Cleaning your outdoor griddle after each use is important for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Griddles collect grease, drippings, and debris that can build up over time and prevent even heating or create a fire hazard if not regularly removed. Following these simple cleaning steps after cooking will keep your outdoor griddle looking and working like new.

Gather the Proper Cleaning Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes cleaning your outdoor griddle much easier. Before getting started, gather the following:

Grill brush – A high-quality grill brush with tough stainless steel bristles is perfect for scrubbing away stubborn baked-on food. Choose a brush with a long handle to easily reach across the whole griddle.
Metal scraper – A long handled scraper can help dislodge any food debris that is really stuck on.
Soft cleaning pad – A soft non-abrasive pad can be used to gently wipe down the griddle when necessary.
Paper towels or rags – Use these to wipe up grease and scrub surfaces.
Warm soapy water – Create a cleaning solution of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
Plastic putty knife – Helpful for scraping off gunk in hard to reach areas.
Trash bag – For discarding used paper towels or other waste materials.

Having these simple tools nearby before starting will make the cleaning process smooth and efficient.

Allow the Griddle to Cool Completely

It’s important to let the griddle cool fully before attempting to clean it. Cleaning while any surfaces are still hot can lead to burns or damage to the griddle. Allow at least an hour after use for the griddle to come down to a safe temperature. The griddle should be cool enough that you can comfortably place your hand on any surface before starting the cleaning process.

Remove Excess Grease and Debris

The first step is removing any large remnants of food, grease drippings, or other debris left over after cooking. Start by using a grill brush and metal scraper to dislodge any stuck-on bits. Hold the scraper at a 45° angle and gently work at any visible debris.

Next, use a wad of paper towels and your plastic putty knife to remove as much grease as possible. Carefully wipe down the entire cooking surface, as well as the sides, front, and back of the griddle. Be thorough about removing all visible grease, drippings, and food particles during this initial stage.

Discard used paper towels as you work to prevent grease from getting onto cookware or surfaces. Having a trash bag nearby makes this easy. Getting the griddle as clean as possible now will make the rest of the cleaning process simpler.

Scrub with Warm Soapy Water

Once you’ve removed all the loose debris, it’s time to give the griddle a thorough scrubbing. Wet your grill brush bristles with warm, soapy water and work the bristles over every square inch of the cooking surface. Apply firm pressure to break up any remaining bits of food.

Use a soft cleaning pad soaked in the soapy solution to gently scrub the exterior surfaces as well. Take special care to thoroughly clean the grease trap if your model has one.

Rinse the grill brush bristles often in the warm solution as you work. Make sure to scrub every part of the griddle – not just the easy to reach areas. Get into corners, along edges, and hard to access spots for a complete cleaning.

Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing the entire griddle, rinse away any soapy residue with clean water. Use paper towels or a microfiber cloth to dry the cooking surface. It’s important to fully dry the griddle to prevent moisture damage.

Inspect closely while drying to spot any leftover debris you may have missed. Use your plastic putty knife to gently dislodge any bits and give them another scrub if needed.

Season and Polish

Once the griddle is completely clean and dry, apply a thin layer of high-smoke point cooking oil. Rub it into the cooking surface using a paper towel or soft cloth. This will provide a light seasoning to help protect the metal.

Finish by using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to buff the exterior of the griddle until it shines. Your thorough cleaning makes it easy get a nice polished look.

Consider Doing a Deep Cleaning

In addition to cleaning after each use, a deep cleaning session 1-2 times per year will keep your outdoor griddle in tip top shape. To deep clean:

Allow griddle to cool completely after use. Remove all debris and scrub well.
Mix together warm water, dish soap, and baking soda into a spreadable paste.
Liberally apply paste to cooking surface and exterior. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
Scrub paste over all surfaces with a soft brush or pad. Rinse thoroughly.
Dry completely and season with oil to prevent rusting.

Deep cleaning to remove all grease and any surface buildup will have your griddle looking brand new!

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions every time you clean your outdoor griddle to make the process fast and easy.

Step 1: Allow Griddle to Cool

After cooking is complete, let griddle cool for at least 1 hour.
Test that all surfaces are cool enough to touch before cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Excess Debris

Use grill brush and metal scraper to dislodge stuck on food debris.
Wipe up all visible grease drippings with paper towels.
Discard used paper towels immediately to contain mess.

