The Panini Press Cleaning Tricks You Should Be Using Yourself

Panini presses are a great addition to any kitchen as they are one of the fastest and easiest ways to create a perfect, warm sandwich. They work by evenly heating from the top and the bottom while the weight of the grill lid presses the sandwich. Cleaning a panini press can be just as easy, as long as you know what you're doing. Unfortunately, improper cleaning can cause the machine to be damaged permanently, so it's essential to follow adequate methods.

Also, it's important to know what kind of panini press you have so you'll know the best way to clean it. Some of those machines have removable plates that can go in the dishwasher, so review the user's manual. The Daring Kitchen explains that removable plates shouldn't be left to soak in soapy water because it can ruin the electrical parts. You should also never use abrasive scrubs and harsh cleaning products on panini presses because they would scratch the nonstick coating and destroy the appliance. But how do you clean one?

Before cleaning a panini press, it should always be left to cool down. If it has removable plates, they can be taken out and hand washed with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge. Then, let the plates air dry before sliding them back into the press. If the plates don't remove, let the press cool down almost completely, so it is still a bit warm. Then, wipe down the appliance with a wet paper towel or soaked dishcloth. In this case, there is no need for soap because the steam from the water will work to clean the press.

For exceptionally dirty panini presses, The Daring Kitchen has a useful hack. The trick is to use a baking soda solution by mixing 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate with a half cup of warm water. This mix should be spread on the plates and left for up to 10 minutes. Then, wipe it away with a wet paper towel or dishcloth. If there's still dirt left, wash the plates with a mix of dish soap and hot water on a paper towel or dishcloth.