Love your flat-top grill or griddle, but not as much the cleanup? We hear you! Whether you’re flipping burgers, grilling steaks, or anything in between, these grills can get messy fast. 

But don’t worry – cleaning doesn’t have to be a pain.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a flat top grill – whether it’s a Blackstone or another brand.

From everyday cleanups to tackling rust, this guide will show you how to clean a griddle grill quickly and easily, so you’re always ready to cook!

How Often Should You Clean Your Flat-Top or Griddle Grill?

The golden rule? Clean your flat-top grill after every use

The more often you clean it, the less work it’ll be later. If you stay on top of things, deep cleaning will only be necessary now and then. It means less time scrubbing and more time cooking!

Is nothing working? Then it might be time for some new grill parts. Check out our range of replacement grill parts to keep your flat-top in shape!

Why Cleaning Matters: Great Taste Starts with a Clean Surface

A clean grill isn’t just for looks – it’s for flavor!. Cooking on a dirty surface is no fun, and it can mess with the flavor of your food.

So, let’s walk you through how to clean your griddle after cooking – and maybe give it a little TLC along the way! 

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Flat-Top Grill After Cooking

Cleaning your grill after each use is a must. Leftover food bits can stick, attract bugs, or even mess with the taste of your next meal. 

Here’s your step-by-step guide to keep things simple:

1. Heat It Up

Crank up the heat and let your grill get nice and hot. This loosens up leftover food and grease, making it easier to scrape off

Plus, there’s something satisfying about seeing all that gunk disappear!

2. Scrape it Clean

With a handy grill scraper (your new best friend), scrape off any food bits or grease. This keeps that smooth cooking surface ready for your next masterpiece

Don’t forget to wear your heat-resistant gloves for this step! 

3. Add Water

Grab some warm water and slowly pour it onto the surface. The steam helps release any stubborn food, making it even easier to clean. Go over the surface with your scraper one more time for good measure.

4. Cool and Oil

Let the grill cool down a bit, then spread a light layer of cooking oil across the surface. This keeps everything non-stick and prevents rust! You can easily use a paper towel to spread the layer around

… just don’t add too much oil, or your next cooking will be affected! A few tablespoons is fine. 

How to Clean a Flat-Top Grill with Rust – Easy Fix! 

Uh-oh, rust got you down? It happens to the best of us. If you’ve let your grill sit for a while or live in a humid area, rust can sneak up on you. Not to worry – we’ll show you the steps to getting it back to its shiny self! 

Here’s how to clean a flat-top grill that has rust:

1. Scrub the Rust

Grab some steel wool or a grill brush and give those rusty spots a good scrub. It may take a little elbow grease, but you’ll get there – just be careful not to scratch the surface too deeply.

2. Vinegar to the Rescue 

Mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour it on the rusty areas, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub again with a grill brick or scraper and watch the rust disappear.

3. Rinse and Dry

Once the rust is gone, wipe down the grill with a clean rag and make sure it’s completely dry to avoid any future rust.

4. Re-Season the Surfaces

After tackling the rust, add a fresh layer of oil – not only to protect your grill but also to get it ready for your next cookout!

How to Clean a Blackstone Grill – An Outdoor Favorite

If you’re the proud owner of a Blackstone grill, you know it’s great for outdoor cooking! But like any grill, keeping it clean is key to making sure your food tastes amazing every time.

Luckily, it’s just like cleaning any flat-top grill! 

Heat it, scrape it, add water, and scrape again. And don’t forget to season with the thin layer of oil! Your Blackstone will love you for it – and so will your taste buds! 

If cleaning isn’t doing the trick, and your Blackstone grill is still not cooking like it used to, it might be time for some new parts! Check out our selection of Blackstone grill parts and get your trusty grill back in shape! 

Deep Cleaning: When Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If your grill has been sitting for a while or you’ve had some heavy-duty cookouts, you might need to go for a deep clean. 

Here’s how to bring your flat-top grill back to life:

1. Scrub with a Grill Stone

Gently scrub the surface with a grill stone and a bit of oil. This will tackle any stubborn buildup. Just don’t go too hard – you want to avoid scratching the surface.

2. Repeat as Needed

If there’s still gunk, go through the cleaning steps again until it’s spotless. A little patience now saves a lot of hassle later! Also try using steel wool or even sandpaper.

3. Apply a Final Coat of Oil

We cannot emphasize this tip enough: once your grill is clean, add a final layer of oil to protect it. Don’t overdo it – a thin coat is enough to protect it for the next use. 

4 Pro Tips to Keep Your Grill in Great Shape

  1. Store your grill scraper and cleaning tools nearby for quick access after every cook.
  1. Clean while the grill is still warm – it’s way easier to remove food bits when they’re fresh!
  1. Always finish with a layer of oil to prevent rust and keep your grill smooth.
  1. If you see rust, tackle it right away to prevent it from spreading.

Need Grill Parts for Your Flat-Top or Griddle?

If your grill is starting to look a little worse for wear, don’t throw in the towel! We’ve got you covered with a huge selection of grill parts from 280 popular brands to help you keep your favorite flat-top grill or griddle in perfect shape.

Looking for More Grill-Cleaning Tips?

Check out our complete guide for how to clean a grill or how to clean all types of grill grates

We also have brand-specific cleaning tips for how to clean Traeger grills and how to clean Weber grills

September 26th, 2024

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance, BBQing HowTos