How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking: Easy & Quick Tips
You just finished a delicious meal on your Blackstone griddle, and now it’s time to clean up. But how do you make sure your griddle stays in top shape without spending hours scrubbing?
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle right after cooking is key to keeping it ready for your next feast. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, quick steps to remove stuck-on food, steam away residue, and protect the surface from rust. Follow these easy tips, and your griddle will stay spotless, shiny, and ready whenever you are.
Keep reading to master the perfect cleanup routine that saves you time and effort every time you cook.
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Scrape Off Debris
Scraping off debris is the first and crucial step to clean your Blackstone griddle after cooking. Removing stuck food particles keeps the surface ready for the next use and prevents buildup. Do this while the griddle is still hot for the best results. The heat softens grease and food, making scraping easier. Use the right tools and technique to avoid damaging the griddle.
Use A Metal Scraper Or Spatula
Grab a metal scraper or a sturdy spatula designed for griddles. These tools help remove grease and food bits without scratching the surface. Hold the scraper at a slight angle for better control. Gently push the debris across the griddle. Avoid using plastic tools, which may not remove tough residue effectively.
Push Scraps To Grease Trap
Direct all loosened scraps toward the grease trap. The grease trap catches excess oil and food particles, keeping your cooking area clean. Work methodically to move debris in one direction. This prevents spreading mess around the cooking surface. Empty the grease trap regularly for smooth operation.
Scrape Front To Back
Scrape the griddle surface from front to back in straight lines. This pattern ensures you cover the entire cooking area evenly. It also helps push debris straight into the grease trap. Avoid circular or random scraping motions. Consistent strokes reduce the risk of missing spots or damaging the griddle.
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Steam The Surface
Steaming the surface of your Blackstone griddle after cooking makes cleaning easier. This step loosens stuck-on food and grease. It helps keep the griddle smooth and ready for your next meal. Steam works best while the griddle is still hot. Follow these simple steps to steam the surface effectively.
Squirt Small Amount Of Water
Squirt just a little water onto the hot griddle. A few tablespoons are enough. Avoid pouring too much water, which can cool the surface quickly. The water will start to sizzle immediately on contact.
Let Water Turn To Steam
The water quickly turns into steam from the heat. This steam softens food stuck on the griddle. It also loosens grease and residue. Allow the steam to work for about 30 seconds before the next step.
Loosen Stuck-on Food
Use a metal scraper or spatula to gently scrape the surface. Push the loosened food toward the grease trap. Repeat scraping until the griddle surface feels clean. Wipe away any remaining residue with a paper towel.
Scrape Residue Again
Scraping residue again is an important step in cleaning your Blackstone griddle. After cooking, some food bits and grease stick firmly to the surface. Removing these leftovers keeps the griddle clean and ready for the next use. Performing this step while the griddle is still warm makes scraping easier and more effective. Follow these simple actions to clear away stubborn residue completely.
Use Scraper To Remove Residue
Hold a metal scraper firmly at a 45-degree angle. Glide it across the griddle surface to lift stuck-on food. Apply steady pressure but avoid scratching the surface. Move from one side to the other in smooth strokes. Focus on areas with burnt or sticky residue. This method loosens debris without damaging the griddle.
Push Residue To Grease Trap
Once residue is scraped, push it toward the grease trap. Use the scraper or spatula to guide scraps along the surface. Collecting residue in one spot makes disposal easier. It also prevents leftover food from burning again. Keep the grease trap clean to maintain proper drainage.
Wipe Clean With Paper Towel
After scraping, use a paper towel to wipe the griddle. This removes any remaining grease and small particles. Fold the towel to absorb residue efficiently. Repeat wiping until the surface looks clean and dry. Clean towels help prevent rust and keep the griddle smooth.
Repeat Cleaning Steps
Repeating the cleaning steps on your Blackstone griddle ensures a spotless surface. Sometimes, one round of scraping and wiping is not enough. Residue or grease can still cling to the surface. Repeating the process helps remove all the stuck-on food and oil. This keeps your griddle in top shape and ready for the next use.
Reapply Water If Needed
After the first cleaning pass, check the griddle surface. If you see leftover bits or stubborn grease, add a little water. Use just a small amount to avoid excess moisture. The water turns to steam and loosens stuck food. This makes scraping easier and more effective.
Scrape And Wipe Again
Once you add water, use your scraper to remove loosened debris. Push all bits toward the grease trap. Then wipe the surface with a clean paper towel or cloth. Repeat scraping and wiping until the griddle looks clean and smooth. This extra care keeps your Blackstone griddle ready for cooking.
Apply Oil Coating
Applying an oil coating after cleaning your Blackstone griddle is essential. It protects the metal from rust and keeps the cooking surface smooth. A thin, even layer of oil seals the griddle and prepares it for your next cookout. Follow these simple steps to apply the oil coating correctly.
