If you just got your first Blackstone Griddle, you’re probably ready to put it to use. But before you do, there are a few cleaning tips you need to know.
Because unlike cleaning an ordinary pot or pan, you have to be extra careful with the cleaners you use on a Blackstone – which, fortunately, makes cleaning up a whole lot easier.
Before using a new Blackstone griddle for the first time, you need to clean and season it. This will eliminate dust, dirt, or residue left over from the production process. For everyday cleanings, use hot water, a scraper, and oil.
This article will guide you on cleaning your Blackstone griddle properly.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle for the First Time
If you’re going to use a new Blackstone griddle for the first time, start with a cold surface and follow these guidelines.
Mix a Cleaning Solution of Hot Water and Dishsoap
Fill a bowl with hot water. Stir in a few squirts of a suitable dishwashing liquid. (Dawn, Palmolive, or any other gentle dish soap will work.)
Scrub the Cooking Surface with a Rag
Dampen a microfiber towel with your soapy water. Scrub the entire cooking surface, repeatedly rinsing the cloth in the cleaning solution as you work around the area.
Rinse and Dry the Cooking Surface
After that, drain the bowl of cleaning solution and replace it with fresh hot water. Next, wipe down the cooking surface with a microfiber towel dipped in clean water to remove any soap.
After the surface is free of suds, gently dry the griddle with a towel. Allow the Blackstone to air dry completely before trying to season it.
Season the Cooking Surface
Seasoning your griddle is as simple as applying oil to the steel to create a non-stick cooking surface and help prevent rust.
Use two to three tablespoons of your favorite cooking oil to coat the griddle— you can spread oil on a paper towel.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking
To clean your Blackstone after cooking, follow these steps:
Step 1: Allow the Grill to Cool
Allow the Blackstone to cool completely before cleaning it.
Step 2: Scrape Food Particles Away with a Spatula
Remove food particles and liquids with a wide metal spatula or scraper. Scrape toward the drip pans, then wipe away any remaining grease using a paper towel.
Step 3: Add Hot Water and Scrape
After removing your freshly cooked food, spray the griddle with hot water and scrape any residual food with a non-metallic scrubber.
Step 4: Dry and Season the Griddle
After gently drying the Blackstone with a microfiber towel, pour around one or two tablespoons of vegetable oil over the entire cooking surface with a paper towel until it is completely covered. Make sure there are no oil droplets left on the surface.
How to Clean A Rusty Blackstone Griddle
Steel, a combination of iron and carbon, is used to make Blackstone griddles. All it takes is too much water and air exposure to turn that flat top from black to rusted and dull.
So, if you live in a high-humidity environment or near the beach, you’ll need to take extra care to keep your griddle top from rusting.
There is, however, a solution if your Blackstone is rusty. Use these tips to treat even severe rust.
So here are the cleaning supplies you’ll require:
- A metal scraper
- Cooking oil
- Paper towels
- Grill stones
- Heat-resistant gloves
To remove rust from your griddle’s cooktop, follow these steps:
- First, turn the griddle on high and keep it there. The rust will weaken and become easier to remove as time goes on. Protect yourself by wearing heat-resistant gloves.
- Scrape the corrosion away with your metal scraper from the Blackstone Accessory Toolkit. Keep the griddle dry and scrape it very well.
- Allow it to cool before wiping away the debris.
- Scrub the entire surface with a grill stone after applying 4-5 teaspoons of cooking oil. (This is four times more efficient than a regular brush.)
- Using a cloth or paper towels, wipe the surface clean. Wipe it down again with extra cooking oil. Scrub with oil until you’ve removed all rust debris.
- To prevent rust, season the griddle top to form a protective covering.
- Store your Blackstone in a cool, dry location and cover it to protect it from air dampness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my Blackstone griddle with dish soap?
You can clean your Blackstone griddle using dish soap, but it’s usually unnecessary. For every day cleanings, simply use hot water. If you want to deep clean, you can add a drop of Dawn or Palmolive dish soap.
What’s the best Blackstone griddle cleaner?
Believe it or not, the best Blackstone griddle cleaner is a scraper, hot water, and oil. However, if you’re looking for a food-safe degreasing product, you can try something like Griddle Master Max.
Can I clean my Blackstone griddle with vinegar?
Yes, you can clean your Blackstone griddle with vinegar.
Pour vinegar or dab lemon juice into stubborn stains and scrub with a nylon scouring pad. Do this until your Blackstone is completely clean.
Can I clean my Blackstone griddle with salt?
Yes, you may clean your Blackstone griddle with salt if it has any harsh stains.
Pour boiling water on the griddle top and allow it to boil away any food residue. Wipe with a paper towel and allow to dry completely. Use the salt to remove any stuck-on food.
Can I use an SOS pad on Blackstone?
The only scouring pad you should use on a Blackstone griddle is the Blackstone scouring pad.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle is pretty basic. For your first clean, use a little bit of hot water and dish soap to free the griddle of production residue. Then, you can season it with oil.
For everyday cleaning, all you need is hot water and a scraper. There’s no need to clean your griddle with soap or harsh cleaners. To avoid getting your grill rusty, keep it dry after use.
