Cleaning a Blackstone griddle is essential to keep it in top working condition. With regular use, grease, oil, and food debris can build up and impact cooking performance. Proper cleaning removes these residues and helps prevent rust.
A clean griddle also allows you to monitor the seasoning layer. Seasoning is the oil layer bonded to the cooking surface that prevents rusting and provides a natural nonstick surface. With a good seasoning layer, food releases easily from the grill grates.
Cleaning a Blackstone griddle after each use should take 10-15 minutes. For a deep clean, plan on 30-45 minutes. Having the right tools speeds up the task.
What You Need to Clean a Blackstone Griddle
Gather these cleaning supplies before starting:
- Griddle scraper – Use to loosen stuck-on food debris. A putty knife works too.
- Stiff nylon bristle grill brush – Scrubs the griddle grates. Avoid wire bristle brushes that can leave behind metal pieces.
- Paper towels or microfiber cloths – For wiping surfaces clean.
- Warm water – Helps dissolve grease and oils.
- Dish soap – Adds cleaning power for stubborn areas. Avoid detergents as they can damage the seasoning layer.
- Plastic scouring pad – Gently cleans without scratching.
- Blackstone griddle cleaner – Specialized cleaners enhance cleaning.
- Blackstone griddle conditioner or cooking oil – Reapplies a thin seasoning layer.
- Storage cover – Protects the griddle when not in use.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Each Use
Follow these steps for a basic clean after each use:
1. Allow the Griddle to Cool
- Let the griddle cool about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows grease to solidify for easier removal.
- Temperatures above 125°F can burn skin on contact. Allow all parts of the griddle to fully cool before handling.
2. Wipe the Cooking Surface
- Using a folded paper towel held with a grill tool, wipe a thin layer of oil over the entire cooking surface. This helps prevent rusting.
- Next, thoroughly wipe the surface clean using paper towels. Remove all food debris and grease residue.
- For stubborn areas, use a plastic scouring pad and a drop of dish soap. Rinse well. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the seasoning.
3. Clean the Grease Tray
- Once cool, remove the grease tray from under the griddle and dispose of grease.
- Place a few drops of dish soap in the tray and fill with warm water. Allow to soak 5 minutes.
- Scrub the tray with a plastic scouring pad, empty, rinse, and dry completely.
4. Scrub the Grill Grates
- Use a nylon bristle grill brush to scrub the grill grates. Apply pressure to remove baked-on food debris.
- Vacuum loose debris from the grates. Make sure to get between the grates.
5. Rinse and Dry
- Using warm water, thoroughly rinse the entire cooking surface and grease management system.
- Wipe the griddle dry with clean paper towels or microfiber cloths. Standing water can lead to rust.
- Allow the griddle to air dry completely before covering or storing. Do not cover a damp griddle.
Weekly Deep Cleaning of the Blackstone Griddle
Once a week, do a more thorough deep cleaning:
Remove Built-up Grease
- Over time, thick grease deposits can form, especially along the backsplash, around the grease trap, and on the grill grates. These need occasional deep cleaning.
- Apply a thin layer of griddle cleaning solution to these areas. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes. This helps break down grease buildup.
- Gently scrub with a plastic bristle brush or scouring pad. Avoid abrasives on the cooking surface.
- For tough deposits, use a plastic putty knife or griddle scraper. Take care not to gouge or scratch the metal.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Repeat if needed for heavy buildup.
Detail Clean Grill Grates
- Use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the grill grates. Apply more pressure than during regular cleaning to remove stuck-on food debris.
- Vacuum all loose debris from the grate surface and in between grates.
- A putty knife can help chip off any food bits stuck in grate holes.
Clean Burners and Heat Diffusers
- Lift out the heat diffusers and tube burners. Clean with hot, soapy water.
- Use a bottle brush to clean inside the burners. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe down the igniter probes with a damp cloth. Take care not to damage them.
Deep Clean Grease Management System
- Remove all grease cups and trays. Clean thoroughly with hot water and dish soap.
- Use a bottle brush to clean the grease drainage tubes and openings.
- Rinse all parts well and allow to fully dry before reinstalling.
Clean and Condition Cooking Surface
- Apply a griddle cleaning solution to the entire cooking surface. Let soak 5 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a plastic bristle brush. Avoid abrasives to prevent seasoning loss.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with paper towels.
- Apply a thin layer of griddle conditioner or cooking oil to recondition the surface.
- Buff dry with paper towels. Replace heat diffusers, burners, grease trays.
Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle After a Long Period of No Use
If you haven’t used your Blackstone griddle in a while, do a deep clean before cooking again:
- Remove any cover and inspect for dust or dirt buildup. Vacuum if needed.
