Many people think cleaning a griddle is about grabbing some cleaning solution, splashing water, and removing the pieces of food stuck on its surface. However, when it comes to commercial griddles especially, the effectiveness of your cleaning has potential consequences on your health and that of your family and the lifespan of the griddle itself. So, you must learn how to clean a griddle and why it requires a careful, meticulous, and deliberate process, especially if it is an electric griddle.
Here is how to effectively clean your griddle in 7 steps.
Everything You Will Need
Before you begin, here’s a list of everything you need to clean an electric griddle in the order in which you will need it.
- A flat spatula or griddle scraper
- Mild dish soap and some water
- White vinegar
- A soft, non-abrasive cloth
- Some baking soda
- A clean, dry cloth or paper towel
1. Unplug the Griddle and Let it Cool
One factor that makes cleaning electric griddles more complicated is that the cleaning process can leave you vulnerable to electrical shock. So, it is important to start with safety precautions.
- Unplug the appliance from the wall socket.
- Allow the griddle to cool down completely before you start cleaning. Depending on how long it was used, this may take about 30 minutes.
2. Remove Excess Food Debris
As we shall see later, leftover food particles do not bode well for the health of your griddle or even your own personal health. The objective of this step is to remove all leftover food from the surface of the griddle.
- Use a flat spatula or a dedicated griddle scraper to gently remove any food remnants or grease from the surface.
- Take care not to scratch the non-stick coating of your griddle (if it has one).
- Pay special attention to the corners and edges where food can accumulate.
3. Prepare the Griddle for Washing
This step is important if your griddle has a removable drip tray or any detachable parts.
- Get some warm water, and mix it with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak for 15-20 Minutes: Let these parts soak to loosen any stuck-on food or grease.
After sitting in water and soap for a while, the “stubborn” food particles come out easily.
4. Now, It’s Time to Clean
For proper cleaning, you need a cleaning solution that is perfect for cutting through grease and eliminating odor.
- Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. White vinegar is perfect for cutting through grease and eliminating odor.
- Spray the Surface: Lightly mist the cooking surface with the vinegar solution (ensure the griddle is cool).
- Wipe with a Soft Cloth: Use a non-abrasive sponge or a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. For stubborn stains:
- Use Baking Soda: Baking soda acts as an abrasive. Sprinkle some of it directly onto the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the surface. Scrub gently and in circular motions.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Unlike most other cooking equipment, you cannot rinse an electric griddle by pouring water all over the surface. Remember, it has electrical components, so you have to be careful.
- Use your clean, damp cloth to wipe the surface again to remove any soap or baking soda residue.
- Make sure you don’t leave any cleaning solution behind. You don’t want your food covered in the flavor of baking soda the next time you use the grill.
- Dry the Surface: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the griddle dry. Make sure there’s no moisture left, especially in any crevices.
6. Clean the Removable Parts
Now, turn your attention to the trays and other removable parts.
- After soaking, use a sponge or dishcloth to scrub the drip tray and any other removable parts. Pay attention to any stubborn stains.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse these parts thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap. Then dry them with a towel or let them air dry completely.
7. Reassemble and Store
- Reattach Removable Parts: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble any removable parts back onto the griddle.
- Store Properly: Store the griddle in a cool, dry place. If it has a cover, use it to keep it dust-free.
This is the proper way to clean your electric griddle. By following these steps, you have ensured not only that the griddle appears clean and presentable but also healthy and safe. However, grill maintenance does not end at cleaning. Here are some extra electric griddle-specific tips to ensure your griddle remains in top shape.
Additional Maintenance Tips for Your Electric Griddle
- Clean Regularly: Ensure that you clean the griddle every time you use it. In fact, cleaning the griddle should be an integral part of your cooking routine. Apart from keeping your kitchen tidy and healthy, griddles are much easier to clean when you do it regularly.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: There are three main cleaning substances that are perfect for cleaning a griddle: mild dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda. Do not use any harsh chemicals as they can damage the non-stick coating or leave harmful residue.
- Check Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to your griddle's user manual for any specific cleaning instructions or recommendations.
WHY FOOD RESIDUE IS BAD FOR YOUR GRIDDLE
- Leftover food particles and grease can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Grease and food debris can lead to corrosion, particularly if moisture is trapped beneath the residues. This can damage the heating elements and the cooking surface.
- Scrubbing a dirty griddle with abrasive materials will scratch the non-stick surface, leading to further deterioration and reducing its lifespan.
Wilprep’s Electric Griddles
Some griddles are easier to clean than others, depending on the material they are made from. Wilprep commercial griddles are especially easy to clean and maintain because they are made of high-grade stainless steel.
Hassle-free cleaning is just one of the perks you get with a commercial griddle from Wilprep. They are energy efficient, the heating is efficient and even, and each griddle comes with specialized knobs to ensure precise temperature control for your cooking style.
Check out Wilpreps’ collection of griddles of all sizes and models, from smaller electric and gas griddles to bigger models for your kitchen. Also check out other types of commercial kitchen equipment Wilprep offers to benefit from the best products in the market.
