How to Clean a Cast Iron Griddle

How to Clean a Cast Iron Griddle After Cooking

It is important to note that along with cleaning, seasoning is an important part of cast iron maintenance. It's best to be in the habit of seasoning cast iron at least every other time you use it until it has a thick layer of seasoning built up, especially if you often cook any acidic food in the pan like tomatoes. Flaxseed oil is best for seasoning, as it creates the most durable, smooth, and chemical-resistant layer of seasoning possible.

1. Allow the Griddle to Cool

   Always allow the cast iron griddle to cool completely before you begin cleaning. Plunging a hot griddle into a sink of water can cause it to develop small cracks and weaken the iron.

2. Wipe Away Food Particles

   While the griddle is still warm, use a paper towel to wipe away food particles, grease, or drippings from the surface. If there is stuck-on food, use a plastic scraper to loosen the food before wiping it away. Never use a metal scraper or steel wool that could damage the surface.

3. Quickly Clean with Soap and Water

   To finish cleaning, dampen a non-abrasive sponge with hot water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid. Wipe the entire surface of the griddle. Never leave the griddle to soak in a sink of water!

4. Rinse and Dry Well

   Rinse the griddle well with hot water and immediately dry the surface with an absorbent dishcloth or paper towels. Never leave the griddle to "drip-dry"; water left on cast iron causes rust to form.

5. Season if Needed

   If you notice that food is sticking to the griddle during cooking, it may be time to season the cast iron again. This should be done after washing the griddle but before storing it away. Add one-half to one teaspoon of any type of vegetable oil (corn, canola, olive) to the cooking surfaces of the griddle and use paper towels to distribute it evenly. Rub the oil into the surface until the cast iron is shiny. Wipe away excess oil.

   Heat the oiled cast iron on a cooktop element set to medium-low or in a warm oven set at 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for five to 10 minutes. Allow the griddle to cool before storing.

6. Store the Griddle Correctly

   Never store a cast iron griddle if it is still slightly damp. To make sure that the griddle is completely dry before storing, especially if you don't use it daily, place it over a medium-low temperature cooktop heating element or in a warm oven set at 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for five to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the cast iron to cool completely before storing it.

How to Restore and Season a Cast Iron Griddle

Mishandled or vintage cast iron griddles are frequently coated with rust, but they can often be restored. Unfortunately, if the rust has weakened the cast iron, causing holes or leaving the iron feeling thin, the damage is too severe to save the griddle.

1. Scrape Away the Rust

   If possible, take the griddle outside and use a non-metallic scraper or stiff-bristled nylon brush to remove as much of the loose rust particles as possible. The rust can stain clothes, concrete, and other surfaces, so always protect your area and put on work clothes before beginning.

2. Mix a Rust-Removing Paste

   In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon lemon juice with one cup of baking soda. Double the batch if necessary to have enough to cover all of the rusted surfaces of the griddle.

3. Apply the Cleaning Paste and Use Patience

   Use your hand or a small brush to apply the baking soda paste over the rusty areas. Cover the griddle with plastic wrap or place it in a sealable plastic bag. Wait at least 24 hours for the paste to cut through the rust, then scrub the griddle with a stiff-bristled brush to remove all the residue.

   If rust remains, repeat the steps. Rinse well with hot water, dry well with a dishcloth or paper towels, and re-season the surfaces.

4. Griddle Seasoning Steps

   • Heat an oven to 500 degrees F.
   • Use a paper towel to spread one to two tablespoons of vegetable oil to all surfaces of the griddle until it is black and shiny. There should be a thin coating of oil on every surface.
   • Place a disposable pan in the oven on a lower rack to catch any oily drips.
   • Place the oil-coated griddle in the hot oven. Bake for one hour. Turn the oven off and allow the cast iron to cool completely before using or storing it.

Tips to Keep Your Cast Iron Griddle Looking Good Longer

• Clean your griddle by hand after each time you use it.
• Never put your cast iron pans in the dishwasher.
• Season it at least twice a year or when food starts sticking to the griddle.
• After washing, dry the pan off completely, so it doesn't rust.
• Cool your cast iron pan down completely before storing.