The Clever Paper Towel Trick That'll Make Cleaning A Panini Press Easier

There are a few panini press cleaning tricks you should start regularly doing yourself if you can't remember the last time you cleaned this kitchen appliance. As handy as these gadgets are, they can be extremely difficult to clean given their textured designs and heat settings. The grill plate in a panini press can become a popular spot for residual grease or stuck-on food that just won't come off. In order to clean it safely and thoroughly, you only need a few simple items that you probably already have lying around your home: water and a cloth or paper towel. 

Your panini press is most likely made with either cast iron or a nonstick surface, and you should always check the instruction manual to ensure you're using the proper cleaning techniques. If, on the off chance, this water technique leaves reddish-brown stains on your cast iron press, there are many DIY solutions you can try for removing rust from a cast iron appliance.

It's recommended to clean your panini press after every use, especially if you tend to use it frequently. The longer you allow stuck-on food and grease to remain on the grill portions, the longer it will take for your food to heat up. This habit can even damage the appliance itself. Note that you should never soak your panini press in water or place it in the sink. Unless your specific press has removable grills, this appliance should not be near the sink or dishwasher. 

First, grab your cloth or paper towel and dampen it with water. Make sure every inch is damp, otherwise, it could burn in the press, but make sure to wring out any excess dripping water. Set your panini press to the lowest setting and allow it to warm up. For safety, unplug the press before bringing the damp cloth into contact with it. While the press is unplugged but still warm, open it up and place the cloth or paper towel inside and close the grill. Let it sit for about five minutes, allowing the steam from the towel to dislodge and soften any stubborn food and crumbs. If you don't want to use your hands to remove the towel, use a non-metal tool to remove it instead. 

When cleaning your panini press, water is always the go-to solution. However, if you need a deeper soak, you can make your own paste with baking soda and water instead. You can even use this kitchen staple trick to get your dirty grill grates ready for spring. But the simple combination of a paper towel and water should be enough to dislodge even the most stubborn food stains from your panini press. 

This steaming method should have helped remove any crumbs stuck onto your panini press grill, allowing you to go in with a clean, damp towel to wipe out any residual buildup. If you have a nonstick grill, avoid using any tough scrub brushes or abrasive tools, as they will scratch and damage the surface. If you want to avoid having to clean out your panini press so excessively, you can always try heating your sandwiches and other food items in parchment paper to minimize the clean-up afterward.