A guide to cleaning griddles and grill surfaces

Q: What do I need to clean a grill plate?

You need four basic tools: a grill cleaner to dissolve grease and burnt-on food residues, a grill mat, a grill net or a cleaning sponge to scrub the surface, a grill scraper to remove food residues in corners and edges, and paper towels or a clean cloth to dry the surface afterwards. Grill cleaners are abrasive, so always read the safety data sheet before use.

Q: Why should I oil the frying pan after cleaning?

A thin, even layer of neutral cooking oil, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, creates a protective surface that prevents rust and drying out. This is especially true of carbon steel surfaces. Chrome-plated surfaces do not need oil treatment, but should still be carefully wiped down to avoid water stains.

Q: Which chemicals should I avoid on a frying pan?

Avoid chlorine- and ammonia-based chemicals; they can permanently damage the surface of the grill. For daily, light cleaning, a mild detergent often suffices along with a soft brush or cloth, which also reduces wear on the surface over time.

Need tips for cleaning your griddle? With extensive experience in manufacturing cleaning products for commercial kitchens, Cleano Production has the expertise to give you the best advice. Here's everything you need to know to clean your griddle without damaging the surface.

Cleaning griddles in catering environments

In the hospitality industry, regular cleaning of griddles, grills, and other catering equipment is crucial for maintaining high standards of hygiene and food quality in the kitchen. As a leading producer of cleaning solutions, we recognize the importance of effective products that deliver real results. With years of expertise, we’ve gained valuable insights into the most efficient methods for keeping your kitchen spotless. In this guide, we share both top-rated products and practical tips for cleaning your workplace griddle.

Cleaning your griddle: The essentials

grill cleaner
grill cloth, grill net or cleaning sponge
grill scraper (alternatively a soft brush or cloth)
paper towels or a clean cloth

Grill cleaner for effective heavy-duty cleaning

To clean your griddle thoroughly and efficiently, you need to use grill cleaners. Through our partner Martin & Servera we offer grill cleaners in 5.5 litre package, and in a 500 ml spray bottle to meet all possible cleaning needs. The cleaner is corrosive and should therefore be used with caution. Don't forget to read the instructions on the label or in the safety data sheet.

What is the difference between a grill cloth, grill net and cleaning sponge?

The choice between a grill cloth and a grill net depends on the surface of the griddle and how dirty it is. A grill cloth is usually softer and suitable for daily, regular cleaning, while a grill net is coarser and can be used for more ingrained dirt. If you don't have a grill cloth or grill net, a regular cleaning sponge will often work too, but it depends on how dirty the surface is. Remember to be careful if you use steel wool, as it can damage the cooking surface.

How important is it to use a grill scraper?

Using a grill scraper when cleaning your griddle is highly recommended, but it is not always a must. A grill scraper effectively removes food residues and grease from the griddle. It helps you reach into corners and edges where dirt easily accumulates. If you have a chromed frying surface, it is better to use a soft brush or cloth to avoid scratches.

Step by step: How to clean your griddle

For the most part, the steps for cleaning a griddle are the same whether you're cleaning a carbon steel or stainless steel griddle, but a few points may vary. Follow these steps to clean thoroughly:

Start by turning off the heat on your griddle.
Apply the grill cleaner to the surface and leave it on for a while. For larger surfaces, you can dilute the cleaner with water.
Use a grill cloth, grill net or cleaning sponge to scrub the surface thoroughly. For stainless steel griddles, soft sponges or cloths are recommended to avoid scratches, while carbon steel can withstand more robust scrubbing methods. However, avoid abrasive tools that may risk damaging the surface.
Rinse off with clean water.
Use a scraper to remove excess water from the grill surface. Make sure to scrape gently to avoid scratching.
Wipe with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. This is important to prevent rust, especially for carbon steel, since moisture can lead to corrosion.

Treat your griddle after cleaning

After cleaning, it is important to treat the griddle to protect the cooking surface and extend its lifespan. To do this, you can apply a thin and even layer of neutral cooking oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, to the surface. This creates a protective coating that prevents rust and dryness. Chrome surfaces do not require additional treatment, but be sure to wipe the surface after cleaning to avoid water stains.

