Are you finding it difficult to get your Blackstone Griddle looking like new? The secret to maintaining your griddle’s original luster is simple: You just need a few cleaning supplies and some regular maintenance. Learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle so that it can last for years of tasty breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and everything in-between! From tackling those hard-to-remove food bits stuck on your steel surface to getting rid of grease build up in your griddle’s crevices, this guide will help ensure consistently delicious meals for years to come!
Is it hard to take care of a Griddle?
Taking care of a griddle is not overly difficult. It just requires regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it in good condition. Follow the steps below and you’ll have your Blackstone Griddle looking like new!
When you should clean your Blackstone griddle?
The best way to keep your Blackstone griddle in top condition is by regularly cleaning and seasoning it with mild detergent, heat, and scrubbing. This will help ensure that the griddle remains in good condition for many uses to come and will help prevent any rusting or sticking of food particles.
It is recommended that you clean your Blackstone griddle after each use, however if it gets really dirty or greasy, then you should clean it more frequently. This ensures that the griddle stays in good working condition and makes the job of cleaning much easier.
Tools for Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle or Flat Top Grill
Before cleaning your black stone griddle, you should gather the following supplies:
– A soft cloth or sponge
– Bench Scraper [1]
– Hot soapy water
– Non-abrasive scrubbing pads
– A bucket for rinsing and cleaning
– White vinegar, baking soda, or a degreaser if needed.

1- A soft cloth or sponge
is the best tool to use when cleaning most griddles. It can be used to wipe down the surface after each use, remove greasy residue and food particles.
2- Bench Scraper: An Essential Tool for Your Blackstone Griddle
Using a bench scraper or griddle scraper will help to remove burnt on food particles and grease. Make sure that you choose one with a long handle, since this will make it easier to reach the entire surface of the Blackstone Griddle.
This tool has two sides, one with a blade and another with a spatula-like scraper which helps remove any hard to reach debris from the surface of your griddle. Just make sure to use gentle pressure and keep the blade flat against the surface to prevent scratches. Look for a bench scraper made of stainless steel, as this material is resistant to wear and tear and won’t rust over time. You can also find ones with built-in spatulas or brushes which make cleaning even easier.
3- Non-abrasive Sponge or Cloth
Using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth is the best way to clean your griddle’s surface. Non-abrasive sponges and cloths are designed specifically for delicate surfaces as they won’t scratch them while still being able to effectively remove dirt, food bits and grease.
Look for sponges and cloths that are made of natural fibers such as cotton, which won’t erode or damage the surface of your griddle. You can also find ones with scrubbing sides which make cleaning faster and more efficient.
4- Vegetable Oil: The Secret Weapon for Your Blackstone Griddle
Regularly oiling your Blackstone griddle is essential if you want to keep it in top condition for years to come. Oiling will not only help protect the surface from rusting, but also prevent any food bits and grease from sticking to it.
The best type of oil for this purpose is a neutral vegetable oil like canola or sunflower oil. Avoid any types of oil with added flavors as these can leave a strange taste on your food.
5- Paper Towels or Dish Rag
Paper towels and dish rags are great for wiping down the surface of your griddle after cleaning. These materials will easily absorb any excess oil or dirt, leaving your griddle clean and shiny.
Make sure to use paper towels that are lint-free as these won’t leave behind any residue on the surface. If you’re using a dish rag, be sure to rinse it with hot water after each use. This will help prevent any bacteria from growing on the surface and spreading to your food.
6- White vinegar, baking soda, or a degreaser if needed
If there is any stubborn grease or food residue on your griddle that won’t come off with a soft cloth and hot soapy water, you can use white vinegar, baking soda, or a degreaser to help remove it.
White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner which can be used to break down stubborn grease and food particles. Just pour a few tablespoons of vinegar on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth or sponge.
Baking soda is another great natural cleaner which can be used to gently scrub away any dirt or grease. All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface and scrub it away with a damp cloth.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle for the First Time?
When you first get your Blackstone Griddle, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning and seasoning before using it.
Step-by-step Cleaning process with the new Blackstone Grill:
- Step 1: Start by scrubbing the surface with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. This will help remove any oil residue from manufacturing as well as dust and dirt that may have accumulated on the griddle.
- Step 2: Once you’ve given it a thorough cleaning, wipe off the soapy residue with a few wet paper towels.
- Step 3: Make sure to dry the surface with a paper towel or dish rag before continuing. This will help prevent rusting and ensure that your griddle is ready for use.
The next step is seasoning the Blackstone Griddle. We have a separate tutorial on how to seasoning Blackstone Griddle, you can see the 9 steps in detail here >> Instructions for seasoning the Blackstone Griddle.
How do you clean a Blackstone griddle after use?
It’s also important to give your Blackstone Griddle a good clean after each use.
Step-by-step Cleaning process after each use:
- Step 1: Scraping off any excess food scraps
Start by scraping off any excess food scraps and grease with a metal spatula. This will help prevent them from burning onto the surface of your griddle.
Use the bench scraper to scrape off any large chunks of food and then use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining bits.
