How to Clean Griddles

A griddle must be properly cleaned and seasoned after every use.

A griddle is a popular kitchen tool with a flat surface used to cook a variety of foods. A griddle, like all kitchen utensils, must be kept clean, seasoned and ready for the next meal. Properly cleaning a griddle is accomplished with a few mild, readily available products and tools. Seasoning your griddle is done simply by covering the cleaned and dried griddle with a thin coat of light oil to protect the metal surface from rust due to exposure to the humid environment in your kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Pitcher
• Club soda
• Ice
• Putty knife
• Scrub pad
• Wooden spoon
• Toothpick
• Water
• Liquid dish soap
• Clean, dry rags
• Vegetable oil
• Long, leather gloves

Instructions

1. Turn off power or gas heat supply to the griddle or remove it from the stove top. Gently pour a pitcher of club soda and ice onto the warm griddle. Scrape the cook surface of the griddle with your putty knife.

2. Wrap a scrub pad around the large end of the wooden spoon. Scrub the cook surface of your griddle with the scrub pad on your spoon. Scrape off the residue with your putty knife. Rub the tip of a toothpick on the crevices around the edges of the cook surface to remove other residue.

3. Wet a rag with water and add 1/2 tsp. of liquid dish soap to the rag. Fold the rag and rub vigorously to spread the soap throughout the rag and obtain a lather. Unfold the rag and scrub the cook surface of your griddle with the soapy cloth. Rinse your rag thoroughly and use the clean, wet cloth to remove the soap from your griddle.

4. Wipe away any excess moisture from your griddle with a clean, dry rag. Pour one tsp. of vegetable oil onto a clean, dry rag and wipe it across the surface of your griddle. Coat the entire cook surface of the griddle with a thin layer of the oil. Allow the oil to remain on the griddle to protect the metal surface until you are ready to cook your next meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear long, leather work gloves when cleaning your griddle. The longer gloves will help to protect your hand and forearm from steam burns.

References

• Bread Maker: How to Clean a Griddle