Other tips and tricks for cleaning your griddle

Never use chemicals containing chlorine or ammonia on your griddle, as these can damage the surface.
For daily cleaning, use a soft brush or cloth and mild detergent to avoid wear and tear on the surface.
Regular cleaning prevents grease and food residues from sticking, making it easier to keep the griddle clean over time.

Sell your own catering product line

At Cleano Production, we manufacture cleaning products tailored for the professional market. One of our key industries is commercial kitchens in hotels and restaurants, where we produce a wide range of products, including premium dishwashing detergents, degreasers, and disinfectants. We take full responsibility for production – so your cleaning products meet all your quality requirements and, if you wish, the requirements of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bra Miljöval or the EU Ecolabel.

As your partner, we give you the freedom to influence everything from formulas and design to fragrance and environmental certifications. You can either choose from our standard solutions from Cleano Professional and place your label on our products, or we can collaborate to create a completely unique private label series from scratch. In this case, we can customise your product to suit your specific needs, whether it's for use in a café, school cafeteria, restaurant, or hotel kitchen.

Private label solution

Environment and safety during cleaning

As a Cleano Production customer, you create products that are manufactured in our factory in Sweden – and that, if you wish, meet the criteria of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bra Miljöval or the EU Ecolabel. We actively work to create products that are safe to use in busy kitchen environments, with clear safety advice on use and appropriate protective equipment.

Common questions about cleaning the grill

What do I need to clean a grill plate?

You need four basic tools: a grill cleaner to dissolve fat and burnt-on food residues, a grill mat, a grill net or a cleaning sponge to scrub the surface, a grill scraper to remove food residues in corners and edges, and dry paper towels or a clean cloth to dry the surface afterwards.

Grill cleaning products are abrasive, so always read the safety data sheet before use.

How do I clean a steak table step by step?

Turn off the heat on the grill before you start.
Apply grill cleaning agent to the surface and let it work for a while — dilute with water on larger surfaces.
Scrub with grill cloth, grill mesh or sponge. Softer materials for stainless steel, more robust for carbon steel.
Rinse off with clean water.
Gently scrape off any excess water with a grill scraper.
Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel — especially important for carbon steel, where residual moisture causes rust.

What difference is there between grill cloth, grill mesh and cleaning sponge?

The choice depends on how dirty the surface is. A grill mat is softer and is well suited for daily, regular cleaning. A grill mesh is coarser and is better suited for ingrained, firmly stuck dirt. A regular cleaning sponge also works, depending on the level of dirt.

Avoid steel wool — it can scratch and damage the frying surface.

Do I have to use a grill scraper?

It is highly recommended but not always a must. A grill scraper effectively removes food residues and grease, especially in corners and edges where dirt would otherwise accumulate. If you have a chrome-plated grilling surface, a soft brush or cloth is a better choice than a scraper to avoid scratches.

Is the cleaning process different between carbon steel and stainless steel?

The basic steps are the same, but the material determines how hard you can scrub and how the surface should be protected afterwards. Stainless steel tolerates softer sponges and cloths best, to avoid scratches. Carbon steel can withstand more robust scrubbing, but is more susceptible to moisture — insufficient drying leads to rust, and the surface should be oiled after cleaning to protect it.

Why should I oil the frying pan after cleaning?

A thin, even layer of neutral cooking oil — such as rapeseed or sunflower oil — creates a protective surface that prevents rust and drying out. This is especially true of cast iron surfaces. Chrome-plated surfaces do not need oil treatment, but should still be thoroughly wiped down to avoid water stains.

Which chemicals should I avoid on a frying pan?

Avoid chlorine- and ammonia-based chemicals — they can permanently damage the surface of the grill. For daily, light cleaning, a mild detergent often suffices along with a soft brush or cloth, which also reduces wear on the surface over time.

Contact us about cleaning products for commercial kitchens

Do you have more questions about commercial kitchen cleaning? Don't hesitate to get in touch. At Cleano Production, we manufacture both standard solutions and customised products for commercial kitchens and other environments and workplaces with special requirements. Feel free to contact us if you want to put your label on our products or create your own product line.