How to Clean and Prevent Rust on Your Blackstone Griddle?

Cooking outside on a blackstone griddle can be adventurous and also time-consuming, but it produces a delicious feast without using a pile of dishes and utensils. A Blackstone griddle is an outdoor cooking equipment  made of steel, and is popularly known for offering a versatile surface. A variety of foods such as burgers, pancakes, eggs, bacon etc. can be cooked on it.

Blackstone griddle is an ideal choice for cooking meats and getting a crispy exterior on food as it's heated using propane or natural gas, which leads to high temperatures. However, the grill is rusted when it is exposed to moisture. The great relief is that rust can be cleaned through the following guide.

Reasons for Blackstone Griddle Rust

There are certain causes that allow a Blackstone griddle to rust.

Exposed to Moisture - Griddle can be exposed to moisture if not properly dried after cleaning, causing it to rust. Additionally, living in areas with high humidity can also be the reason for rust.

Using Irregularly - The surface can begin to rust if one doesn't use their griddle on a regular basis. This occurs when the protective seasoning layer gradually degrades due to infrequent use.

Poor Storage - Leaving the griddle outside without covering it, or storing it at a place where it can easily get wet, allows rust to form. Make sure to find a safe storage spot when not using it frequently.

Damaged - If the seasoning layer is damaged with scratches for any reason, it exposes the steel underneath to moisture, which may cause rusting.

Tools Required to Clean

Here are some necessary tools one would need while cleaning the Blackstone griddle.

• Scraper (To remove any rust )

• Cooking oil ( Avocado oil works well, but can use any)

• Paper Towels

• Grill Bricks

• Heat-resistant Gloves

Avoid reaching for unrelated household cleaning chemicals simply because they work well elsewhere. For example, the best oven cleaner may be effective at removing baked-on grease inside compatible ovens, but that does not mean it should be applied to a seasoned griddle cooking surface. Follow Blackstone's current cleaning and maintenance recommendations for your particular model.

Now that all the tools are handy. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to clean Blackstone griddle rust.

Step #1: Warm Up the Griddle

Begin with heating the griddle at high temperature and let it sit for 20 minutes. The rust will loosen up due to the high temperature. This makes it easier to clean. Make sure to wear heat-resistant gloves before beginning to scrape it.

Step #2: Scrape Off  the Dust

After the griddle is heated, use the scraper to remove as much dust and debris as possible. Clean it in a methodical way. First, gather all the debris in one place, then clear all debris. Repeat this step again if the rust is gravely widespread.

Step #3: Use a Grill Brick to Scrub

Once you are done scraping, put 2 to 4 tablespoons of oil onto the griddle and use grill brick to scrub it after being done with scraping. It will allow the surface to smoothen down and remove rest of the remaining rust. Make sure to use firm and consistent pressure without being scared to put some elbow grease on it.

Step #4: Wipe Down the Surface

Removing rust may require several rounds of wiping. Use paper towels to clear loosened rust and residue from the griddle surface.

Continue until the surface is clean enough for the next stage. Avoid introducing unrelated household cleaners during this process. A multipurpose cleaner that may be suitable elsewhere in your home is not automatically food-surface safe. The same distinction matters when considering can you use fabuloso on wood floors—cleaning products should always be matched to their intended surfaces and manufacturer directions.

Step #5: Reseason the Griddle

Now, reseason the griddle to protect the surface and create a non-stick layer.

Follow the instructions below for reseasoning.

1. Let the griddle preheat after putting it on medium heat.

2. Apply one tablespoon on the surface for 2-burner griddles and 2-3 tablespoons for 4-burner griddles.

3. Ensure to coat all areas evenly with oil, even the corners and edges, creating a thin layer using the paper towel.

4. Let the oil burn off completely. Once the smoke stops, it will be evident within 15-20 mins.

5. Repeat the above steps thrice.

How to Prevent Rusting?

It is important to keep rust at a distance. Here are the tips to achieve a well-maintained blackstone griddle.

• If the griddle is seasoned every few months, rust and corrosion can be avoided, especially if it's not being used regularly.

• Clean the griddle after every use to keep it rust-free.

• Store the griddle in a covered area such as a shed or a garage. Consider using a high-quality cover to protect it from unknown elements if it is stored outside.

• Adhere to scraping and wiping the surface with a paper towel instead of using any detergents or rough sponges to clean it. Using such harsh cleaning tools can harm the seasoning and cause the steel to become moist due to exposure.

Using a product for its intended purpose is important throughout the home. For example, splash foam toilet cleaner is intended for toilet-cleaning applications, not food-contact cooking surfaces. Likewise, DIY drain-cleaning recipes such as homemade drano have no place in griddle maintenance and should never be used as improvised degreasers.

Conclusion

Cleaning and proper maintenance are essential for keeping a Blackstone griddle rust-free. Rust can often be prevented by cleaning the griddle after use, maintaining its seasoning, keeping the cooking surface dry, and storing the equipment properly.

Most importantly, don't experiment with household cleaners or additives on a food-contact cooking surface. The same principle applies to other home-maintenance equipment: always check compatibility first. For example, homeowners asking can you put epsom salt in a hot tub should check their hot-tub manufacturer's instructions because products that are appropriate for a regular bath may not be compatible with spa plumbing and water chemistry.

By using griddle-appropriate cleaning methods and maintaining the seasoning layer, you can protect the steel surface and keep the griddle ready for your next outdoor cooking session.