Cooking up delicious meals on a Blackstone griddle is an absolute joy. But like any frequently used cookware, grease, grime, and food bits build up over time. Learning how to properly clean your Blackstone flat top grill or griddle ensures it continues performing its best.
Follow this complete guide to get your cooking surface sparkling and ready for the next pancake breakfast or burger bash. We’ll cover basic cleaning after each use, deep cleaning methods, and tips to make the process easy.
Why Regular Cleaning Is Essential
Cleaning your Blackstone grill after every use is important for these reasons:
- Prevents Grease Buildup – Excess grease is a fire hazard and causes food to stick.
- Avoids Rancid Oil – Old oil can turn rancid and impart bad flavors.
- Keeps Non-Stick Surface – Food and grime erode the seasoned non-stick patina.
- Enhances Appearance – A clean griddle looks more visually appealing.
- Extends Lifespan – Regular care keeps components working properly for years.
- Improves Cooking Results – Food sticks less on a clean surface with proper seasoning.
- Avoids Rust – Grease, moisture and food debris lead to rust if left unchecked.
As you can see, keeping your Blackstone properly cleaned pays dividends in terms of safety, performance and longevity. Now let’s go over the cleaning process.
Cleaning After Every Use
Clean your Blackstone griddle after each cooking session using this simple process:
Step 1: Scrape Away Debris
With the griddle still warm but not hot, use a sturdy grill scraper or putty knife to scrape away any chunks or built up food residue. Apply pressure as needed to remove.
Step 2: Empty Grease Tray
Carefully detach the grease drip tray and thoroughly empty all oil and accumulated food bits into a heat safe container. Replace tray when empty.
Step 3: Scrub With Grill Brush
Use a firm grill brush to scrub the cooking surface. Focus on any areas with built-up grease or browned bits. Apply elbow grease to remove it all.
Step 4: Wipe Away Remaining Residue
Wipe down the entire cooking surface with a lint-free cloth or paper towels. Remove any remaining grease or debris. Re-wipe any slick spots.
Step 5: Re-oil Surface
Apply a fresh thin layer of high-smoke point oil like grapeseed or peanut oil. Wipe to distribute evenly. This renews the protective seasoning.
That’s all it takes! Following this simple 5-step process after each cookout keeps your griddle looking and performing its best. Now let’s look at occasional deep cleaning methods.
Deep Cleaning Your Griddle
In addition to routine cleaning, your Blackstone needs an occasional deep clean to keep it in tip-top shape. Follow this process:
When a Deep Clean is Needed
Telltale signs that a deep clean is due include:
- Burned on gunk that won’t scrape off
- Seasoning appears splotchy or has worn off
- Cooking surface feels gritty or pitted
- Excess grease buildup in harder-to-reach areas
- Noticeable buildup that routine cleaning won’t remove
Deep Cleaning Process
Here are the basic steps to deep clean your griddle:
- Heat griddle on high for 10 minutes to loosen any stuck-on debris and grease.
- Thoroughly scrape entire cooking surface with grill scraper.
- Apply griddle cleaning paste and let sit for 5 minutes. Use a non-abrasive scrub pad to work paste over surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, removing all cleaning paste residue.
- Dry over low heat for a few minutes to prevent rusting.
- Re-season the cooking surface and apply a thin layer of oil once fully dried.
Use this deep cleaning only when needed to avoid removing too much seasoning. Now let’s go over cleaning paste options.
Griddle Cleaning Paste Options
Look for a cleaning paste designed specifically for griddles and flat top grills. Top options include:
- Bar Keepers Friend – Well-known cleaning powder that cuts through stuck-on grime.
- Easy-Off Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner – Spray-on oven cleaner that excels at grease removal.
- CarbonOff – Paste designed to deep clean grill cooking surfaces.
Once or twice a year, a thorough deep cleaning restores the Blackstone griddle to like-new condition. Use with care to avoid excessive seasoning removal. Now let’s look at handy tips and advice for cleaning.
Handy Tips for Cleaning Your Griddle
Follow these handy tips and tricks for easier and more effective cleaning:
- Cool griddle somewhat before cleaning but don’t let debris stick.
- Use a firm stainless steel grill brush for best scrubbing results.
- Rinse grease trays in hot water to dissolve trapped grease deposits.