- Step 2: Wiping down with warm soapy water
Once you’ve scraped off all the excess food, it’s time to give your griddle a good cleaning. Begin by wiping down the surface to scrape food debris and residue into the grease trough.
Next, wet a cloth or sponge in warm soapy water and use it to clean the surface of your griddle. Make sure that all the food particles are removed before rinsing with clean water.
- Step 3: Rubbing the surface down with oil
Once you’ve given your griddle a good wiping, it’s time to rub the surface down with oil. This will help protect it from rusting and ensure that your food doesn’t stick when you cook.
Take a clean cloth or paper towel and fold it into a square. Drip a little vegetable oil onto the cloth and then use it to rub the surface of the griddle in a circular motion. This will help to create a thin layer of protection against rust and food sticking.
- Step 4: Let the griddle cool before storing
Finally, let the griddle cool down completely before storing it away. This is important as it helps to preserve its life and will also prevent any residual heat from damaging your countertop or other surfaces.
Following these easy steps will help to keep your Blackstone Griddle clean and protect it from rusting, ensuring that you’re able to enjoy your delicious home-cooked meals for years to come.
How to Clean a Rusty Blackstone Griddle?
In some cases, your Blackstone Griddle may become rusty. If this happens, it’s important to take steps to address the issue as soon as possible.

Step-by-step Cleaning process for rust on a Blackstone Grill:
- Step 1: Removing the rust with steel wool
Start by taking a piece of steel wool and lightly scrubbing the surface. This will help to remove any loose rust and dirt particles.
- Step 2: Sprinkling baking soda on the affected area
Once you’ve removed any loose rust, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface and scrub it away with a damp cloth.
This will help to neutralize the acidic rust and make it easier to remove.
- Step 3: Wipe down with a mild detergent
Next, take a damp cloth and some mild detergent and gently wipe down the surface. This will help to further clean off any remaining residue from the griddle.
- Step 4: Rinse with clean water
Finally, rinse the surface off with clean water and be sure to dry it with a paper towel or dish rag. This will ensure that all of the cleaning solution has been removed and will help prevent any further rusting.
How long to clean Blackstone Griddle?
The time it takes to clean a Blackstone Griddle will depend on the amount of debris and residue that needs to be removed. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least 10 minutes for light cleaning and 15-20 minutes for deep cleaning.
How often to clean the Blackstone griddle?
It is best to perform a deep clean on your Blackstone griddle every few months. This helps to keep the griddle functioning properly and will extend its lifespan.
In between deep cleans, you should also perform a quick clean after each use. This will help to remove any food residue and buildup and keep your griddle looking like new.
>> See more:
To store your Blackstone Griddle, make sure it is completely dry and cool before covering. You can use a waterproof tarp or cover specifically made for griddles to protect the surface from dirt and dust. Once covered, you should store the griddle in a dry, climate-controlled environment when not in use.
How to maintain the Blackstone Griddle?
In order to maintain your Blackstone Griddle and ensure that it lasts for years to come, there are a few simple steps you can take.
Step 1: Seasoning the griddle before each use
Before cooking on your griddle, it’s important to season it first. This will help to create a non-stick surface and ensure that your food doesn’t stick when you cook. To do this, simply rub a thin layer of vegetable oil over the surface and heat it up until it starts to smoke.
Step 2: Storing the griddle properly
When not in use, be sure to store your griddle in a cool, dry place. This will help to protect it from moisture which can cause rust and damage. Also, make sure that the griddle is completely cooled down before storing it away.
Step 3: Avoiding metal utensils
When cooking on your Blackstone Griddle, it’s important to avoid using metal utensils as they can cause damage or scratches to the surface of the griddle. Stick to silicone or wooden spatulas and tongs when cooking to prevent any damage.
Step 4: Cleaning the griddle regularly
Finally, be sure to clean your griddle regularly. This will help to remove any food residue or buildup and keep the surface free from rust. Use a damp cloth with mild detergent and make sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards.
>> See more:
- How long to grill Pork Steaks at 350, 400
- How long to Bake Salmon at 375
- How long to smoke Sausage
- How long to cook Brats on grill
What to NEVER do when cleaning your Blackstone Griddle
What not to do on a Blackstone griddle? When cleaning your Blackstone Griddle, there are certain things that you should NEVER do.
- Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as this could damage the surface of the griddle.
- Avoid using steel wool or other metal scrubbing tools as they can scratch and damage the surface of the griddle.
- Don’t let the griddle sit in water as this can lead to rusting.
- Avoid using high heat when cleaning your griddle as this can damage the surface and cause it to warp or crack.
- Never forget to season your griddle before each use as this will help prevent food from sticking and make clean up much easier.
Following these simple steps will help ensure that your Blackstone Griddle stays in good condition and continues to provide you with delicious meals for years to come!
What is the best way to clean a Blackstone griddle?
The best way to clean a Blackstone griddle is with a combination of heat, mild detergent, and scrubbing.
- Start by preheating the griddle to about 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Then take a damp cloth and some mild detergent (dish soap works well) and gently wipe down the surface.
- For any stuck-on residue, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush to gently remove it.
