Taking care of a cast iron griddle involves proper cleaning, thorough drying, and regular seasoning to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rust.
To keep your cast iron griddle in excellent condition for years of cooking, follow these essential steps covering cleaning, drying, and seasoning.
1. Cleaning Your Cast Iron Griddle
Proper cleaning immediately after use is crucial. While it might seem counter-intuitive to wash cast iron, it is necessary, and soap is generally okay.
- Wash It: Yes, wash your cast iron griddle.
- Use Soap: Use soap if it needs it to remove grease and food residue.
- Scrub Away Particles: Scrubbing with the rougher side of a sponge is effective for removing food particles that might stick to the surface.
- Avoid Steel Wool: Do not use steel wool or other harsh abrasive scrubbers, as they can strip away the seasoning.
- For Stubborn Bits: For tough, stuck-on food, you can add a little water to the griddle and heat it gently on the stovetop to loosen the debris, then scrape with a wooden spoon or spatula before washing.
2. Drying Immediately and Completely
This is one of the most critical steps to prevent rust. Water is the enemy of bare cast iron.
- Dry Completely: Do dry it completely right after washing. Do not let it air dry.
- Methods:
- Use a clean towel or paper towels to dry the surface thoroughly.
- For extra measure, place the griddle over low heat on the stovetop for a few minutes until all moisture evaporates. Be careful, it will get hot!
3. Re-Seasoning (Maintaining the Surface)
Seasoning is a layer of polymerized oil baked onto the cast iron, creating a natural, non-stick surface and protecting against rust.
- Why Season? Every time you cook with oil, you are building up the seasoning. After washing and drying, especially if you used soap or scrubbed vigorously, applying a light layer of oil helps maintain this protective coating.
- How to Re-Season (Quick Method):
- After drying, apply a very thin layer of cooking oil (like flaxseed, grapeseed, vegetable, or canola oil) to the entire surface using a paper towel. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil; you want a barely visible layer.
- Place the griddle back on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until it just starts to smoke lightly.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool. The oil will polymerize, adding to your seasoning layer.
4. Proper Storage
Once clean, dry, and lightly oiled, store your griddle in a dry place. If stacking other cookware on top, place a paper towel or cloth in between to prevent scratches and absorb any residual moisture.
Summary of Cast Iron Griddle Care
| Action | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Wash with soap (if needed) & sponge | Use steel wool or harsh abrasives |
| Drying | Dry completely, especially on stovetop | Air dry |
| Seasoning | Apply thin oil layer, heat briefly | Use too much oil (it will be sticky) |
| Storage | Store dry, layer with paper towel/cloth | Store wet or in humid environments |
By following these steps, your cast iron griddle will develop a beautiful seasoning over time, becoming increasingly non-stick and durable.
