How to Clean a Griddle (Flat Top Cleaning Guide)

The After-Cook Clean (Every Use)

Do this every time, while the griddle is still hot. A hot surface is dramatically easier to clean than a cold one – residue hardens as the surface cools.

1. Scrape the entire cooking surface with a metal griddle scraper while still hot. Push debris and grease toward the grease trap. Use firm, even strokes along the surface.
2. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of water onto the hot surface. It will steam and bubble – this loosens any remaining residue. Spread the steam with the scraper.
3. Wipe the surface with a folded paper towel or clean cloth. Repeat if needed until the surface is clean.
4. Apply a thin layer of high smoke-point oil (canola or vegetable) to the warm surface using a paper towel. Spread evenly across the full cooking area, including the edges.
5. Allow to cool. The oil coat protects the surface until the next cook.

Do not put the cover on until the surface has cooled completely – trapping heat causes condensation under the cover, which leads to rust on the oil-coated surface.

Between Batches During a Cook

Between cooking batches, clean quickly to prevent residue from burning onto the surface and affecting the next batch.

1. Scrape the cooking area with the griddle scraper. Push debris toward the grease trap.
2. Add a small splash of water to steam off remaining residue.
3. Wipe clean with a paper towel.
4. Apply a thin fresh coat of oil before the next batch goes on.

This takes 30 seconds and makes a significant difference to the quality of the next batch – residue from a previous cook burns and creates off-flavors if left on the surface.

Deep Cleaning (Monthly or As Needed)

Deep clean when the surface has heavy grease buildup that the after-cook clean doesn't fully remove, when the surface has gone sticky (from too-thick oil application), or when rust spots appear.

What you need

• Griddle brick or pumice stone (available at most BBQ retailers)
• Metal griddle scraper
• Paper towels
• High smoke-point oil for re-seasoning after cleaning

Deep clean steps

1. Heat the griddle to medium (350°F) – the griddle stone works on a warm surface, not a cold one, but don't use it on a screaming-hot surface, as the stone degrades faster at extreme temperatures.
2. First, scrape the surface thoroughly with the griddle scraper to remove loose debris and thick grease.
3. Apply a small amount of oil to the surface – this acts as a lubricant for the griddle stone.
4. Use the griddle stone to scrub the surface in circular motions. Apply moderate pressure. The stone removes baked-on residue, carbon buildup, and rust.
5. Scrape the loosened material toward the grease trap and remove.
6. Wipe the surface clean with paper towels.
7. Re-season immediately: apply 2-3 thin coats of oil, burning each coat off at high heat (see re-seasoning steps below). The griddle stone removes the existing seasoning layer and residue.

How to Re-Season After Deep Cleaning

After a deep clean or any time soap contacts the cooking surface, re-season before the next cook.

1. Turn all burners to high. Preheat for 10 minutes.
2. Apply a very thin layer of oil to the entire surface using a paper towel and tongs. The layer should be almost invisible – not pooling.
3. Allow to smoke and burn off completely – 10-15 minutes.
4. Repeat 2-3 times for a full re-season. The surface should darken and feel dry and smooth when done.

Removing Rust from a Flat Top Griddle

Surface rust is common if you store the griddle without an oil coat or leave it uncovered in wet conditions. It does not mean the griddle is ruined.

1. Heat the griddle to medium (350°F).
2. Apply oil to the rusted area to lubricate it.
3. Scrub with the griddle stone using firm circular motions. The stone removes the rust layer.
4. For severe rust, use coarse sandpaper (80-100 grit) before the griddle stone to remove the worst of it, then finish with the stone.
5. Wipe clean and re-season with 3-5 coats of oil as described above.

See also: How to Remove Rust from Grill Grates for rust removal on standard grill grates – the process differs from flat top cleaning.

What Not to Do

• Never use soap on a seasoned flat top surface. Soap is a degreaser – it strips the seasoning layer. Use soap only for the first wash before seasoning a brand-new griddle.
• Never use steel wool or abrasive metal scrubbers on a porcelain-coated surface (NitroGuard™ on the Daytona) – they scratch and damage the coating. Use only the griddle stone or a soft cloth.
• Never put cold water on a very hot griddle – thermal shock can warp the surface. Use warm or room temperature water. A small splash during cooking is fine; pouring a full glass of cold water onto a 500°F surface is not.
• Never cover the griddle while still hot – condensation under the cover causes rust.

Cleaning the Grease Trap

The grease trap on the Daytona collects rendered fat and cooking juices during and after every cook. Empty it regularly to prevent overflow and fire risk.

• After every cook: check the level and empty if more than half full.
• Slide the grease tray out, empty it into a disposable container, and wipe clean with a paper towel.
• Line the tray with aluminum foil before reinstalling – makes future emptying faster.
• A full grease tray is a fire hazard – grease can overflow onto the burners and ignite.

Related Guides

• How to Season Your Griddle Top
• Flat Top Grill Cooking Tips
• Gas Grill Troubleshooting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean a flat top grill after cooking?

While still hot: scrape the surface clean with a metal griddle scraper, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to steam off remaining residue, wipe with a paper towel, then apply a thin coat of high smoke-point oil before the surface cools. This takes under 2 minutes and should be done after every cook.

Can you use soap to clean a flat top griddle?

No. Soap strips the seasoning layer from a flat top griddle surface. The only exception is the very first wash on a brand new griddle before initial seasoning – this removes manufacturing residue. After that, clean with a scraper, water, and paper towels only.

How do you deep clean a flat top griddle?

Heat to medium (350°F). Scrape off loose residue. Apply a small amount of oil as a lubricant. Scrub with a griddle stone in circular motions. Scrape and wipe clean. Re-season immediately with 2-3 thin coats of oil, burned off at high heat – deep cleaning removes the seasoning layer along with the residue.

How do you get rust off a flat top griddle?

Heat to medium. Apply oil. Scrub with a griddle stone in firm circular motions. For heavy rust, use 80-100 grit sandpaper first to remove the worst of it, then finish with the griddle stone. Wipe clean. Re-season with 3-5 coats of oil – rust removal takes the seasoning layer with it, and the surface must be re-seasoned before cooking.

How often should you clean a flat top griddle?

After every cook – scrape, water, wipe, re-oil. This takes under 2 minutes and is the only routine maintenance needed. Deep clean with a griddle stone monthly or when the surface has heavy buildup, has gone sticky, or shows rust. Empty the grease trap after every cook or when more than half full.