How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle (After Cooking, Rust and Re-Seasoning)

A Blackstone or other flat-top griddle cooks beautifully as long as the surface stays seasoned. Cleaning it isn't like washing a pan: the goal is to remove food and grease while keeping that protective black layer. Here's how to clean a Blackstone griddle after every cook, how to remove rust, and how to re-season it.

Quick answer: While the griddle is still warm, scrape food and grease into the grease trap with a flat metal scraper. Squirt water on the hot surface to steam off stuck bits, scrape again, wipe with paper towels, then spread a very thin coat of cooking oil and heat it briefly until it smokes lightly. Avoid soap on a well-seasoned top.

What You'll Need

Flat griddle scraper
Squeeze bottle of water
Paper towels or lint-free rags
High-smoke-point oil (vegetable, canola, flaxseed or a griddle conditioner)
Heat-resistant gloves
For rust: a griddle scouring pad or pumice-style griddle stone, sandpaper (fine grit)

After Every Cook (5 Minutes)

Keep it warm. Turn the burners to low or off but clean while the surface is still hot or warm.
Scrape. Push food and grease toward the grease trap with the scraper held at a low angle.
Steam stuck food. Squirt water on stubborn spots; the steam loosens them. Scrape again. Stand back from the steam.
Wipe dry with paper towels held with tongs or gloved hands.
Oil it. Apply a very thin layer of oil and wipe it across the whole surface. Heat briefly until it just starts to smoke, then turn off.
Empty the grease cup once it cools.

How to Remove Rust

Rust happens when a griddle is left uncovered or stored damp. Don't panic:

Heat the griddle for 10–15 minutes, then turn it off.
Scrape off loose rust with your scraper.
Add a little oil and scour rusty areas with a griddle pad or stone (or fine sandpaper for heavy rust) until bare metal shows.
Wipe away all residue with paper towels until they come away clean.
Re-season (below).

General rust tips are in How to Remove Rust from Metal.

How to Re-Season the Surface

Heat the griddle on high for 10–15 minutes.
Spread 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a thin, even layer over the entire top, including edges.
Let it smoke until the smoking stops (about 15–30 minutes).
Repeat 3–5 times until the surface is dark and slick.

Sticky, Gummy Surface?

That's too much oil that didn't fully bake on. Heat the griddle, scrape the sticky layer, and use thinner coats in future.

Storage Tips

Always leave a light coat of oil after cooking.
Use a hard cover or soft cover once cool.
Store in a dry spot, especially over winter.

Is Soap Okay?

A drop of mild dish soap won't ruin a well-established seasoning, but it's usually unnecessary. Strong degreasers and oven cleaners will strip it.

Gas Grill Too?

See How to Clean Gas Grill Grates and Burners. Cast iron in the kitchen? How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet.

FAQ

Can I use vinegar on a Blackstone?

It can help with rust spots but strips seasoning, so re-season after using it.

Why is my griddle flaking?

Thick or poorly cured seasoning layers can flake. Scrape the loose flakes and re-season with thin coats.