12 Easy Methods to Clean a Flattop Grill

Like most RVers, you want a clean flattop grill after cooking on it. Keep it clean regularly to keep it in good condition, so it’s always ready to fire up and cook a delicious meal. However, flattop grills don’t have regular grates, making them a little different to clean from other types of RV-friendly grills.

Never fear if you’re unsure how to clean a flattop grill. We’ve compiled a list of twelve easy methods to clean your flattop grill quickly and easily so you can keep it sparkling for years to come. So fire up your grill, and let’s get started!

How Often Should You Clean a Flattop Grill?

A flattop grill is an excellent tool for cooking delicious food. However, like any other cooking surface, you must clean it properly after each use. If you don’t clean your grill after each use, grease and food particles will build up, making it more difficult to clean later.

In addition, the build-up can cause your grill to smoke more, affecting the taste of your food. So how often should you clean a flattop grill? The answer is simple: after every use. Cleaning your grill after each use will make it easier to keep clean and help ensure your food tastes its best.

12 Methods for Cleaning a Flat Top Grill

The good news is that there are several ways to clean a flattop grill, from using everyday household items like vinegar and baking soda to investing in a commercial cleaner. No matter which method you choose, it’s essential to be thorough and make sure you remove all the food debris and grease.

Here are twelve methods for cleaning a flattop grill so you can choose the best option for your needs.

1. Lemon and Water

One of the easiest and most popular ways to clean a flattop grill is to use lemon and water. The acid in lemon juice is a natural cleaning agent that can help remove grease and dirt from a flattop grill. In addition, the lemon juice will help disinfect the grill’s surface and remove any odors.

To clean a flattop grill with lemon and water:

1. Fill a spray bottle with water.
2. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the grill. 
3. Use the lemon halves to scrub the grill. 
4. Spray the water onto the grill and scrub until it is clean.

2. Steam

Using steam to clean a flattop grill is an excellent way to remove all the built-up grease and food particles. In addition, the high temperature of the steam will help to loosen any stuck-on debris, making it easy to wipe away.

To clean a flattop grill with steam:

1. First, heat the grill to its highest temperature. 
2. Once it is hot, turn off the heat and spray the grill with a stream of water. 
3. Let the steam sit on the grill for a few minutes, then use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any built-up grease or food particles. 
4. Finally, rinse the grill with warm water and dry it with a towel.

3. Vinegar and Water 

Vinegar is another natural cleaning agent used to clean a flattop grill. The vinegar’s acid will help break down grease and dirt, making it easy to wipe away. In addition, vinegar is an excellent disinfectant that can help remove any odors from the grill.

To clean a flattop grill with vinegar and water:

1. Mix one part vinegar and four parts water in a spray bottle. 
2. Spray the solution onto the grill and let it sit for a few minutes. 
3. Use a sponge or rag to wipe away the dirt and grime. 
4. Be sure to rinse the grill off with water when finished.

4. Soda Water 

Soda water is a great way to clean a flattop grill because it’s gentle enough not to damage the grill’s surface while still being effective at removing dirt and grime. In addition, the soda water’s carbonation will help break down the grease and dirt, making it easy to wipe away.

To clean a flattop grill with soda water:

1. Pour a small amount of the soda water onto the grill’s surface.
2. Use a soft cloth to spread the soda water around, then let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease and dirt.
3. Once the dirt has loosened, use a wet sponge or rag to wipe it away.
4. Rinse the grill with warm water and dry it off with a towel.

5. Coffee 

Coffee is an excellent natural option to clean your flattop grill. The coffee’s acidity will help break down the grease and dirt, while the grounds will act as a gentle abrasive to scrub away any stuck-on debris. Use coarse-ground coffee and scrub in a circular motion for the best results.

To clean a flattop grill with coffee:

1. Make a strong pot of coffee using twice the amount of grounds you typically use.
2. Once you brew the coffee, pour it over your grill.
3. Let the coffee sit for several minutes.
4. Use a stiff brush to scrap off the dirt and grime.
5. Rinse your grill well with water and dry it off.

6. Beer 

Beer may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cleaning supplies, but it can be pretty effective at cleaning a flattop grill. This is because the yeast in beer helps to break down grease and dirt, while the alcohol acts as a disinfectant.

To clean a flattop grill with beer:

1. Pour a small amount of beer onto the grill.
2. Use a soft cloth to spread the beer around.
3. Let the beer sit for a few minutes to break down the grease and dirt.
4. Use a wire brush to scrub the grill and remove any grease or grime.
5. Rinse the grill with warm water and dry it off.

7. Onion and Salt

Onion and salt may not be the most traditional way to clean a grill, but it is a natural method that removes dirt and grime. The onion’s acid will help break down the grease and dirt, while the salt is a gentle abrasive to scrub away any stuck-on debris.

To clean a flat top grill with onion and salt:

1. Slice an onion in half.
2. Sprinkle salt onto the grill’s surface.
3. Rub the onion over the salt to create a paste.
4. Use this paste to scrub the grill clean.
5. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

7. Bottled Griddle Cleaner

Several commercially available cleaners are specifically designed for griddles and flattop grills. These cleaners are a convenient method that can easily apply to the grill’s surface. Read the label carefully to ensure the cleaner is safe on your grill.

To clean a flattop grill with a bottled griddle cleaner:

1. Heat the grill temperature to a medium temperature.
2. Pour a small amount of the cleaner across the grill.
3. Evenly spread the grill cleaner with a grill brush.
4. Allow the grill cleaner to sit on the grill for a few minutes.
5. Wipe away the cleaner with a clean cloth or paper towel.
6. Rinse the grill with clean water and dry it off.

