Updated: July 2025

Here’s the truth about griddle cleaning: You don’t need harsh chemicals to maintain a spotless cooking surface. In fact, using soaps and chemical cleaners regularly can be counterproductive, stripping away the precious seasoning that gives your griddle its non-stick properties and protects against rust.

Chemical cleaners should only be used as a last resort – think of them as the “nuclear option” for severely neglected griddles where you need to strip everything down and start fresh with reseasoning. For 99% of your cleaning needs, natural methods will keep your griddle sanitized, functional, and ready for your next cooking adventure while preserving the seasoning you’ve worked hard to build.

If you’re new to griddle ownership, make sure to check out our guide on 5 Must-Do steps BEFORE Your First Griddle Meal to start off on the right foot.

3 Proven Ways To Clean Your Griddle Without Chemicals

Think of chemical cleaners like factory resetting your phone – useful when you need a complete fresh start, but not something you’d do regularly. Here are three natural alternatives that will keep your griddle clean, sanitized, and properly seasoned while being safer for your family and the environment.

Method 1: Boiling Water (Your Daily Go-To)

This should be your standard cleaning method after every cooking session. Boiling water is simple, effective, and preserves your griddle’s seasoning while eliminating bacteria and food residue.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Keep your griddle hot after cooking (around 300-400°F)
2. Pour boiling water directly onto the cooking surface – use a kettle or large pot
3. Use a griddle scraper to remove any stubborn food particles while the surface is still warm
4. Scrub with a griddle brush if needed for tougher spots
5. Wipe clean with a paper towel or clean cloth
6. Apply a thin layer of oil while the surface is still warm to prevent rust
7. Turn off the griddle and let it air dry completely

Why boiling water works so well: At 212°F (100°C), boiling water kills virtually all bacteria, viruses, and germs on contact. When combined with your hot griddle surface, you’re creating an environment that’s hostile to any harmful microorganisms while loosening grease and food particles.

Pro tip: Always clean your griddle while it’s still warm. Food residue comes off much easier when it hasn’t had time to cool and harden onto the surface.

Method 2: White Vinegar (For Stubborn Buildup)

When regular water cleaning isn’t cutting through stubborn grease or food residue, white vinegar is your next best friend. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down tough buildup without damaging your griddle’s seasoning.

When to use vinegar:

• You notice stubborn grease spots that won’t come off with water
• Food particles are stuck despite scraping
• Your griddle has developed a sticky or gummy feeling
• You’ve gone a few cooking sessions without proper cleaning
• There’s visible buildup around the edges or grease trap

Step-by-step vinegar cleaning:

1. Heat your griddle to medium temperature (around 250-300°F)
2. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle or small bucket
3. Put on heat-resistant gloves – safety first!
4. Apply the mixture to the griddle surface using a cloth or griddle brush
5. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down stubborn residue
6. Scrub gently with a griddle brush or scraper in circular motions
7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all vinegar residue
8. Dry completely and leave the hood open to air out any lingering smell
9. Apply a light coat of oil to restore protection

Important: Use vinegar sparingly – once every 10-15 cooking sessions is typically enough. Overuse can eventually affect your seasoning, so reserve it for when you really need the extra cleaning power.

Method 3: Fresh Lemon Juice (The Pleasant-Smelling Alternative)

If you love the cleaning power of acid but prefer a fresh, citrusy scent over vinegar’s pungent smell, lemon juice is your answer. The citric acid in fresh lemons is equally effective at breaking down grease and eliminating odors while being gentler than vinegar.

Benefits of lemon juice cleaning:

• Natural deodorizer – eliminates cooking odors instead of masking them
• Brings out shine – leaves your griddle looking like new
• Gentle on seasoning – won’t strip away your non-stick coating as aggressively
• Pleasant scent – leaves behind a fresh, clean smell
• Natural antibacterial properties – helps sanitize the surface

How to clean with lemon juice:

1. Pre-heat your griddle briefly to soften any stuck-on food
2. Let it cool to warm temperature – lemon juice works best when not too hot
3. Squeeze 2-3 fresh lemons (roll them first to get more juice!)
4. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle
5. Spray the entire cooking surface generously
6. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate and lift debris
7. Scrub with a griddle brush – debris should come off easily
8. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
9. Dry completely before storing
10. Apply oil if desired for extra protection

Money-saving tip: Buy lemons in bulk when they’re on sale and juice them all at once. Fresh lemon juice keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week, or you can freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.

The Best Cleaning Schedule for Your Griddle

After every use:

• Clean with boiling water method
• Scrape off all food residue
• Dry completely to prevent rust
• Apply a light coat of oil while warm

Weekly (or every 5-7 cooking sessions):

• Deep clean with vinegar or lemon juice
• Check for any problem areas or rust spots
• Touch up seasoning if necessary
• Clean the grease trap and drip tray

Monthly:

• Inspect for rust, scratches, or damage
• Consider a more thorough seasoning session
• Clean the grease trap and surrounding areas thoroughly
• Check and replace cleaning tools if needed

Seasonal (4 times per year):

• Deep inspection of all components
• Major seasoning refresh if needed
• Clean and organize all griddle accessories
• Check propane connections and safety features

Essential Tools for Chemical-Free Cleaning

Must-have cleaning tools:

• Griddle scraper – metal or plastic for removing stuck food
• Griddle brush – stiff bristles for scrubbing
• Spray bottles – for vinegar and lemon solutions
• Heat-resistant gloves – protect your hands
• Paper towels or clean cloths – for wiping and drying
• Kettle or large pot – for boiling water

Conclusion

The bottom line: You don’t need harsh chemicals to maintain a clean, sanitary griddle. These three natural methods – boiling water for daily cleaning, vinegar for stubborn buildup, and lemon juice for a fresh-smelling deep clean – will keep your flat top grill in perfect condition while being safer for your family and the environment.

My personal recommendation? After testing all these methods extensively, I keep coming back to the basics: boiling water for daily maintenance, and occasional vinegar treatments for deeper cleaning. It’s fast, effective, completely chemical-free, and costs a fraction of commercial cleaners.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Clean your griddle after every use, and you’ll rarely need anything more than boiling water to keep it spotless and ready for your next culinary adventure. Your griddle will last longer, perform better, and you’ll enjoy healthier cooking without chemical residues.