How to deep clean grills and griddles

Griddles in a shawarma restaurant are frequently used to cook various meats, vegetables, and flatbreads, leading to grease buildup, food residue, and carbon deposits. Regular deep cleaning of the griddle ensures better cooking performance, maintains hygiene standards, and prevents food contamination. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your griddle.

Steps for Deep Cleaning a Griddle

1. Turn Off the Griddle and Let It Cool Slightly

• Reason: Griddles are best cleaned while warm, but not hot enough to cause burns. Cooling slightly makes grease easier to remove but prevents the risk of burns.
• Best Practice: Allow the griddle to cool to around 150°F (65°C) before starting the cleaning process.

2. Scrape Off Excess Food Debris

• Step 1: Use a flat-edged griddle scraper or spatula to scrape off any large pieces of food and excess grease. Be careful not to damage the cooking surface.
• Step 2: Work from the back of the griddle to the front to push grease and debris into the grease trough.
• Reason: Removing larger food particles first helps prevent the grease trap from clogging and makes the scrubbing process easier.
• Best Practice: Scrape in small sections and collect debris to avoid spreading grease over the rest of the griddle.

3. Apply Griddle Cleaner or Degreaser

• Step 1: Pour a small amount of commercial griddle cleaner or degreaser directly onto the griddle surface. Alternatively, you can use a solution of warm water mixed with mild detergent or vinegar (1:1 ratio).
• Step 2: Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to loosen any burnt-on grease or food residue.
• Reason: The cleaning solution breaks down grease and charred food, making scrubbing easier without damaging the surface.
• Best Practice: Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the griddle’s surface, especially if it’s a seasoned or non-stick surface.

4. Scrub the Griddle Surface

• Step 1: Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or griddle brush to scrub the entire surface. Start from the back and work your way forward, applying light pressure to avoid scratching the griddle.
• Step 2: Focus on stubborn areas with thicker grease or carbon buildup. If the residue is tough to remove, you may need to repeat the scrubbing with more cleaning solution.
• Reason: Scrubbing helps remove carbon deposits, grease, and burnt food particles stuck to the griddle. This prevents food contamination and ensures better cooking performance.
• Best Practice: Use a circular scrubbing motion to cover all areas evenly, and avoid using wire brushes or metal scouring pads that can cause scratches.

5. Rinse and Wipe Down the Griddle

• Step 1: After scrubbing, wipe away any remaining cleaner and grease with a damp cloth or paper towel. Depending on how much grease remains, you may need to use multiple towels.
• Step 2: For a final rinse, pour warm water over the griddle and wipe it with a clean towel to remove any leftover cleaner.
• Reason: Rinsing removes any chemical residue from the griddle cleaner, which can affect food taste if not adequately cleaned.
• Best Practice: Ensure all cleaner and grease have been removed, especially around the edges and corners where it may accumulate.

6. Polish and Buff the Griddle Surface

• Step 1: Once the griddle is dry, use a stainless steel polish or griddle conditioning pad to give the surface a smooth finish. This step is optional but helps maintain the surface’s integrity.
• Reason: Polishing makes the griddle look clean, helps create a smoother surface for even cooking, and reduces sticking.
• Best Practice: If using polish, ensure it's food-safe and wipe off any excess before cooking.

7. Season the Griddle (If Necessary)

• Step 1: If the griddle's surface is cast iron or carbon steel, you’ll need to season it after cleaning. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil (such as vegetable or flaxseed) across the surface.
• Step 2: Heat the griddle on medium for 10–15 minutes to bond the oil to the surface and create a non-stick layer.
• Reason: Seasoning prevents rust, adds a protective layer, and makes future cleanings easier by reducing food sticking to the surface.
• Best Practice: Apply oil sparingly; too much oil can become sticky and affect cooking.

8. Clean the Grease Trap

• Step 1: Remove and clean the grease trap, where excess grease and debris are collected during cooking. Soak it in hot, soapy water and scrub thoroughly.
• Step 2: Rinse and dry it before placing it back in the griddle.
• Reason: Grease traps can become clogged with old food and grease, leading to a fire hazard or poor drainage during cooking.
• Best Practice: Clean the grease trap deep cleaning the griddle to prevent overflow and odors.

9. Inspect and Reassemble the Griddle

• Step 1: Inspect the griddle for wear or damage, such as cracks or dents. Replace or repair any parts that may affect its performance.
• Step 2: Reassemble any removed components, like the grease trap or splash guards.
• Reason: Regular inspection ensures that the griddle operates efficiently and safely without issues.
• Best Practice: Perform a brief functionality test by heating the griddle after reassembling to ensure everything works properly.

Reasons for Deep Cleaning:

A griddle in a shawarma restaurant is exposed to high volumes of grease, oils, and meat juices. Over time, these build up on the surface and cause food to stick, affecting cooking efficiency and flavor. Grease buildup can also cause fire hazards and uneven heating, leading to improperly cooked food. Regular deep cleaning ensures optimal cooking performance, extends the griddle’s lifespan, and prevents potential health code violations.

Best Practices:

• Before Cleaning: Ensure the grill is turned off and cooled to a manageable temperature to avoid burns. Gather all necessary cleaning materials in advance.
• After Cleaning: After cleaning and seasoning, always inspect the surface to ensure no residue or chemical cleaners remain. Additionally, be sure the grease trap is emptied and cleaned.
• Maintenance Tip: Use a dedicated scraper or spatula for daily cleaning to avoid scratching or damaging the griddle surface.

How to Keep the Griddle Clean regularly:

To maintain a clean grill daily, use a scraper to remove food debris and excess grease after every cooking session. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution at the end of each shift. Pay special attention to areas near the grease trap, where buildup is most common. A quick wipe-down at the end of every shift and emptying the grease trap daily will help reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning and ensure the griddle remains in good working condition for every service. Perform a deep clean at least once a week, or more often depending on usage, to prevent excessive buildup.