What To Use To Clean Blackstone Griddle: Best Cleaners

Use a scraper, hot water, scouring pad, and oil; avoid harsh chemicals.

If you’re wondering what to use to clean Blackstone griddle, you’re in the right place. I’ve cleaned dozens of flat tops in backyards and in busy kitchens. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact tools, products, and steps that keep steel slick, safe, and rust-free. We’ll cover what to use to clean Blackstone griddle for daily care, deep cleaning, and long-term protection. You’ll get clear steps, pro tips, and mistakes to avoid so your griddle feels brand new after every cook.

The short list: what to use to clean a Blackstone griddle

Here’s the simple setup I use and recommend. This is what to use to clean Blackstone griddle fast and right.

• Metal scraper or bench scraper for stuck-on bits
• Heat-resistant gloves for safety
• Squeeze bottle with warm water for steam-cleaning
• Scouring pad or non-scratch scrubber for surface film
• Grill brick or pumice stone for heavy carbon
• Paper towels or microfiber shop towels for wipe-downs
• High smoke point oil (canola, avocado, grapeseed) to finish
• Optional: mild dish soap for a one-time deep clean before seasoning
• Optional: white vinegar diluted 1:1 with water for deglazing only

Why these items? A seasoned carbon steel top needs gentle abrasion plus heat and oil. That balance lifts debris without stripping the seasoning. It also answers what to use to clean Blackstone griddle when you want speed and safe results.

Step-by-step: daily clean after cooking

A quick clean after each cook keeps buildup low. It also preserves seasoning and heat performance.

• Let the griddle stay warm, not blazing hot. Aim for medium heat.
• Scrape food bits into the grease trap with a scraper.
• Add a squeeze of warm water. Let steam loosen stuck spots.
• Use a scouring pad to sweep grease and film toward the trap.
• Wipe with folded paper towels until dry.
• Add 1–2 teaspoons of oil. Spread thin with a towel. You want a satin sheen.

This is the core method for what to use to clean Blackstone griddle every time you cook. It takes two minutes and saves you from deep cleans later. It also keeps surfaces safe for food, which aligns with common food safety advice about clean, dry cooking zones.

Deep clean for rust, carbon, or sticky gunk

Sometimes the top feels gummy. Or you see orange rust from rain or storage. Here’s what to use to clean Blackstone griddle when problems show up.

Light carbon or sticky oil

• Heat the surface to medium.
• Deglaze with warm water, not cold. Scrape as it steams.
• Use a grill brick or pumice stone with light pressure.
• Wipe clean and dry. Then apply a thin coat of oil.

Heavy carbon or patchy seasoning

• Turn the heat off. Let it cool a bit for safety.
• Scrub with a grill brick in small circles. Focus on dark ridges.
• Wipe often to check progress.
• Finish with warm water steam, dry wipe, thin oil.

Rust spots

• Rub the rust with a pumice stone or 120–220 grit sandpaper.
• Wipe clean. Repeat until you see bare steel.
• Heat and apply a thin oil layer several times. This rebuilds base seasoning.

Full reset for major rust

• Sand with 60–120 grit until even, bare steel shows. Wear a mask.
• Wipe dust with a damp towel. Dry well.
• Heat to medium. Apply thin oil. Wipe off excess.
• Repeat 3–5 seasoning layers. Let each layer smoke and darken.

If you use white vinegar, dilute it and expect some seasoning loss. It helps loosen hard carbon but will strip thin layers. Always re-season after. This is a reliable path for what to use to clean Blackstone griddle when things go wrong.

What not to use on a Blackstone griddle

Avoid these to protect the seasoned surface and your food.

• Oven cleaner or lye-based sprays. They strip seasoning and can pit steel.
• Stainless steel wool pads on light jobs. They are too harsh and leave shards.
• Sharp knives or metal spatulas used like chisels. They score the steel.
• Strong acids or long vinegar soaks. They remove seasoning fast.
• Cold water on a blazing hot top. It can warp the plate.

These rules keep your finish safe and non-stick. They also reinforce what to use to clean Blackstone griddle without causing extra work later.

Best oils and cleaners: product guide and DIY options

For regular use, you do not need fancy cleaners. Focus on high heat oil and light abrasion.

Best oils for cleaning and seasoning

• Avocado oil. High smoke point. Smooth finish.
• Canola or grapeseed oil. Budget-friendly and reliable.
• Flaxseed oil. Great for first seasoning layers. Can be brittle if thick.

