Learning how to clean a griddle grill is one of the most important parts of keeping it performing well and lasting for years. A clean surface helps food cook evenly, prevents flavors from clinging from one meal to the next, and stops rust from forming. Regular upkeep doesn't take much time, but it makes a big difference every time the grill is fired up.
In this guide, we'll explain why cleaning is essential, how often it should be done, which tools make the job easier, the exact steps to follow for everyday and deep cleaning, and the mistakes that can shorten the life of your griddle. With the right approach, it's easy to protect your cooking surface and enjoy great results every time.
What this article covers:
- Why Is It Important to Clean Your Griddle?
- Tools & Supplies for Cleaning Your Griddle
- How to Clean a Griddle
- How to Clean a Rusty Griddle
- What to Avoid When Cleaning a Griddle
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Griddle?
You should clean your griddle to keep it safe, efficient, and long-lasting. A clean surface prevents old food and grease from smoking up your meals, avoids sticky patches, and guards against rust. Regular cleaning and seasoning can help your griddle last for years.
Plus, a clean griddle cooks more evenly and tastes better, since residue can interfere with heat distribution and give your food off-flavors.
How Often Should You Clean Your Griddle?
You should clean your griddle every time you cook on it. A quick scrape, wipe-down, and light coat of oil after each use prevents buildup and makes cooking easier next time. That routine cleaning means you rarely need a deep scrub. At most, a seasonal deep clean is all it takes unless you've let food or grease sit too long.
Tools & Supplies for Cleaning Your Griddle
Here's what you'll need to keep things simple and effective:
-
Grill scraper
- Paper towels or a grill cloth
- High-smoke-point oil, such as vegetable, canola, avocado, or grapeseed
- Squirt bottle with water for steam-cleaning while the griddle is still warm
- Optional for deep cleaning: pumice grill stone or mild dish soap
How to Clean a Griddle
Keeping your griddle clean doesn't take long, but it makes a huge difference in performance and taste. Following these steps will keep your cooking surface smooth, rust-free, and ready for your next meal:
Step 1: Start While the Griddle Is Warm
When cleaning any grill or griddle, whether you're learning how to clean a pellet grill or how to clean a stainless steel grill, always begin cleaning when it's warm, not blazing hot. That gentle heat softens food residue and grease, making it much easier to scrape off.
Cleaning at this stage also helps the oil you'll apply later bond properly with the metal, reinforcing the nonstick seasoning layer.
If you wait until it's fully cooled, you'll find hardened debris that takes twice as much effort to remove. Warm and manageable is the sweet spot.
Step 2: Scrape Off Food Debris
Use a sturdy, flat-edged metal scraper to push leftover bits toward the grease tray. Keep the blade flat against the surface and apply steady pressure. Quick, smooth passes are far more effective than a back-and-forth sawing motion, which can damage the seasoning.
The goal is to remove food particles without scratching the steel. By keeping the scraper angle low, you'll clear the surface while preserving the protective layer you've built over time.
Step 3: Use Water for Stubborn Residue
Sometimes food clings stubbornly to the surface, especially sugary sauces or marinades. A light spritz of water on the warm griddle will create steam, which loosens the debris without harsh chemicals.
Once the steam does its job, scrape again, and you'll see the tough spots release easily. Avoid over-soaking the surface; you only need a little water to help. This method keeps cleaning quick, safe, and effective while protecting your griddle's finish.
Step 4: Wipe the Surface Clean
After scraping, grab some paper towels or a clean rag and wipe down the entire surface. This removes any leftover food, oil, or moisture that can cause rust if left behind. Take a moment to check corners and edges, since grease can pool there unnoticed.
The goal is a completely dry surface before moving on. It might seem like a small step, but it's one of the most important for preventing long-term damage.
Step 5: Apply a Thin Coat of Oil
Once the surface is clean and dry, it's time to season it lightly with oil. Add a small amount of a high-smoke-point oil, like canola or avocado, and spread it evenly with a paper towel. Letting the griddle stay slightly warm allows the oil to bond with the steel.
