How to Clean Your Griddle After Cooking Every Time?

By Avi Green October 01, 2023

Grilling enthusiasts know the importance of maintaining their equipment. Whether you are using a Blackstone griddle, cast iron griddle, or any other type, keeping it clean is essential. Proper griddle cleaning ensures that your food tastes great and also prolongs the life of your equipment. In this article, you will learn how to clean your griddle after cooking and ensure it's ready for your next culinary adventure.

Why It's Important to Clean Your Griddle

Before diving into the specifics of how to clean your griddle after cooking, lets discuss why it is so crucial. Cleaning your griddle immediately after use helps prevent food residue from hardening and becoming difficult to remove. It also helps avoid any rust or corrosion that can result from leftover moisture. Moreover, a clean griddle offers a better non-stick surface, making your future cooking sessions more enjoyable.

Materials You'll Need

Here is a list of essential items you'll need to effectively clean your griddle:

Griddle scraper
Warm soapy water
Paper towels or a clean cloth
Cooking oil
Grill stone or griddle cleaning pads

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Griddle

Step 1: Scrape Off Food Particles

As soon as you finish cooking, use a griddle scraper to remove any food particles stuck on the surface. For tougher residues, you can use a grill stone or griddle cleaning pads.

Step 2: Apply Soapy Water

After scraping off food particles, apply warm soapy water to the surface. This will help loosen any remaining food residue and grease.

Step 3: Wipe Clean

Use paper towels or a clean cloth to wipe away the soapy water along with any loosened grease and food particles. Repeat if necessary until the surface is clean.

Step 4: Re-oil the Griddle

Once the griddle is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface. This prevents rust and maintains the non-stick quality of your griddle.

Special Tips for Different Types of Griddles

Different types of griddles may require specific cleaning techniques. Cleaning a cast iron griddle involves ensuring it is promptly dried to prevent rust, while cleaning a flat top griddle might need a more intensive scrubbing technique. Check out our detailed guides to learn more about seasoning and maintaining a Blackstone griddle.

Deep Cleaning Tips

For those times when your griddle needs a deep clean, follow these additional steps:

Heat the griddle to a medium temperature.
Apply water to create steam, which helps loosen stubborn residues.
Scrape off the loosened food particles.
Apply a vinegar-water solution for an extra deep clean.
Re-season the griddle as necessary.

FAQs

Q1: How often should I clean my griddle?

A: Ideally, you should clean your griddle after every use to prevent build-up and ensure long-term usability.

Q2: Can I use metal scrubbers to clean my griddle?

A: It is generally not recommended to use metal scrubbers as they can scratch and damage the surface of your griddle. Opt for grill stones or griddle cleaning pads instead.