Step 3: Make Warm Soapy Water

Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
Alternatively, fill a bucket with the soapy solution.

Step 4: Scrub Cooking Surface

Use a grill brush dipped in the soapy water to scrub the cooking surface.
Apply firm pressure and scrub entire surface thoroughly.
Frequently rinse brush bristles in solution to prevent redepositing grime.

Step 5: Scrub Exterior Surfaces

Use a soft pad soaked in soapy water to gently scrub exterior surfaces.
Take care to thoroughly clean the grease management system.
Rinse pad often to remove residue.

Step 6: Rinse Away Soap

Use clean water to thoroughly rinse away any soapy residue.
Wipe away excess water with a dry paper towel or microfiber cloth.

Step 7: Dry and Season

Completely dry the entire griddle using a towel or cloth.
Inspect for any missed spots and re-clean if needed.
Rub a thin layer of cooking oil onto the surface to season it.

Step 8: Polish Exterior

Use a dry cloth or paper towel to buff the exterior surfaces.
Apply pressure to create a nice shine.

Following these simple steps every time guarantees a sparkling clean griddle! Be sure to also do occasional deep cleanings for extra freshness. Proper care extends the life of your outdoor griddle so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Helpful Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Use these handy tips and tricks for an even easier time cleaning your outdoor griddle:

Remove Grease While Griddle is Warm

Wiping away excess grease right after cooking while the griddle is still warm makes the job much easier.
The grease will wipe away smoothly before it has a chance to bake on as the griddle cools.

Use Special Griddle Cleaning Blocks

Cleaning blocks designed for griddles can be used instead of grill brushes for scrubbing.
The textured surface easily removes debris. Rinse often while scrubbing.

Simplify Scrubbing with Grill Brush Attachments

Look for grill brush heads that attach to a hose for hand-free scrubbing.
Water pressure does most of the work while you easily guide the brush.

Use Grease Draining Tray Liners

Line your grease drainage tray with aluminum foil or a reusable liner for easier cleanup.
Once grease accumulates, simply remove the liner and replace.

Clean Immediately After Cooking

Don’t let debris sit overnight or for long periods. Clean as soon as possible after each use.
Caked-on food is much harder to remove if left to really get stuck on the cooking surface.

Scrub in Sections

Divide your griddle mentally into quadrants and scrub each section fully before moving to the next.
This is more efficient than trying to scrub randomly all over.

Use a Plastic Paint Scraper

A plastic paint scraper can remove stuck on bits from the surface with less risk of scratching.
Hold at a 45° angle and gently scrape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy make little mistakes that make cleaning more difficult and less effective. Be aware of these common pitfalls:

Starting With a Hot Griddle

Don’t risk burns. Always allow an hour for safe cooling before touching your griddle to start cleaning. The metal and grease need to completely cool off.

Not Removing All Excess First

Letting too much grease or chunks of food remain before scrubbing can lead to redepositing grime and waste cleaning solution. Always wipe or scrape away as much as you can first.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Tools

Avoid metal bristle brushes or abrasive scrubbers which can damage the cooking surface. Use grill-safe brushes and soft scrub pads instead for the best results.

Forgetting the Grease Tray

It’s easy to focus just on the cooking surface, but don’t forget to fully clean out and replace the grease tray too. This is an important part of maintaining your griddle.

Skipping Seasoning at the End

Rubbing on a light coat of oil after cleaning prevents rusting and preserves the cooking surface. Don’t skip this conditioning step.

Not Storing Properly Afterward

Once cleaned and prepped, be sure to keep your griddle covered and protected from outdoor elements when not in use.

By avoiding these common mistakes, cleaning your outdoor griddle will be fast, effective, and ensure many future years of great backyard cooking.

How Often Should You Clean Your Griddle?

Cleaning after every use is ideal, but at minimum you should clean:

After each cooking session
Weekly if used lightly
After prolonged non-use
Before storing for an extended time
Anytime you notice debris buildup

More frequent deep cleanings can be done 1-2 times per year as needed. The frequency required really depends on how much you use your griddle. Light users can get by with less, while heavy users will need to clean more often.

Make cleaning just another part of your regular cooking process. The few minutes it takes each time are well worth it!

Supplies to Have on Hand

Having the right tools close at hand makes cleaning fast and efficient. Here are the must-have supplies to keep stocked for griddle cleaning sessions:

Grill Brush

A high-quality brush with stainless steel bristles is the most important tool for scrubbing away debris. Look for one with a long handle for easy reach.