9. Hot Oil

The hot oil method is popular for cleaning griddles and flattop grills. This method uses hot oil to break down the grease and dirt, making it easy to wipe away. The hot oil also helps to lubricate the grill’s surface, which can help extend its lifespan.

To clean a flattop grill with hot oil:

1. Heat the grill to a medium temperature.
2. Pour a small amount of oil onto the grill’s surface.
3. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to spread the oil around.
4. Allow the oil to sit on the grill for a few minutes.
5. Wipe away the oil to remove the food particles.
6. Rinse the grill with water and dry.

Using oil to clean your flattop grill will keep it clean and protect it from rust and wear.  

10. Water and Elbow Grease

If you don’t have any cleaning supplies, you can still clean your grill with water and elbow grease. This method may take a little more effort, but it will get the job done.

To clean a flattop grill with water and elbow grease:

1. Start by rinsing the grill’s surface with warm water.
2. Next, use a scrapper to scrub the grill, focusing on areas with built-up oil or dirt.
3. Finally, rinse and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

And there you have it! A sparkling clean grill, ready for your next cookout.

11. Scotch-Brite Griddle Cleaner Kit 

The Scotch-Brite Griddle Cleaner Kit is a convenient way to clean your flattop grill. The kit includes six cleaning liquid pouches and griddle pads, one pad holder, and a squeegee to make cleanup quick and easy. This three-step system cleans, polishes, and protects your grill’s surface in just three to five minutes.

To clean a flattop grill with the Scotch-Brite Griddle Cleaner Kit:

1. Heat the grill to a medium temperature.
2. Squeeze the Scotch-Brite Quick Clean Griddle Liquid onto the hot griddle to loosen stubborn burnt food and grease.
3. Apply light pressure with the enclosed griddle pad and gently scour the grill.
4. Finish with the squeegee to remove the residue, leaving the flat-top grill clean and shiny.

You can keep your grill looking new with just these few simple steps.

12. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile cleaning product used to clean several surfaces, including your flattop grill. When mixed with water, baking soda forms a mildly abrasive paste that can help to remove built-up grease and food residue. In addition, baking soda’s alkaline nature helps neutralize acidic spills, making it an ideal cleaner for stainless steel surfaces.

To clean your flat top grill with baking soda:

1. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the paste to the surface of your grill, scrubbing gently until the grime comes loose.
3. Rinse the area and dry it with a clean towel.

This simple cleaning method will amaze you with how bright and shiny your grill looks.

How to Re-Season Your Flattop Grill

Re-seasoning your flattop grill is a process that is necessary to maintain the performance and quality of your grill. By re-seasoning your grill, you are essentially resealing the cooking surface and preventing any food or grease from building up and compromising the integrity of your grill.

The process of re-seasoning is simple and only requires a few simple steps:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the cooking surface.
3. Using a clean cloth, spread the oil across the surface.
4. Turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool.
5. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.

9 FAQs About Cleaning a Flattop Grill 

There are many questions among RVers about cleaning a flattop grill, so we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers.

1. What Tools Do You Need to Clean Your Flat Top? 

A good quality grill brush is your only tool to clean your flattop grill. However, other tools can make cleaning more manageable, such as a grill scraper, a clean cloth or paper towel, and a grill cleaner.

2. How Do You Clean a Neglected Flat Top Grill? 

If your flattop grill has seen better days, don’t despair. With some elbow grease and the right cleaners, you can have it look new in no time:

1. Start by preheating the grill to a medium temperature.
2. Next, use a grill brush or scraper to remove grease or dirt.
3. Finally, clean the grill with a cleaner, rinse it with water, and dry it with a clean towel.

With just a little effort, your flattop grill will be good as new.

3. Should You Use Soap on Your Flattop Grill? 

No, you should not use soap on your flattop grill. Soap can leave behind a residue that will eventually build up and cause problems.

4. Should You Clean Your Flattop Grill When Cold? 

No, you should not clean your flattop grill when cold. The heat will help loosen any built-up grease or dirt, making cleaning easier.

5. How Can You Prevent Rust on a Flattop Grill? 

The best way to prevent rust on a flattop grill is to clean and season it regularly. This will create a barrier that will protect the grill from the elements and prevent rust from forming.

6. How Should You Store Your Flattop Grill? 

When not in use, cover and store your flat top. Grill it in a cool, dry place. Proper storage will help prevent rust and keep your grill in good condition. Use a heavy-duty grill cover specifically designed for flattop grills for the best results.

7. What Are Some Signs You Need to Clean Your Flat Top Grill? 

Some signs you need to clean your flattop grill include a decrease in performance, food sticking to the surface, and rust formation. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to give your flattop grill a good cleaning. By taking care of your grill, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious meals for years to come.

8. Is There a Best Method to Clean a Flat Top Grill? 

When cleaning a flattop grill, there is no right way to do it. The best method is the one that works best for you. Some people prefer to use natural products, while others find commercial cleaners work best. Whichever way you choose, start with a clean, dry grill and end with a clean, dry grill. This will help ensure that your food tastes good and doesn’t stick to the grill.

9. Why Is It So Important to Clean Your Flat Top? 

A clean grill is a happy grill. While it may not be the most exciting part of owning a grill, cleaning it after each use is essential to maintaining its performance, preventing rust formation, and avoiding cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Flat Top Grill 

Cleaning a flattop grill is easy but requires time and effort. However, following the tips in this article, you can easily clean your grill and keep it in good condition. And, when you’re ready to cook, your clean grill will be prepared to help you create delicious meals.

Do you have a flattop grill that you clean regularly? What method do you find to be the most effective? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below. Happy grilling!

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