If you love cooking on your Blackstone griddle, you know how important it is to keep it clean after each use. Cleaning your Blackstone properly not only keeps your food tasting great but also extends the life of your griddle. Wondering how to clean your Blackstone after cooking? Let’s dive into a simple, step-by-step guide that will make cleanup easy and even enjoyable!
Why Clean Your Blackstone Griddle After Cooking?
After cooking, grease, food residue, and burnt bits can stick to your griddle surface. If left unattended, these can build up, cause rust, and affect your next cooking session. Cleaning right after cooking prevents these problems and keeps your griddle non-stick and ready to use.
What You’ll Need for Cleaning
– Metal spatula or scraper
– Paper towels or a clean rag
– Water (preferably hot)
– Cooking oil (like canola, avocado, or olive oil)
– Optional: Non-metallic scouring pad for tough spots
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Blackstone After Cooking
1. Let Your Griddle Cool Slightly but Stay Warm
Right after cooking, turn off the griddle but let it stay warm enough to help loosen food residue. Avoid cleaning when it’s piping hot or completely cold.
2. Scrape Off Food Debris
Use a metal spatula or scraper to push leftover food and grease toward the grease trap. Scraping while the surface is still warm makes it easier to remove stuck-on bits.
3. Steam Clean with Water
Pour or spray a small amount of hot water onto the griddle surface. The water will create steam that loosens stubborn food particles and grease. Use the scraper again to lift off this loosened residue. Be careful of the hot steam!.
4. Wipe Down the Surface
Use paper towels or a clean rag to wipe away the loosened food and moisture. This step ensures your griddle is dry and free of leftover grease, which is essential to prevent rust and maintain the seasoning.
5. Dry the Griddle Completely
If needed, let the griddle air dry for a few minutes or use a microfiber towel to remove any remaining moisture. A dry surface is crucial before applying oil.
6. Season Your Griddle
Apply a thin layer of cooking oil over the entire surface using a paper towel. This step protects the griddle from rust and keeps the surface non-stick for your next cook. Avoid puddles of oil; a light, even coat is best.
Tips for Tough Cleaning Jobs
– For stubborn stuck-on food, repeat the steam cleaning with hot water and scraping.
– Use a Blackstone scouring pad or a non-metallic scrubber gently if residue persists.
– Avoid dish soap for daily cleaning as it can leave a residue and affect flavor; save soap for deep cleaning or initial seasoning prep.
Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle Long-Term
– Clean and season your griddle after every use to prevent buildup and rust.
– Store your griddle covered and in a dry place to protect it from the elements.
– Occasionally, do a deep clean and reseason if you notice rust or sticky buildup.
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle is straightforward and quick when you follow these simple steps. Keeping your griddle clean means better-tasting food and a longer-lasting cooking surface. Happy griddling!