Metal Scraper

Useful for dislodging stuck on food. A long handled scraper allows access across the entire griddle surface.

Warm Water

Mix with mild dish soap to create your cleaning solution. Warm water is better than cold for cutting grease.

Mild Dish Soap

Choose a gentle soap – never use harsh chemical cleaners. Just a small amount combined with warm water works great.

Soft Pads

Non-abrasive soft pads make quick work of scrubbing exterior surfaces without risk of scratching.

Paper Towels or Rags

Need these on hand for wiping up grease, cleaning debris, and drying. Stock up so you never run out mid-cleaning.

Trash Bags

Cleaning a griddle produces a lot of paper towel waste and other garbage. Have bags ready to contain the mess.

Plastic Putty Knife

A handy tool for scraping gunk out of tight spaces the brush can’t easily reach. Cover more area faster.

Microfiber Cloth

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth for a final buffing of exterior surfaces until they shine.

With these basic supplies at the ready, you can power through griddle cleaning anytime. Keep your tools organized and only used for your griddle. Proper prep makes the job a breeze!

Safety Tips

Cleaning your outdoor griddle is generally safe, but keep these tips in mind:

Always disconnect propane tank before cleaning.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh cleaning agents.
Avoid leaning directly over the griddle while scrubbing.
Take care when handling metal tools around slick surfaces.
Rinse away cleaning solutions thoroughly after use.
Keep spray bottles out of reach of small children.
Discard used paper towels promptly to contain grease.
Work slowly on a stable surface. Avoid leaning or overextending.

With some simple precautions, you can safely and effectively clean your outdoor griddle every time. Focus on avoiding burns and limiting exposure to the cleaning solutions.

Make a Schedule

To stay on top of griddle maintenance, make a regular cleaning schedule. Consistency is key!

After Each Use

Allow to cool completely
Wipe away all grease and debris
Scrub surface and exterior
Rinse and dry thoroughly

Weekly

Follow standard cleaning steps
Check grease trap and drain
Inspect for damage

Monthly

Standard cleaning plus degreasing agents
Deep scrub grease drainage system
Touch up exterior season oil

Every 6 Months

Full deep cleaning session
Degrease and Condition all surfaces
Replace worn parts like grill brushes

Set reminders on your phone, mark your calendar, or use visual cues like hanging your grill brush by the door so you don’t forget. Establish a routine that fits your usage patterns. Sticking to a schedule ensures your griddle always cooks and looks its best!

FAQs

Got questions about cleaning your outdoor griddle? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it safe to use soap on my griddle?

Yes, mild dish soap is safe when diluted with water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Use a gentle soap and rinse thoroughly.

How can I remove stuck-on food and grease?

Let the griddle cool completely, then use a metal scraper and grill brush with warm, soapy water to loosen and dislodge debris.

Should I clean the outside of the griddle too?

Yes! It’s important to wipe down exterior surfaces after each use to prevent grease buildup and rusting.

How often should I replace my grill brush?

Inspect it before each use for worn bristles. Replace at least 2-3 times a year or whenever you notice fraying.

What’s the best way to clean grease trays?

Remove trays, empty contents, and wash with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry fully before replacing. Line with foil for easier cleanup.

Can I pressure wash my griddle?

No, the high pressure water can damage the cooking surface. Stick to hand cleaning only.

Is it safe to scrape while the griddle is still warm?

No, always allow complete cooling first. Warm grease and metal can cause injuries.

How do I clean hard water spots and rust?

Use a metal scraper and a paste of baking soda and water. Rub gently, rinse, and dry fully.

How can I make cleaning faster?

Proper prep – have all tools and supplies ready to go before starting. Establish a regular cleaning routine.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning is essential for an outdoor griddle. Follow these tips and you’ll get the job done quickly, safely, and effectively every time. Allow time for the griddle to cool fully after each use. Remove all loose debris and thoroughly scrub the cooking surface as well as exterior parts. Finish by rinsing away cleaning agents, drying completely, and seasoning the cooking surface.

Make cleaning just another step of your typical grilling process. Having the right tools on hand and establishing a regular schedule both make the task easier. With proper care and maintenance, your outdoor griddle will deliver delicious results for years of backyard cuisine!

How to Clean an Outdoor Griddle