resulted from improperly-cleaned grills.
It Helps to Keep Your Food Clean
Clean cookware assures you that the food too is clean.
A dirty griddle top will have black food residues and oils from your last meal. These oils and residues will alter the taste of your food and ruin its appearance.
To enjoy the delicious flavors of your freshly-made griddle meals, always keep your cooktop clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a Blackstone griddle?
Do not use soap when cleaning your Blackstone griddle unless it is new. Also, avoid using harsh scrubbers or metallic scouring pads.
How do you clean the Blackstone griddle after each use?
Let the grill cool down a bit after cooking, scrape off any food residues and wipe down the surface with paper towels. Rub a little oil on the surface and store or use it for the next meal. If there is stuck-on food on the surface, sprinkle some water to loosen it before scrapping it off.
How often should you clean your Blackstone griddle?
You should clean your griddle after every use. Doing so prevents the accumulation of grease and food particles which can ruin your next meal or compromise the longevity of your grill.
Why is food sticking to my Blackstone griddle?
When you don’t clean your grill properly, cooking oil and burnt food particles accumulate on the cooktop, causing food to stick. Also, seasoning your grill cooktop with too much oil can cause it to get sticky.
What is the best oil to use on a Blackstone griddle?
Flaxseed is the best oil to season your Blackstone for the first time because it creates a strong and durable coating of polymerized oil. You can also use Blackstone Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner and other high-heat oils.
Wrapping Up
Having a clean Blackstone flat-top grill has immense benefits. Besides enhancing the grill’s functionality, it ensures that the food cooked on it is clean.
Do not use soap on your griddle unless when cleaning it for the first time. Remember to season your cooktop after cleaning to prevent rust and maintain a non-stick surface.