Remove Rust And Grime From Your Blackstone Griddle With A Citrusy Ingredient

Whether you use your Blackstone griddle for juicy burgers or charred veggies, you don't want rust and grime as a topping. Yuck! Fortunately, cleaning your flat-top grill is simple, and you can use an edible ingredient that's probably already in your kitchen — a lemon. In an exclusive House Digest interview, we spoke to Alexis Rochester, an investigative chemist and the owner of Chemistry Cachet, to find out how a lemon can be an effective cleaning solution for your Blackstone griddle.

"Lemon can sometimes remove rust from a Blackstone griddle simply due to the acidity," Rochester explained. "Lemon juice has a pH between 2 and 3, which can break down rust." The citrusy fruit is an inexpensive and all-natural method to clean a Blackstone griddle. The expert chemist also shared how to use acidic fruit to get a clean grill and the best way to prevent rust from dirtying your appliance.

To clean your Blackstone griddle, you want the surface slightly warm; however, it shouldn't be hot to the touch. According to Rochester, the elevated temperatures will help activate the lemon's cleaning properties. It's best to heat the grill, turn it off, and then clean it before it has completely cooled down. "Take half of a lemon and rub it all over the warm surface," she exclusively told House Digest. "Allow the lemon to sit a few minutes, then scrub the surface with a sponge or scrub brush." Afterward, rinse and dry the griddle thoroughly. Any grime or rust on the grill should be gone. "You can also sprinkle some salt on the lemon before using it to increase the scrubbing power," Rochester suggested if any persist. This method also works to remove rust from other appliances like the stovetop, oven, and sink.

Before you cut the yellow fruit and get scrubbing, there are a few precautions to look out for. "The disadvantage is lemons might not be strong enough to remove all the rust residue on the Blackstone griddle," Rochester said. This lemon hack is best for minor rust and grime stains. If you've scrubbed and added salt, and the rust still remains, you're going to need something stronger. There are store-bought cleaners and other household products to remove stubborn rust from Blackstone griddles. "While it is unlikely, lemons could cause damage to a Blackstone griddle if left for an extended time or not rinsed properly," she added. So, follow the recommended cleaning instructions precisely, or even better, prevent the rust.

While cleaning with lemon is great, preventing rust is better. In an exclusive House Digest interview, Rochester shared, "The best way to prevent rust from a Blackstone griddle is to make sure you always dry it completely after rinsing it. Using a microfiber cloth to do this is a great way to absorb any moisture on the surface without leaving lint." Avoid air drying the grill, and if you don't have a microfiber cloth, a clean, dry sponge, kitchen towel, or rag should work just fine.

"Also, make sure you don't use anything too abrasive when you clean it," the chemist added. "If you use something too strong, it can damage the surface, which can lead to rust." Metal scours and scrub brushes can help remove stuck-on foods, but they can also scratch the coating. Avoid any abrasive tools and try warming the griddle or soaking the soiled areas to help eliminate messes instead. Further, she added, "Always keep your griddle seasoned and oiled to prevent rust." You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or shortening to season the flat-top grill and create a nonstick coating. Then, you can easily keep your grill safe and clean for when you're ready to barbecue.