How to Clean a Griddle—And Keep It in Perfect Condition
A griddle can turn out the perfect stack of pancakes, sizzling fajitas, or diner-style smashburgers—but only if it’s well cared for. Over time, grease, food particles, and moisture can wear down the surface, leading to rust and uneven cooking. The good news? Cleaning and maintaining a griddle is simple. With a few easy steps after every use—and the occasional deep clean—you’ll preserve the surface, enhance flavors, and keep your griddle performing at its best for years to come. Here’s everythi
Photo by Ian Taylor / Unsplash
A griddle can turn out the perfect stack of pancakes, sizzling fajitas, or diner-style smashburgers—but only if it’s well cared for. Over time, grease, food particles, and moisture can wear down the surface, leading to rust and uneven cooking.
The good news? Cleaning and maintaining a griddle is simple. With a few easy steps after every use—and the occasional deep clean—you’ll preserve the surface, enhance flavors, and keep your griddle performing at its best for years to come.
Here’s everything you need to know to clean, season, and protect your griddle.
Why Griddle Maintenance Matters
1. Preserve the Cooking Surface
A clean, seasoned griddle prevents rust and creates a natural nonstick surface, much like cast iron. Without regular care, the surface can corrode, scratch, or develop buildup that ruins its performance.
2. Enhance Cooking Results
Well-maintained griddles cook evenly and infuse food with flavor. Residue-free surfaces also ensure your pancakes won’t taste like last night’s burgers.
3. Save Time Later
Cleaning after each use avoids heavy scrubbing down the line. A quick post-meal cleanup is easier than tackling burnt-on grease later.
How to Clean a Griddle: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean While It’s Still Warm
- Scrape off food debris and grease while the griddle is still warm, but not hot.
- Use a flat-edge scraper or metal spatula to gently push the gunk into the grease trap.
Pro Tip: A little warm water can help loosen stubborn bits. Avoid harsh soap, as it strips the seasoning from the surface.
Step 2: Scrub Stubborn Spots
- For tougher messes, use a non-metallic scrubber or pumice stone with warm water.
- Avoid using wire brushes or anything overly abrasive to prevent scratches.
Step 3: Wipe It Down
- Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to wipe off grease and water.
- Be thorough—leaving any moisture behind can lead to rust.
Step 4: Reseason the Surface
- Heat the griddle slightly and apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil).
- Spread evenly with a paper towel, let it cook off for a few minutes, then allow the surface to cool.
Why It Matters: Seasoning protects the griddle surface, creating a natural nonstick coating and preventing rust.
Step 5: Protect and Store
- Once the griddle has cooled completely, cover it to protect against dust and moisture.
- Store in a dry location to avoid rust buildup.
How to Remove Rust from a Griddle
Rust happens—but it doesn’t mean your griddle is ruined. Here’s how to restore it:
- Heat and Scrape: Turn the griddle on high heat to loosen the rust. Use a metal scraper to remove as much as possible.
- Sand It Down: For stubborn rust, use fine-grit sandpaper or a pumice stone to gently lift the corrosion.
- Clean and Reseason: Wipe the surface clean, apply a thin layer of oil, and heat the griddle until the oil bonds to the surface. Repeat the seasoning process 2–3 times to rebuild the nonstick coating.
Tip: Regularly season your griddle after cleaning to prevent future rust.
How to Maintain a Griddle After Each Use
- Scrape Off Debris: Use a spatula or scraper to remove food and grease while the surface is still warm.
- Wipe Clean: Wipe down with a damp cloth, avoiding excess water.
- Lightly Oil: Apply a thin coat of oil to keep the surface seasoned and protected.
- Air It Out: Allow the griddle to cool fully before covering it.
Why It Works: A little routine care keeps the griddle rust-free and ready for your next meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Seasoning: Always add a light coat of oil after cleaning to protect the surface.
- Using Harsh Soap: Dish soap strips the seasoning, leaving the griddle unprotected. Stick to water and scrapers.
