How to Clean a LoCo Griddle (The Right Way, Every Time)
A good meal deserves a great griddle—so keeping your LoCo Griddle clean and seasoned is key to getting that perfect sear, smooth cooktop, and long-lasting performance. Whether you’re prepping for your next backyard cookout or just finished feeding a crowd, this step-by-step guide will help you clean your LoCo griddle quickly and correctly.
Why Cleaning Your Griddle Matters
A well-maintained griddle:
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Cooks more evenly
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Prevents food from sticking
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Protects the surface from rust
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Extends the life of your griddle
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Helps build that deep, dark, nonstick seasoning layer every cook dreams of
The best part? Cleaning your LoCo griddle only takes a few minutes.
How to Clean Your LoCo Griddle After Cooking
Step 1: Turn the Heat to Low
Once you’re finished cooking, keep your burners on low. A warm griddle surface makes stuck-on food easier to remove.
Step 2: Scrape Down the Surface
Use a LoCo Griddle Scraper or metal spatula and push all leftover bits, grease, and crumbs toward the grease port.
Tip: Don’t use abrasive tools or harsh chemicals—your seasoning layer is valuable and should be protected.
Step 3: Add a Touch of Water for Steam Cleaning
With the burners still on low, pour a small amount of water onto the surface.
The steam lifts stuck-on food so you can wipe it clean.
Use your scraper or a griddle sponge to push everything into the grease channel.
Step 4: Wipe Clean
Once debris is removed, use a dry paper towel or cloth to wipe the griddle thoroughly.
If you see any lingering residue, repeat the steam-clean step.
How to Season Your LoCo Griddle After Cleaning
Seasoning = protecting your steel + building a nonstick surface.
This step is essential.
Step 1: Choose a High-Smoke-Point Oil
The right oil helps the seasoning layer harden and darken properly.
Great choices include:
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Canola oil
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Vegetable oil
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Grapeseed oil
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Refined avocado oil
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Peanut oil
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Flaxseed oil (for deeper seasoning layers)
Avoid low-smoke-point oils like olive oil or butter—they burn and get sticky.
Step 2: Apply a Thin, Even Layer
Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil to the cooktop and spread it using a paper towel.
Make sure the entire surface—edges and corners included—is lightly coated.
Step 3: Heat Until the Oil Smokes
Turn burners to medium and let the griddle heat until the oil begins to lightly smoke.
This is when polymerization happens (AKA: the oil turns into a hard, nonstick layer).
Turn off the heat and let everything cool.
Step 4: Store Your Griddle Properly
Once cool, add a very thin final layer of oil to protect the surface from moisture.
Cover your griddle with a LoCo Griddle Cover to keep dust, rain, and debris away—especially if stored outdoors.
Deep Cleaning: When Do You Need It?
You don’t need to deep clean often—but if you notice:
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Flaking seasoning
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Sticky patches
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Uneven coloring
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Rust spots
Then it’s time for a deeper reset.
Lightly heat the griddle, scrape thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of oil as usual. If rust is present, gently scrub the area with steel wool, wipe clean, then re-season.
Final Tips for Keeping Your Griddle in Top Shape
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Season after every use
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Never leave food sitting on the griddle after cooking
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Avoid soap—it strips seasoning
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Always dry thoroughly
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Re-season lightly before storing
A little maintenance goes a long way toward a lifetime of great meals.
Ready to Make Cleaning Even Easier?
Check out these LoCo essentials:
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LoCo Griddle Covers (various sizes)