Best Way To Clean A Cast Iron Griddle

If you’re like me, you love putting a cast iron griddle to good use. Whether it’s cooking up some pancakes for breakfast or searing a steak for dinner, there’s nothing quite like cooking on a cast iron griddle.

Cast iron griddles also come in a variety of sizes. But after each use, it’s important to clean your griddle, so it stays in good condition. Because the only problem with cast iron griddles is that they can be a bit of a pain to clean. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!

In this blog post, I’ll share the best way to clean a cast iron griddle so you can keep using it for years to come! Stay tuned for tips on how to season your griddle and remove cooked-on food. Trust me, with these tips, cleaning your cast iron griddle will be a breeze!

Why You Should Clean Your Cast Iron Griddle

A clean cast iron griddle is a happy cast iron griddle. And, more importantly, a clean cast iron griddle is a healthy cast iron griddle.

Bacteria and other food particles can build up on the surface of your griddle over time. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you don’t clean your cast iron griddle regularly, you could be at risk for food poisoning or other illnesses.

So, how often should you clean your cast iron griddle? It’s best to clean it after each use. But, I know that’s not always possible (or realistic). If you can’t clean your griddle after each use, try to at least give it a good cleaning every few uses.

The Best Way to Clean a Cast Iron Griddle

Now that we know why it’s important to clean our cast iron griddles, let’s talk about the best way to do it.

Below are the steps for cleaning a cast iron griddle. I recommend following these steps each time you clean your griddle, regardless of how dirty it is.

1. Start by heating up your griddle. This will help loosen any cooked-on food or grease.
2. Once the griddle is heated, use a spatula or scraper to remove any food from the surface.
3. Next, it’s time to wash the griddle with hot, soapy water. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner or soap. I like to use a natural dish soap.
4. After you’ve washed the griddle, use a clean towel or paper towel to dry it completely.
5. Now it’s time to season your griddle. This step is significant because it will help keep your griddle from rusting. Read on for instructions on how to season your griddle.

How to Season Your New Cast Iron Griddle

If you’ve just bought a new cast iron griddle, it’s important to season it before using it. This will help protect the surface of your griddle and keep it from rusting.

Here are the steps for seasoning a new cast iron griddle:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place your griddle on an oven-safe tray or baking sheet.
3. Spread a thin layer of vegetable shortening or cooking oil over the entire surface of the griddle.
4. Bake the griddle for 30 minutes.
5. Turn off the oven and allow the griddle to cool completely.
6. Store the griddle in a dry place when not in use.

How to Remove Cooked-On Food from the Surface of Your Cast Iron Grill

Even after following the steps above, you may still find that your cast iron griddle has some cooked-on food or grease.

Here are a few tips for removing cooked-on food from the surface of your griddle:

1. Try using a scrub brush or steel wool to remove any stubborn food particles.
2. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner. Be sure to rinse the griddle well after cleaning and dry it completely.
3. You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water. Rub the paste onto the cooked-on food and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush or sponge to remove the food.
4. If all else fails, you can try using a commercial degrease. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and rinse the griddle well after cleaning.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring For your Cast Iron Griddle

Now that you know how to clean your cast iron griddle, it’s important to know how to maintain it.

Here are a few tips for maintaining your griddle:

1. Don’t use dishwashers or harsh chemicals to clean your griddle. These can damage the surface of your griddle and cause it to rust.
2. Be sure to season your griddle regularly. This will help keep it from rusting and make it easier to clean.
3. If you’re not using your griddle, be sure to store it in a dry place.
4. If you notice any rust on your griddle, use a scrub brush or steel wool to remove it. Then, season the griddle.
5. If your griddle begins to lose its sheen, you can polish it with a bit of vegetable shortening or cooking oil.

FAQ’S

How do you clean an old cast iron griddle?

If your cast iron griddle is old and has build-up, you may need to soak it in a vinegar and water solution overnight. Then, scrub the griddle with a stiff brush and rinse it well. Be sure to season the griddle after cleaning.

How do you clean the crud off a cast iron griddle?

If there is crud on your cast iron griddle, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner. Be sure to rinse the griddle well after cleaning and dry it completely. You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water. Rub the paste onto the crud and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush or sponge to remove the crud.

Does vinegar remove rust from cast iron?

Yes, vinegar can remove rust from cast iron. You can try soaking the griddle in a vinegar and water solution overnight. Then, scrub the griddle with a stiff brush and rinse it well. Be sure to season the griddle after cleaning.

How do you restore an old crusty cast iron skillet?

If your old cast iron skillet is crusty, you can try using a wire brush to remove the crust. Then, season the skillet and use it as normal. If there is still some rust on the skillet, try using a scrub brush or steel wool to remove it. Then, season the skillet.

How do you deep clean a cast iron skillet?

If you want to deep clean your cast iron skillet, you can try using a wire brush to remove any food particles. Then, soak the skillet in a vinegar and water solution overnight. Scrub the skillet with a stiff brush and rinse it well. Be sure to season the skillet after cleaning.

How do you remove burnt-on grease from a cast-iron skillet?

If there is burnt grease on your cast iron skillet, you can try using a wire brush to remove it. Then, season the skillet and use it as you normally would. If the grease is still stubborn, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner. Be sure to rinse the skillet well after cleaning and dry it completely.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the best way to clean a cast iron griddle. By following these simple steps, your griddle will be good as new in no time! And if you’re just starting out with cast iron cooking, remember to season your griddle before each use.

This will help keep food from sticking and make cleanup even easier. Have any other questions about cleaning or caring for your cast iron? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to answer them. Thanks for reading!