- Check for rust spots. Use fine grit sandpaper and griddle polish to remove minor rust on the surface. Avoid scouring pads.
- Scrub the cold griddle with hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Remove burners and grease system. Deep clean all components.
- Recondition the cooking surface by oiling heavily. Heat slowly to open up pores and bond oil.
- Consider reseasoning if rust was present. This rebuilds the protective seasoning layer.
Proper cleaning and care keeps a Blackstone griddle performing its best for years. With regular upkeep, you’ll enjoy consistent cooking results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle
Cleaning a Blackstone griddle doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow some helpful tips. Here are answers to common questions about caring for your flat top grill:
Is it safe to use soap on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use dish soap to help cut through grease during cleaning. Avoid detergents or degreasers that can strip off seasoning. Any soap residue will burn off quickly when reheating. Rinse very thoroughly after cleaning.
How do you clean burnt food off a Blackstone griddle?
Scrape off any loose, charred food debris with a putty knife or scraper. For stuck-on bits, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Use a plastic bristle brush and a little griddle cleaner to gently scrub. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Should you clean a Blackstone griddle while hot?
It’s best to let the griddle cool about 10-15 minutes first. Hot grease can cause burns. Cooler grease solidifies for easier cleaning. You can prep tools and supplies while the griddle cools.
What happens if you don’t clean a Blackstone griddle?
Leftover food debris and grease buildup will make the cooking surface uneven. This leads to hot and cool spots during cooking. Grease deposits can also go rancid over time causing unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning prevents these issues.
How do you deep clean a Blackstone griddle?
Do a thorough deep clean 1-2 times per month. Degrease heavily soiled areas. Remove burners and scrub components. Detail clean the grill grates. Recondition with a thin oil layer. This keeps everything fresh and working properly.
Can you hose off a Blackstone griddle?
It’s not recommended. Pressure washing can push water into components damaging the appliance. Moisture getting under the seasoning layer can lead to rust. For most cleaning tasks, dish soap, water, and scrub brushes are all you need.
How do you remove rust from a Blackstone griddle?
Use fine grit sandpaper to gently rub rust spots, smoothing in the direction of the grain. Wipe clean and apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to the affected area. Heat slowly to open pores and bond the oil. Light rust can usually be removed this way.
How often should you season a Blackstone griddle?
General guidance is to season every 5-10 cooks. However, monitor the seasoning layer and reapply oil when it looks dry or splotchy. Use griddle conditioner or plain vegetable oil. Too much seasoning can make the surface sticky.
What is the best way to clean a Blackstone griddle?
The best method involves wiping with oil after preheating, scrubbing with warm soapy water, rinsing well, drying thoroughly, and applying a light conditioning oil layer. Do this after each use for the easiest cleaning.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle
Caring for a Blackstone griddle doesn’t have to be a chore. By cleaning it regularly and properly, you’ll enjoy great performance for many grilling seasons. Keep your flat top working and looking like new with these cleaning best practices.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle after each cookout will keep it performing its best. Allowing grease and food debris to build up can lead to uneven cooking. Here are tips for cleaning after use:
Remove Food Debris
- Allow the griddle to cool about 10-15 minutes after cooking.
- Wearing heat-resistant gloves, use a stiff nylon bristle brush to scrub the grill grates, removing any stuck-on food.
- Wipe the grids thoroughly with paper towels or microfiber cloths to remove grease and food debris.
Degrease the Cooking Surface
- Pour a teaspoon of dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Dip a cloth or paper towel into the soapy water.
- Wring out excess liquid – the towel should be damp, not dripping. Wipe the cooking surface to remove greasy residues.
- Rinse the cooking area well with clean water to remove any soap film. Wipe dry with fresh paper towels.
Empty and Clean Grease Trays
- Carefully remove grease catch trays once the griddle has fully cooled.
- Empty grease into a heat-safe container for disposal.
- Place trays in warm, soapy water and allow to soak 5 minutes to loosen cooked-on debris.
- Scrub with a plastic brush or scouring pad. Rinse, dry thoroughly, and replace.
Reapply a Thin Oil Layer
- Use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to wipe a very thin layer of cooking oil over the entire cooking surface.
- Buff dry with fresh paper towels. This helps protect the seasoning finish.
Allow Griddle to Fully Dry
- Let the griddle air dry completely before covering. Any moisture can allow rust to form.
- Never cover a damp griddle. Allow at least 45-60 minutes drying time after cleaning.
Regular post-cooking cleaning keeps your Blackstone performing optimally meal after meal.
How to Do a Deep Cleaning on a Blackstone Griddle
Deep cleaning your Blackstone griddle periodically helps keep it looking and working like new. Do a full deep cleaning every 4-6 weeks depending on usage.