Useful cleaners and tools

• Warm water in a squeeze bottle. Steam loosens debris.
• Non-scratch scouring pads. Remove film without cutting seasoning.
• Grill brick or pumice stone. Levels high spots of carbon.
• Mild dish soap. Only for a one-time strip or pre-season deep clean.

DIY deglazer

• 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water.
• Use on warm steel. Scrub. Wipe dry.
• Re-season after, since acid thins the oil layer.

All of this matches what to use to clean Blackstone griddle at home or on the road. Keep it simple, safe, and repeatable.

Seasoning after cleaning: lock in the finish

Seasoning is a thin, baked-on oil layer that bonds to steel. It gives you the easy release you love.

• Heat the clean, dry griddle to medium-high.
• Add a teaspoon of oil. Spread thin with a towel. No puddles.
• Let it smoke. Wait until the smoke fades.
• Repeat 2–4 times for a glossy, dark finish.

Do this after any deep clean. It’s also smart after heavy acid or vinegar use. These steps support what to use to clean Blackstone griddle so the surface stays slick and tough.

Troubleshooting and pro tips from the field

I’ve cooked breakfast for 20 on a windy tailgate and smashed burgers at a block party. These tips come from those long days on hot steel.

Sticky spots won’t quit

• Add heat and a teaspoon of oil. Scrub with a scouring pad.
• If still sticky, use a grill brick lightly, then re-season.

Uneven browning

• High carbon buildup causes hot and cold zones.
• Level the surface with a grill brick. Re-season thin and even.

Rancid smell after storage

• Wipe with warm water and a little vinegar. Dry and re-season.
• Store with a light oil coat and a cover. Moisture is the enemy.

Grease flare and smoke

• You may be using too much oil when cleaning.
• Use a thin film. Wipe excess until the sheen is uniform.

Cold weather cleaning

• Preheat longer. Use warm water only. Avoid thermal shock.

Each tip supports what to use to clean Blackstone griddle in real life, not just in theory. These habits save time and protect your investment.

Safety and food hygiene essentials

A clean cooktop is a safety tool, not just a beauty goal.

• Wear heat gloves when steaming and scraping.
• Keep water off electrical parts and propane connections.
• Dry the surface fully to prevent rust and bacteria growth.
• Use paper towels or washable towels. Change them often.
• Follow common food safety steps. Clean, separate, cook, and chill.

This safety layer rounds out what to use to clean Blackstone griddle and how to use it.

Smart storage to prevent rust and buildup

Your cleaning work pays off if you store the griddle right.

• Cool and coat the surface with a thin layer of oil.
• Use a fitted cover to block rain, dust, and pollen.
• If near the coast, clean and oil more often. Salt air is tough.
• Keep the lid vented to avoid trapped moisture.

Good storage reduces how often you need a deep clean. It also strengthens your plan for what to use to clean Blackstone griddle across seasons.

Real-world routine: my 5-minute post-cook checklist

This is my go-to after searing steaks or flipping pancakes.

• Warm setting. Scrape debris to the trap.
• Squeeze warm water. Let it steam for 10–20 seconds.
• Light scrub with a pad. Wipe until the surface is dry.
• Dab of oil. Spread thin. Wait for a soft sheen.
• Cover after it cools.

This habit nails what to use to clean Blackstone griddle without fuss. It takes less time than packing up leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions of what to use to clean blackstone griddle

Can I use soap on my Blackstone griddle?

Yes, but only for a deep clean or pre-season strip. Rinse well, dry, and re-season right after.

Will vinegar damage the seasoning?

Strong or long vinegar use will thin seasoning. Use a 1:1 mix with water, then re-season.

What oil is best after cleaning?

Use high smoke point oils like avocado, canola, or grapeseed. Apply thin and heat until the smoke fades.

How do I remove rust spots fast?

Rub with a pumice stone or fine sandpaper. Wipe, dry, and re-season until the spot blends in.

Can I clean a cold griddle with cold water?

You can, but warm water on a warm surface works better. Avoid big temp swings to prevent warping.

Do I need a special cleaner?

No. Warm water, a scraper, a scouring pad, and oil are enough. Use a grill brick for heavy carbon.

How often should I deep clean?

Only when food sticks or you see heavy carbon or rust. Daily light cleaning prevents deep cleans.

Conclusion

You now know what to use to clean Blackstone griddle and how to use it. Keep tools simple, use heat and water for steam, scrub with the right pad, and finish with thin oil. Re-season after deep work, and store it dry under a cover.

Set a two-minute routine after each cook and your steel will stay slick and strong. Try the 5-minute checklist tonight. If this helped, share it with a grilling friend or leave a question so I can help you dial in your setup.