Turn Off Heat
After cleaning and wiping the griddle dry, turn off the heat. Let the surface cool slightly but remain warm. This warmth helps the oil spread evenly and absorb better. Avoid applying oil on a very hot or cold surface for the best results.
Use Cooking Oil And Paper Towel
Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil. Pour a small amount onto the griddle surface. Use a folded paper towel to pick up the oil. The paper towel helps control the amount you apply and prevents excess oil buildup.
Spread Oil Evenly
Rub the oil across the entire griddle surface in a thin, even layer. Cover every corner and edge carefully. This even coating prevents rust and keeps the surface non-stick. Replace the paper towel if it becomes too oily, ensuring a smooth finish.
Clean Grease Trap
Cleaning the grease trap is a key step after cooking on your Blackstone griddle. It collects excess grease and food particles. Keeping it clean prevents buildup and keeps your cooking area safe and tidy.
Remove Collected Grease
Wait until the griddle cools slightly but the grease is still liquid. Pull out the grease trap carefully. Pour the collected grease into a disposable container. Use paper towels to wipe out any remaining residue. Make sure the trap is completely clean before putting it back in place.
Dispose Properly
Never pour grease down the sink or drain. It can clog pipes and harm the environment. Seal the container with the used grease tightly. Throw it in the trash or take it to a local disposal site. Follow local rules for grease disposal to stay responsible.
Cool And Cover Griddle
After cleaning your Blackstone griddle, the next important step is to cool and cover it properly. This helps protect the surface and keeps it ready for your next cook. Cooling prevents damage from sudden temperature changes. Covering keeps dirt, dust, and weather away. Follow these simple steps to cool and cover your griddle correctly.
Let Griddle Cool Completely
Turn off the heat and allow the griddle to cool naturally. Avoid pouring water on the hot surface to speed up cooling. Letting it cool slowly prevents warping and cracking. The griddle should reach room temperature before covering. This step ensures safety and protects your cooking surface.
Put On Lid And Cover
Once the griddle is cool, place the lid on top. Make sure the lid fits securely to keep the surface clean. After the lid, cover the entire griddle with a weather-resistant cover. Covers made for Blackstone griddles work best. This layer adds extra protection against dust and insects.
Protect From Elements
Store your griddle in a dry, sheltered spot if possible. Rain, snow, and sun can damage the metal and seasoning. A good cover blocks moisture and UV rays, extending the life of your griddle. Remove the cover only when you plan to use the griddle again. Keeping it protected keeps it ready for perfect cooking every time.
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Avoid Using Soap
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle properly keeps it in great shape for many cooks. Avoid using soap when cleaning the griddle. Soap can damage the seasoning that protects the cooking surface. This can cause food to stick and create rust spots. Maintaining the seasoning is key for a smooth, non-stick griddle.
Why Soap Can Harm Seasoning
Soap breaks down the oil layer that forms the seasoning. This layer creates a natural non-stick coating. Removing it makes the griddle more prone to rust. Soap also leaves a residue that affects food taste. The seasoning develops over time with use and oil. Using soap stops this process and shortens the griddle’s life.
Best Cleaning Alternatives
Use a metal scraper to remove food scraps while the griddle is hot. A little water added to the hot surface creates steam. Steam loosens stuck food without harming seasoning. Wipe the griddle clean with paper towels or a cloth. After drying, apply a thin coat of cooking oil. This protects the surface and keeps seasoning strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Clean A Blackstone Griddle After Cooking?
Scrape food debris off the hot griddle using a metal scraper. Pour water to create steam and loosen residue. Scrape again, then wipe dry. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to protect the surface. Clean the grease trap and cover once cool.
Can I Use Dawn Dish Soap To Clean My Blackstone Griddle?
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on your Blackstone griddle. Use it sparingly with warm water to avoid stripping seasoning. Rinse thoroughly and reapply oil after cleaning to protect the surface. Avoid harsh scrubbing to maintain the griddle’s seasoning and longevity.
Should I Oil My Blackstone After Cleaning?
Yes, oil your Blackstone after cleaning to protect it from rust. Apply a thin, even coat while still warm. This seals the surface and extends the griddle’s lifespan.
How Often Should I Clean My Blackstone?
Clean your Blackstone after every use by scraping debris, steaming with water, wiping dry, and applying a thin oil coat to prevent rust.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle after cooking keeps it ready for next use. Scrape food bits off while the surface is hot. Use water to create steam that loosens stuck food. Wipe the griddle clean and dry it well. Apply a thin layer of oil to stop rust.
Empty the grease trap to avoid build-up. Cover your griddle once it cools to protect it. Regular cleaning saves time and keeps your griddle working great. Simple steps make a big difference in maintenance.