Degrease Thoroughly
- Use a plastic putty knife or scraper to remove any thick, caked-on grease deposits. Take care not to gouge the cooking surface metal.
- Apply a degreasing griddle cleaner and allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes. This helps break up oil buildup.
- Scrub with a nylon bristle brush. Avoid abrasive scouring pads or steel brushes that can damage the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water from a spray bottle. Repeat as needed for heavy soiling.
Detail Clean Grill Grates
- Use a nylon bristle brush or plastic scouring pad to scrub the grill grates. Apply more pressure than during regular cleaning.
- Vacuum loose debris from between the grill grates using the crevice tool attachment.
- For stuck-on food, allow grates to soak in hot water for 15 minutes to loosen residue before scrubbing.
Remove and Clean Components
- Lift out burners and scrub away debris with a nylon brush and hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry fully.
- Remove heat tents and clean with dish soap and water. Dry completely before replacing.
- Clean out grease troughs using a bottle brush and degreaser. Rinse thoroughly.
Scrub Exterior Surfaces
- Use hot, soapy water to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the griddle. This includes side shelves, handle, and control knobs.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry with a microfiber towel. Avoid pressure washing.
- Spot treat any stubborn grime using a plastic scouring pad.
Reseason the Cooking Surface
- After drying the cooking surface thoroughly, apply a thin layer of griddle seasoning oil across the entire cooktop using a lint-free cloth.
- Turn heat to low. Allow oil to absorb for 15 minutes. Then gradually raise heat to open pores and bond oil.
- Turn off and let cool before storing. Avoid cooking until oil has fully bonded.
Deep cleaning removes built-up grime for great cooking results. Be sure all parts are dry before using or storing your griddle.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle Burner
Keeping your Blackstone griddle’s burners clean improves heating efficiency and performance. Follow these steps for cleaning flat top grill burners:
Remove Burner Tubes
- Allow griddle to fully cool after use before handling burners.
- Lift each burner tube gently straight up from the mounting bracket. Take care not to bend or distort the gas lines.
- Also remove any associated heat tents or heat plates if equipped.
Clean Exterior Surfaces
- Use a nylon bristle brush and hot, soapy water to scrub outer surfaces of burners to remove debris.
- Rinse burners well with clean water. Check closely for any remaining food bits or grease.
- Allow burners to air dry fully. Do not reinstall until completely dry. Moisture can impact performance.
Clean Burner Ports
- Clean any clogged ports with a straightened paper clip or needle.
- Avoid damaging the port edges. Damaged ports can lead to uneven flame distribution.
- For heavy buildup, allow burners to soak in hot water and degreaser solution to loosen debris.
Detail Inside Burners
- Use a narrow bottle brush with warm, soapy water to scrub the inside of burners.
- Swab the full length several times to remove all grease deposits.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and shake out any excess. Allow to dry fully.
Check Components
- Inspect burner venturi, inlets, outlets, and air shutters for any buildup. Clean as needed.
- Wipe igniter probes gently with a damp cloth. Avoid damage which can prevent burner ignition.
Proper burner care prevents blockages that can hinder performance. Reinstall dry burners for safe griddle operation.
How to Clean Blackstone Griddle Grease Trays
Grease trays catch oil and debris during cooking. Keeping them clean allows proper drainage and prevents blockages. Follow these steps:
Remove and Empty Grease Trays
- Once the griddle has cooled, carefully remove grease trays from the front or sides.
- Pour grease into a heat-safe grease container for disposal. Scrape out any debris chunks.
- Place trays upside down over paper towels to drain excess grease before cleaning.
Soak in Degreaser Solution
- Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a few squirts of degreasing dish soap.
- Submerge trays and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes to loosen greasy buildup.
- For heavy soiling, use a griddle cleaner designed specifically for grease cutting.
Scrub Trays
- Scrub trays inside and out with a plastic bristle brush or scouring pad.
- Take care not to scratch or gouge the metal, which can impact grease drainage.
- Rinse trays thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
Dry Completely
- Shake excess water from trays and place upside down over paper towels to drain.
- Allow to fully air dry for at least 30 minutes before reinstalling.
- Any moisture left in trays can lead to smoke or grease flare-ups during cooking.
Clean grease trays prevent grease drainage issues and keep your Blackstone cooking cleanly.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle Cooking Surface
Keeping your griddle’s cooking surface clean improves cooking performance. Follow these steps to care for the flat-top grill plate:
Scrape Off Debris
- Allow griddle to cool slightly after cooking. Use a plastic or wooden scraper to loosen any stuck-on food debris.
- Take care not to gouge or scratch cooking surface, which can damage seasoning finish.