This step strengthens the protective layer, improves nonstick performance, and helps prevent rust. A little oil now saves a lot of work later.
Step 6: Protect the Surface After Cooling
When the griddle has cooled down, cover it or store it somewhere safe. Exposure to rain, humidity, or even overnight dew can cause rust to form quickly. A simple cover or dry storage spot keeps the cooking surface in great condition until the next use.
How to Clean a Rusty Griddle
Rust can happen, even if you take good care of your griddle. The good news is that learning how to clean a rusty flat top grill or griddle is doable with a bit of effort and the right approach. By following these steps, you can remove the rust, restore the cooking surface, and get your griddle back into regular use without a problem:
Step 1: Heat and Scrape
Start by turning the griddle on high until it's warm, then use a flat metal scraper to tackle the rust. The warmth loosens surface-level oxidation, making it easier to push off. Be patient and work slowly across the cooking area to lift as much rust as possible.
It's best to wear heat-resistant BBQ gloves for safety. Once you've gone over the whole surface, you'll often see most of the loose rust disappear right away.
Step 2: Sand Down Stubborn Rust
Some rust won't budge with scraping alone. In that case, reach for coarse sandpaper or even an orbital sander to grind down to clean steel.
Work in small, controlled sections so you don't overdo it and create uneven spots. Keep sanding until all visible rust patches are gone and you're left with bare, clean metal.
Step 3: Oil and Scrub
Once you've cleared away the rust, coat the entire griddle surface with a thin layer of oil. Then grab a pumice stone or a grill brick and scrub the oil into the steel. The combination of oil and abrasion helps remove any lingering rust particles and smooths out rough spots. Keep scrubbing until the surface feels even.
Step 4: Season the Surface
With the rust removed, the last step is rebuilding the protective layer. Heat the griddle slightly, apply a thin coat of high-smoke-point oil, and let it bake in. Repeat this process several times, adding thin layers to strengthen the seasoning.
Each coat makes the surface darker and slicker, which means it's becoming resistant to rust again. Once seasoned, cover your griddle or store it in a dry spot so rust doesn't come back.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Griddle
It's easy to make mistakes when cleaning a griddle, especially if you're new to it and only know how to clean a grill grate. Avoiding these common errors will keep your griddle protected, nonstick, and rust-free:
Using Soap Every Time
Regular dish soap might sound like a safe choice, but it strips away the seasoning layer that makes your griddle nonstick and rust-resistant. Occasional use is fine, like when the griddle is brand new or after heavy rust removal, but soap should never be part of your routine cleaning.
Stick to scraping, steaming with water, wiping dry, and oiling instead. This method preserves the protective coating while still leaving you with a clean cooking surface.
Pouring Ice on a Hot Griddle
Some people think dumping ice on a hot griddle creates steam for an easy clean, but it's actually harmful. The sudden temperature shock can cause the steel to warp, leaving you with uneven cooking zones that are difficult to fix. Warped griddles also lose their flat surface, making food cook unevenly.
Instead, use a little warm water for controlled steam that loosens residue without risking long-term damage to the metal.
Scraping at the Wrong Angle
A scraper is your best friend for cleaning, but using it incorrectly can ruin the surface. Tilting the scraper on its edge or using a sawing motion scratches the steel and peels off seasoning.
The right way is to keep the blade flat against the surface and push steadily. This clears away food and grease while protecting the nonstick layer. Done properly, scraping helps maintain a smooth, even griddle surface that's ready for the next cook.
Conclusion
Keeping a griddle in top condition comes down to a few simple habits. Clean it while warm, scrape away food, use a splash of water when needed, and always finish with a thin coat of oil. For tougher issues like rust, a bit of scraping, sanding, and re-seasoning brings the surface back to life.
Ready to stock up on the best cleaning tools and BBQ supplies? Visit DDR BBQ Supply and get everything you need to keep your griddle grill performing at its best.