How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle

The height of many grill fanatics cooking experience is using a Blackstone griddle. 

There really is nothing like it. 

Despite being some of the best flat-top grills in the world, there is a fierce debate amongst grilling enthusiasts surrounding the idea of cleaning the Blackstone Griddle. 

There are many that would argue that, like cast iron pans, one should not clean their griddles. Not cleaning these grills supposedly adds to the flavor of the meat you cook on it. 

However, we have put this article together to explain why you should be cleaning your Blackstone griddles, and how to do it. 

Read on to find out why you should be cleaning your Blackstone griddle regularly.  

Why You Should Clean Your Blackstone Griddle 

We adore Blackstone griddles, however, we will be the first to admit that they can sometimes be… well, a large investment.

For that reason, we have heavily researched and experimented with the ways to get the best longevity out of a Blackstone griddle. 

We have noticed that a lot of users struggle with rust developing on the flat-tops.

The main cause of rust developing like this is dirt-trapping moisture too close to the surface of the griddle. 

One of the best ways to prevent rust from developing on your Blackstone griddle is to clean it after every use. 

Cleaning your flat-top after every use is also a great way to stop bacteria growing on it, and subsequently being transferred onto your food. Any item that comes into contact with raw meat should be washed after use, flat-top griddles included. 

If you cook for people with allergies, cleaning your griddle is the best way to prevent cross-contamination and making them ill. 

How to Season a Blackstone Griddle 

We understand that a lot of people don't clean their Blackstone griddles because they believe that this is the best way to season the meat they are grilling. 

That is why we have put together an alternative method for seasoning flat-top griddles, without risking rust developing. 

Our top tip is to add a thin layer of oil to the surface of the grill and allow it to heat before adding any meat or veg. If you want to go even further, you can add BBQ rub to the oil to give the meat an even richer flavor. 

Don't forget to wipe down your flat-top with warm soapy water before cooking with it. This prevents any dust from collecting on top of the griddle. Trust us, nobody wants dusty brisket. 

You should never put the meat onto an unseasoned grill or griddle. Seasoning the device helps it to prevent rust building, but it also stops the meat from sticking to the surface and creating patches of mold over time.  

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle 

What you will need: 

• A flat-top scrapper (Blackstone brand or non-brand)  
• A bucket of warm water 
• Clean cotton rags 

As we said, the best way to prevent rust and mold from developing on the top of your Blackstone griddle is to wash it before and after every use. 

Pre-cooking

Washing it before cooking can be a quick process. Just use hot soapy water to quickly wipe away any dust build-up.

If you cleaned your flat-top correctly after the last time you used it, this pre-cooking clean should take less than a minute. 

Post-cooking Tools

The post-cooking clean will, however, take more time and more effort. But it will be worth it to stop your Blackstone from going rusty. 

If you are worried about protecting the warranty you have on your Blackstone, then we would recommend purchasing a Blackstone brand scraper.

They are designed to work perfectly with their sister products and will cause little to no damage to your flat-top.

They aren't as expensive as one would expect and become even more of a bargain if you consider how they are protecting that precious warranty.  

If you are not so fussed about your warranty, find yourself any flat-top scraper. 

The Method 

Allow your griddle to completely cook. This is to avoid you burning yourself whilst cleaning. 

Use the warm water to loosen the grime on the griddle. Then take the scrapper to the surface and remove the dirt. 

You made need to repeat this process a few times to completely clean your Blackstone. 

Once you are happy with how clean the flat-top is, take your clean cotton rags and pat the griddle dry. It must be bone dry before you put it away into storage. You want to store it somewhere dry and cool. 

More Cleaning?!

We also recommend that once every season you also clean the burner underneath the griddle, and clean all of its knobs as well. 

If you have made a mess on one of these parts whilst cooking, we recommend cleaning it as soon as you can and not waiting until the end of the season. 

How To Remove Rust From A Blackstone Griddle 

If your Blackstone already has developed rusting issues there is an effective but time-consuming method for removing it.

Using this method will help you to avoid writing off your Blackstone. 

What you need: 

• Oil 
• Lemon Juice 
• Water (warm) 
• Vinegar 
• Sandpaper 
• Clean cotton rags (two sets) 

Begin by warming your griddle slightly, this will help the rust to lift more quickly. Do not let it get too hot to touch, you do not want to burn yourself.  

Cover the griddle with a thin layer of oil and lemon juice. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before using the sandpaper to gently remove the rust. Use your first set of cotton rags to remove the oil, lemon juice, and rust flakes. 

Then take your warm water and mix some vinegar with it. Wipe down the griddle until all of the oil and lemon juice has been removed. This will also breakdown an excess grease. 

Again dry the griddle with the clean cotton rags and store in a cool, dry location.