Blackstone grills are the favorite cookers of many kitchen enthusiasts all over the globe, and with good reason.
These griddle-style grills are versatile and allow you to grill, sear, or fry food in a pan.
Best of all, Blackstone grills are affordable and can last long if you know how to properly take care of your grill.
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle will allow it to last as long as possible.
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How To Clean a Blackstone Grill
Cleaning your black stone grill is relatively easy.
So easy that I’ve shared how to clean a brand-new Blackstone grill, how to season it, how to clean the grill after using it, and how to clean a rusty Blackstone griddle.
How To Clean a New Blackstone Grill
You are probably already picturing the BBQ salmon, Ranch steaks, and BBQ chicken you cook on your Blackstone griddle.
However, you must clean your Blackstone grill before you use it.
First, fill a container or bucket with hot water, then add the soap and mix it up until it has foamed up a bit.
Dip your towel into the hot soapy water and scrub the grill’s surface.
The soapy water will wash away any dust or residue that may have come in contact with the grill during shipping and storage.
Remove the water from the grill using paper towels.
Rinse the grill thoroughly to ensure all the soap particles are removed.
Let the grill dry completely before using or storing the grill. Letting the grill dry completely will prevent it from rusting.
How to Season a Blackstone Grill
Grills must be seasoned whether you are cleaning a new or old grill.
Seasoning the grill creates a non-stick cooking surface that prevents food from sticking to the grill’s surface.
To season your Blackstone grill, you need a few ingredients. Blackstone has their own griddle seasoning and cast iron conditioner and recommends using this product for seasoning the grill.
However, you can use canola, flax, vegetable, and even shortening to season your grill.
Once you have selected your oil, apply 2-3 tablespoons of the oil to your grill and use paper towels.
Rub the oil on the cooking surface, making sure to get the side and back of the grill.
Turn on the grill’s burners to high. The grill will start to smoke and look discolored.
However, there is no need to fret. It’s just the oil bonding to the metal surface of the grill. The oil will take 10-15 minutes to bond to the metal.
Once the oil stops smoking, repeat the process. Once you’ve seasoned the grill a second time, turn it off and let it cool completely.
The grill should be as black as the night sky.
How To Clean a Blackstone Grill After Cooking
Soap should only be used on new griddles. If you use soap on a used grill, the soap may leave a residue that could end up in your food.
The first step to cleaning your used Black stone griddle is to let it cool completely.
Use a wide metal spatula or metal scrape to remove any residual food from the cooking surface.
Scrape the food towards the griddle’s grip pan. Rub the grill with a paper towel.
The paper towel will absorb any residual oil on the griddle cooking surface.
If there are hard to remove food particles stuck on the griddle cooking surface, spray them with hot water.
The hot water will loosen up the hard-to-remove food particles, making them easier to scrape the food away.
Once you remove the residual food particles, coat the cooking surface with hot water.
Use a non-metallic scrubber to remove any residual food particles from the grill.
Do not use a wire brush to clean the grill. The wire brush can leave tiny pieces of metal that may cost rust.
In addition, these tiny metal pieces can end up in your food, so do not use a wire brush to clean your grill.
Wipe away any particles with a paper towel. Next, use a microfiber towel to dry the skillet.
Place one to two tablespoons of oil onto the grill and use the paper towel to distribute the oil all over the cooking surface. Store the grill in a cool, dry place.
How To Clean a Rusty Blackstone Griddle
If your Blackstone grill has rusted, all is not lost. You can restore the grill to its former glory.
But be warned, you’ll need a lot of elbow grease to clean a rusted griddle.
Removing rust from a heated grill is easier, so make sure you wear heat-resistant gloves and protective wear to prevent yourself from getting burned.
Turn your grill’s burners to high heat and let it heat up. You want the grill to be so hot that you could sear a steak on it.
The grill needs to remain this hot during most of the cleaning process.
Use a metal scraper to scrape the rust away from the grill’s cooking surface.
Be strategic and start from one side of the grill, working your way to the other side of the grill in a pattern.
This will ensure you scrape away all of the rust.
Adding water to the griddle surface may seem like a good idea.
However, resist the urge and keep the cooking surface dry, as this is the easiest way to remove the rust.
Let your grill cool completely. Use a paper towel or bench scraper to remove the loosened rust particles from the grill.
Add 4-5 tablespoons of vegetable oil or another neutral-flavored milk to the grill.
Scrub the grill with a pumice grill stone or a metallic scrubbing brush.
Remove the excess oil and rust particles from the grill’s cooking surface with paper towels.
If there is still rust on your grill, add more all and scrub the grill again.
Continue adding oil and scrubbing the griddle until all of the rust is removed from the griddle.
Season the grill by adding a fresh coat of oil. Make sure you rub the oil into the grill.
Store the Blackstone grill in a cool, dry place to prevent it from rusting again.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Blackstone grill will ensure it stays in tip-top shape for many years.
You can happily cook foods like BBQ burgers on your grill for a long time.
You might also be interested in the following:
- How To Clean a Weber Grill
- How To Clean a George Foreman Grill
- How To Clean a Flat Top Grill
- How To Clean a Traeger Grill
- How To Clean Pit Boss Pellet Grill
- How To Clean Grill Grates
- How To Clean BBQ Grease off Concrete
Featured Image Credit: Blackstone via Amazon
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.