- Leaving It Wet: Never leave moisture on the surface. Wipe it dry to prevent rust.
- Using Wire Brushes: Metal bristles can scratch the surface and damage the seasoning.
Tools and Products for Griddle Cleaning
To clean and maintain your griddle effectively, keep these tools on hand:
- Flat-Edge Scraper: Essential for removing food and grease without damaging the surface.
- Pumice Stone: Great for tackling tough messes and rust.
- High-Smoke-Point Oils: Canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil for seasoning.
- Paper Towels or Microfiber Cloths: For wiping surfaces clean and applying oil.
- Griddle Cover: Protects the surface from moisture, dust, and rust.
Tips for Long-Term Griddle Care
- Season Regularly: Reseason your griddle after every use and deep clean it a few times a year.
- Store Properly: Cover and store in a dry, sheltered area, especially in humid climates.
- Clean Immediately: Don’t let grease and residue sit—clean while the griddle is still warm.
- Deep Clean Seasonally: At the start and end of each grilling season, give your griddle a thorough clean and reseason.
Conclusion
Caring for your griddle doesn’t have to be complicated. By cleaning it regularly, seasoning the surface, and protecting it from moisture, you’ll keep your griddle in perfect condition for years to come.
With just a few simple tools and a little routine maintenance, you can ensure every meal—whether it’s a hearty breakfast or a burger night—comes out perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
Ready to put these tips to the test? Grab your spatula, fire up the griddle, and enjoy the rewards of a well-maintained cooking surface.
Quick facts
What’s the best way to clean your griddle?
The best way to clean your griddle is to scrape off food debris while it’s warm, wipe it down with water and a non-abrasive scrubber, and finish by reseasoning with a thin layer of oil.
How do you get black grease off a griddle?
To remove black grease, heat the griddle slightly, scrape off buildup with a flat-edge scraper, then clean with a pumice stone or warm water and a non-abrasive scrubber. Finish with a light oil layer.
How to make a griddle look new?
To restore your griddle, remove rust with fine-grit sandpaper, clean thoroughly, and reseason it with multiple thin layers of high-smoke-point oil until the surface is smooth and nonstick.
How do you clean a griddle after use?
After each use, scrape off food debris while the griddle is still warm, wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and apply a light coat of oil to maintain the seasoning.
Can you use dish soap on a griddle?
Avoid using dish soap regularly, as it strips the seasoning. For stubborn spots, a small amount of mild soap with warm water can be used, followed by reseasoning the griddle.
What not to do on a griddle?
Do not use harsh soap, abrasive scrubbers, or leave moisture on the griddle. Avoid skipping seasoning after cleaning, as this leads to rust and food sticking.
How do you bring a griddle back to life?
To restore a griddle, scrape off rust or buildup, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, clean thoroughly, and reseason it with 2–3 thin layers of oil until smooth.
Do you scrape a griddle hot or cold?
Always scrape a griddle while it’s still warm, but not too hot. This makes it easier to remove debris without damaging the surface.
What is the best oil to season a griddle with?
High-smoke-point oils like canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or flaxseed oil are best for seasoning a griddle. Apply thin layers and heat until the oil bonds to the surface.
Do you put oil on a griddle every time you cook?
Yes, applying a light coat of oil before cooking helps maintain the nonstick surface and prevents food from sticking.
What oil has the highest smoke point?
Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points at 520°F, making it ideal for high-heat cooking and seasoning griddles.
How long after seasoning a griddle can I cook?
After seasoning, allow the griddle to cool slightly. Once the surface is smooth and dry, it’s ready to cook on—typically within 10–15 minutes.
Geoff Abraham
Co-founder & President of Spoken
Geoff is the co-founder and President of Spoken. He is a Dad. He holds a BA from UT Austin (Plan II) and an MBA from Stanford. Geoff has built several successful businesses, including a bicycle taxi business in San Francisco which he ran for 10 years with his wife, Mimosa. He is an executive coach, and he actively invests in seed-stage startups via The Explorer Fund.
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