- Finally, rinse the surface off with clean water and be sure to dry it with a paper towel or dish rag. This will help ensure that all of the cleaning solution has been removed and will prevent any further rusting.
- Additionally, make sure to season the griddle after each cleaning to help keep it in good condition.

FAQs about Cleaning your Blackstone Griddle
Should I use a Putty Knife?
A putty knife can come in handy while cleaning your Blackstone Griddle. It can be used to scrape off those hard-to-remove food bits that are stuck on the steel surface. Make sure to use a non-abrasive putty knife, as this will prevent scratching and damaging the griddle’s surface.
Should I use Steel Wool Pads?
Steel wool pads are not recommended for use when cleaning a Blackstone Griddle. The rough texture of these pads can scratch and damage the griddle’s surface, reducing its longevity and making it harder to clean in the future.
What to do if your griddle surface is already cooled?
If your griddle’s surface has already cooled down, you can still clean it. Start by wiping the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For any stuck-on residue, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush to gently remove it. Finally, rinse off the surface with clean water and be sure to dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or dish rag.
How long do Blackstone griddles last?
Blackstone Griddles are designed to last for years with proper care and maintenance. Regularly cleaning and seasoning your griddle will keep it in good condition for many uses to come.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, Dawn dish soap is a great option for cleaning your Blackstone Griddle. Its mild detergent formula helps to remove grease and food residue without damaging the griddle’s surface. Be sure to rinse off any remaining soap solution with clean water after cleaning.
Can I use ice to clean my Blackstone griddle?
No, ice should not be used to clean a Blackstone Griddle. This can cause the surface to crack and warp due to extreme temperature changes. Instead, use heat combined with mild detergent and scrubbing for best results.
Can I cover my Blackstone griddle while it’s still hot?
No, you should never attempt to cover a hot Blackstone Griddle as this can cause damage and/or injury. Allow it to cool down before covering or storing.
Can I store my Blackstone Griddle outside?
No, you should not store your Blackstone Griddle outside as this will leave it vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, which could lead to rusting and damage. It is best to store it in a dry, climate-controlled environment when not in use.
Can I use oven cleaner on my Blackstone Griddle?
No, oven cleaner is not recommended for use on your Blackstone Griddle. The harsh chemicals found in these cleaners can damage the griddle’s surface and make it harder to clean in the future.
Can you ruin a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can ruin a Blackstone Griddle if you do not take the proper steps to care and maintain it. Be sure to clean and season your griddle after each use and store it in a dry, climate-controlled environment when not in use. Following these tips will help ensure that your griddle lasts for years.
Can you scrape too hard on Blackstone?
Yes, it is possible to scrape too hard on your Blackstone Griddle. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush when cleaning and be sure to avoid scratching the griddle’s surface. This will help ensure that your griddle lasts for years with proper care and maintenance.
Can I use WD40 on my Black
Are Blackstone griddles cast iron or steel?
Blackstone Griddles are made of high-grade cold rolled steel and are designed to last for years with proper care and maintenance. The heavy duty construction of the griddle provides a flat, even cooking surface that is ideal for cooking foods such as pancakes, eggs, bacon and burgers.
Do I leave oil on my Blackstone?
Yes, it is recommended that you leave a light layer of oil on the surface of your Blackstone Griddle after each use. This will help to season the griddle and make it easier to clean in the future. Be sure to use an approved food-grade oil such as vegetable or canola oil for best results.
Can you use steel wool on a Blackstone?
No, you should never use steel wool on a Blackstone Griddle. Steel wool is an abrasive material that can scratch and damage the cooking surface of the griddle, making it more difficult to clean in the future. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush when cleaning for best results.
WD40 on my Blackstone?
No, you should not use WD40 on your Blackstone Griddle. This product is designed for metal parts and may damage the griddle’s surface if used incorrectly. Instead, use an approved food-grade oil such as vegetable or canola oil to season the griddle after each use.
Why does my Blackstone leave black residue?
Black residue on your Blackstone Griddle can be caused by several factors, including not cleaning and seasoning the griddle after each use. Be sure to clean and season your griddle regularly with approved food-grade oil such as vegetable or canola oil for best results.
Can I use a metal spatula on my Blackstone?
Yes, you can use a metal spatula on your Blackstone Griddle. However, be sure to use one made of stainless steel or another non-reactive material that won’t scratch the griddle’s surface. Also, avoid using metal utensils with sharp edges as they can damage the cooking surface and make it harder to clean in the future.
Conclusion
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle? Cleaning your Blackstone Griddle is an important step in ensuring that it lasts for years with proper care and maintenance. Be sure to clean and season your griddle after each use with an approved food-grade oil such as vegetable or canola oil. Use a non-abrasive scrubber or brush when cleaning and be sure to avoid using steel wool as it can damage the cooking surface. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Blackstone Griddle lasts for years with proper care and maintenance.

Leslie Fowler is the founder of Rhythm Cafe, a barbecue restaurant with over 15 years of experience. Leslie is an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert, specializing in smoking briskets and pork shoulders on charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers. Leslie has also tried out almost every model of kitchen appliance available on the market, making her an authority on grills and smokers.