Keep Your Blackstone Rust-Free With A Sprinkle Of This Pantry Staple (It's That Easy)

Your Blackstone griddle deserves to be taken care of properly, as this will be key to making sure you get as much use out of this considerable investment as possible. There are many factors that can affect the quality and appearance of your Blackstone, but one that is likely to strike terror into the hearts of most grill enthusiasts is the first ominous sign of rust. If this sounds familiar, don't worry — there is a simple and surprisingly easy solution, and all it requires is a sprinkle of a staple you probably have sitting in your pantry: baking soda.

Should you notice rust on your griddle, your first move should be to make a paste of water and baking soda, and then apply it to affected area. Let this sit for a few minutes to work its magic, before carefully scrubbing and rinsing it away. The akaline quality of the baking soda, paired with its abrasiveness will gently lift rust particles. If the rust should prove particularly stubborn, you can instead use a paste of vinegar and baking soda, which should prove highly effective given the vinegar's acidity. After applying this paste to the rusted areas of your flat-top grill, allow it to rest for a longer period — about 15 to 30 minutes — and then scrub gently with a non-scratch sponge. Both of these methods have the advantage of being environmentally friendly as well as inexpensive, and won't cause any further damage to your grill.

When trying to prevent rust on any flat-top grill, it is important to remember what causes it. Contributing factors can include residue from cooking, which can accelerate corrosion by holding in moisture long after the barbecue is over, plus scratches or chips to your grill's protective coating, salt in the air, and even improperly storing your prized piece of equipment in an area plagued by excessive dampness.

If you really want to declare all-out war against the faintest possibility of rust on your Blackstone, be sure to read up on how to use heat to clean rust off a Blackstone griddle so it looks new again. Lemon juice and salt are another effective, all-natural means of combating rust (which is also why you should be using lemon to clean your dirty garden tools) — just rub them over any spots of the cursed orange stuff you see, then let rest before scrubbing, rinsing, and drying. If worst comes to worst and you find yourself confronted with some truly severe rusting on your griddle, you may need to invest in a rust remover. But remember to do your research, choose a product that is food safe, and diligently follow the instructions. 

Now that you can rest easy knowing how to keep your Blackstone looking good for the foreseeable future, make sure to check out our nine tips and tricks for using a Blackstone griddle — you'll be glad you did, and so will the guests are your next barbecue, especially if you consult our selection of 37 BBQ recipes to tackle your next cookout like a pitmaster.