A sandwich maker is a convenient way to enjoy hot, perfectly toasted sandwiches at home, but keeping it clean is key to its continued good performance. Cleanup is as easy as removing the plates from the appliance and washing them in warm, soapy water. Cleaning plates that aren’t removable, however, require a bit more patience. Wring out a slightly soapy dish rag or sponge and carefully clean the plates, taking care not to flood the sandwich maker with water.
Cleaning Removable Sandwich Maker Plates
Unplug your sandwich maker and allow the plates to cool before cleaning. Remove the plates from your sandwich maker. Dispose of any loose crumbs. Pick off any stuck-on foodstuff with your fingernail or a plastic utensil, like a spatula, to prevent scratching the plates.
Submerge the plates and wash them in warm, soapy water with a dish rag or sponge. Let the plates soak for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on foodstuffs.
Rinse the plates thoroughly with clean water and let dry.
Wipe down the exterior of the sandwich maker with a soft, dry cloth or paper towel.
Cleaning Non-Removable Sandwich Maker Plates
Unplug your sandwich maker and allow the plates to cool before cleaning. Dispose of any loose crumbs. Pick off any stuck-on foodstuff with your fingernail or a plastic utensil, like a spatula, to prevent scratching the plates.
Squeeze out the excess water from a soapy sponge or dish rag and carefully wash the plates. For really stuck-on foodstuff, lay damp, slightly soapy paper towels over the plates and let sit for a few minutes. For easier removal, you can also pour a small amount of olive or vegetable oil onto sticky foodstuffs and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen.
Wipe off the plates with a damp cloth or paper towel and let them dry.
Wipe down the exterior of the sandwich maker with a soft, dry cloth or paper towel.
Tip
To cut down on cleaning, make sure your sandwich maker is fully preheated before use.
Use butter, margarine or olive oil to coat the outside of bread to prevent it from sticking to the plates of the sandwich maker. Or, spray plates directly with a non-stick cooking spray.
Some sandwich makers have plates that are dishwasher-safe; consult your sandwich maker’s instruction manual before attempting to wash plates in the dishwasher.
Warning
Never immerse your sandwich maker in water or attempt to wash it in a dishwasher.
Make sure your sandwich maker is unplugged and the plates are cool before attempting to clean it.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh cleaning pads or brushes as they can damage the plates on your sandwich maker.
References
Writer Bio
Christina Kalinowski is a writer from the Twin Cities who began her career in 2011. She contributes food and drink related articles to The Daily Meal. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from Purdue University.