- For tough stuck-on gunk, let cooking oil or soapy water sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- Apply elbow grease and repeat steps to remove really stubborn residue.
- If needed, use a plastic paint scraper to remove residue buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
- When deep cleaning, remove all grease and debris first before applying cleaning paste.
- Limit deep cleaning sessions to avoid removing too much protective seasoning.
- Dry immediately and re-oil after any water cleaning to prevent rust.
By regularly cleaning and caring for your Blackstone griddle after each cookout, you’ll get years of faithful service. Take time to properly clean and you’ll be rewarded with tasty meals off a like-new cooking surface every time!
Cleaning Blackstone Grill Parts
In addition to cleaning the cooking surface, keep these tips in mind for cleaning other parts of your Blackstone grill or griddle:
Burners and Drip Trays
- Fully empty and clean drip trays after every session. Use hot water and scrub with steel wool or grill brush to remove baked-on grease.
- Use a grill brush, putty knife or plastic scraper to gently remove any debris buildup from burners. Avoid damaging the gas lines.
- Deep clean burners periodically by removing and soaking in degreaser solution. Rinse and dry fully before replacing.
Side Shelves and Tables
- Wipe stainless steel shelves with a soft cloth, warm water and mild dish soap as needed.
- Use a plastic scrub brush for stubborn grease or food stains on shelves. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- Sanitize wood cutting boards by scrubbing with a lemon/salt paste and rinsing. Allow to fully dry before storing.
- Treat wood surfaces on occasion with food-safe mineral oil. Avoid excessive wetness.
Stainless Steel Components
- Wipe stainless steel surfaces clean after each use once grill is cooled.
- For cleaning stainless steel columns, doors and trim, use warm water, mild soap and soft cloths. Gently rub with grain to avoid scratches.
- Rinse any soapy residue and dry thoroughly when finished cleaning stainless steel.
Regularly cleaning all components keeps every part of your Blackstone grill looking its best for years.
Blackstone Grill Cleaning Supplies Checklist
Have these recommended cleaning supplies on hand:
- Stiff grill brush with tough stainless steel bristles
- Metal grill scraper that fits hand comfortably
- Putty knife for scraping corners and crevices
- Microfiber cloths and towels for wiping away grease
- High-heat cooking spray for occasional deep cleaning
- Plastic paint scraper to chip off stuck-on buildup
- Mild dish soap and warm water for wiping exterior surfaces
- Griddle cleaning paste like Easy-Off Fume Free or Bar Keepers Friend
- Stainless steel polish to maintain shine on columns
- Food-safe degreaser for soaking burners and parts
Having the right tools, cleaners and supplies makes cleaning your Blackstone a breeze. Follow this guide and you’ll keep your flat top grill or griddle looking its best every time you cook!
Common Blackstone Cleaning Questions
Here are helpful answers to some of the most common questions about cleaning Blackstone griddles:
Can I use soap and water to clean my Blackstone cooking surface?
Avoid dish soap or excessive water on the cooking surface as it can damage the protective seasoning. Gently scrub with warm, soapy water only when doing an occasional deep clean. Thoroughly dry and re-season after any water cleaning.
How can I make burnt-on food residue easier to remove?
For stubborn stuck-on gunk, let soapy water, cooking oil or a griddle cleaning paste sit for 5+ minutes to soften before scrubbing. Use a plastic paint scraper to chip off any chunks. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
What’s the best way to clean grease traps and drip trays?
Fully empty grease trays into a heat-safe container after each cookout. Periodically deep clean the grease traps by removing and soaking in hot, soapy water. Rinse fully and allow to dry before replacing in grill.
Is it safe to use a power drill with a scrubbing pad to clean my griddle?
It’s not recommended as a power drill can more easily damage the cooking surface. Scrub by hand using the cleaning methods in this guide for best results. Take care not to mar the cooking surface metal.
How often should I fully deep clean my Blackstone?
Plan to do an occasional deep clean of the entire cooking surface about once or twice a year depending on frequency of use. Do it anytime griddle performance declines. Avoid over-cleaning which can strip seasoning.
Following the tips in this guide makes cleaning your Blackstone grill or griddle a breeze. With regular care after each use and periodic deep cleaning, your flat top will keep providing incredible meals for years on end. Get out there and start griddling!
