How to Clean Burnt Stainless Steel Griddle: Step-by-Step Guide

By Avi Green October 25, 2023

For barbecue enthusiasts, keeping your grilling equipment in top shape is a priority. A stainless steel griddle is a prized possession for many, but it takes just one burnt meal to turn it into a nightmare. If you're wondering how to clean burnt stainless steel griddle, this guide will take you through detailed steps to restore your griddle to its former glory.

how to clean burnt stainless steel griddle

Why Stainless Steel Griddles Get Burnt

Before diving into the cleaning process, it's essential to understand why stainless steel griddles get burnt. Factors like high cooking temperatures, residual food particles, and grease accumulation can all contribute to burning. Unlike other materials, stainless steel is highly durable, but it does require proper care and maintenance to stay in good condition.

Necessary Materials and Tools

To clean a burnt stainless steel griddle effectively, you'll need:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Lemon juice
Soft scrub brush
Non-abrasive cleaning pads
Microfiber cloth
Dish soap
Water

These items are generally available in most households, making this cleaning process both easy and cost-effective.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Cooling Down

Never attempt to clean a hot griddle. Allow your stainless steel griddle to cool down completely before starting the cleaning process. This not only makes the griddle safe to handle but also prevents additional burnt layers from forming.

2. Initial Scrape

Use a grill scraper to remove any large chunks of burnt food or grease. Be gentle to avoid scratching the stainless steel surface. For more detailed scraping tips, you might find this guide on using a roasting pan helpful as well.

3. Soaking the Griddle

Fill your sink with hot water and dish soap, and submerge the griddle for at least 30 minutes. This softens the burnt particles, making them easier to remove. If your griddle is too large to fit in the sink, use a large basin or the bathtub.

4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Magic

Baking soda and white vinegar are natural cleaning agents that work wonders on stainless steel. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the burnt areas, then spray white vinegar on top. The mixture will fizz and break down the burnt residue. Let this sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing.

5. Scrubbing Away

Using a non-abrasive cleaning pad or a soft scrub brush, start scrubbing the griddle. Apply more baking soda and vinegar if needed. For stubborn spots, lemon juice can also be effective due to its acidic nature.

6. Rinsing

Once you've scrubbed off the burnt residue, rinse the griddle thoroughly with warm water. Ensure all cleaning agents are washed off.

7. Drying and Polishing

Dry the griddle with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and maintain its shine. For additional polishing, you can use a stainless steel cleaner.

Preventative Measures

Preventing your griddle from getting burnt can save you a lot of cleaning time in the future. Ensure you preheat the griddle before adding food, and always use appropriate amounts of oil or grease. Regularly cleaning your griddle after each use can also prevent residue buildup.

Interested in more griddle maintenance tips? Check out this article on how to season a griddle.