How to Clean a Panini Grill

Co-authored by Elias Weston

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Panini grills can be hard to clean because of the grooves on the grill plates. Steam cleaning your grill can help you keep the grill plates clean, and using a baking soda solution can help you get up even the most stubborn stains. If you have removable plates, you can run them through a cycle in your dishwasher or clean them by hand.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Baking Soda

1
Use a wet paper towel to move excess food. Before you can clean the plates completely, you must remove excess food from them. Using a wet paper towel, wipe down the plates to remove any crumbs or chunks of food still stuck to the plate.^{[1]
X
Research source}^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
- Using a wet paper towel also helps remove any non-stick cooking spray you might have used on your grill. This is important since a layer of that cooking spray can prevent your grill from getting completely clean.
- Make sure you unplug your grill and let it cool down first before you start cleaning it.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Elias Weston
  Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
2
Mix a baking soda solution. To make the cleaning solution, mix 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) baking soda with half cup (4 ounces) of warm water. The solution should be thick enough that it won’t just run off the grill, but thinner than a paste.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Mixing this solution in a measuring cup can make it easier to pour when it’s time to clean your grill.
Advertisement
3
Pour half of the solution over the bottom part of grill. Be sure that your pour it evenly, allowing the solution to run down each groove on the grill.^{[5]
X
Research source}
4
Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe the top of the grill. To clean the top of the grill, dip a cloth in the baking soda solution. Wipe down each groove of the grill. You will need to reload the cloth with new solution frequently, depending on how dirty the grill is.^{[6]
X
Research source}
5
Let the grill soak for five to ten minutes. Once you’ve applied the solution to both sides of the grill, let it sit on the grill for five to ten minutes. This will allow the baking soda to work into the residue on the grill and break it up.^{[7]
X
Research source}
6
Wipe the grill with clean cloth. Dip a clean cloth in clear water and wipe down each groove of the grill. Start with the top portion of the grill, since whatever comes from that part will drip onto the bottom portion. You should continue to wipe away the baking soda until the cloth comes away clean. You can then let your grill air dry or wipe it dry with clean paper towel.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Steam

1
Turn the grill on. To steam clean your panini grill, you’ll need to use the heat from the grill itself. If you are cleaning it immediately after using it, you should be able to use the residual heat from the grill. If you are cleaning it after not having used it, turn it on to the lowest heat setting.^{[9]
X
Research source}
2
Soak a paper towel or rag thoroughly. To steam clean your grill, you’ll need to completely soaked towel or rag. Soak a rag in clean, clear water until it drips. Don’t ring it out before you place it on the grill.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Since you’ll be laying this cloth on your grill and closing the lid while the grill is on, the cloth must be completely soaked. Otherwise you risk burning the rag and causing damage to your grill.
3
Lay the rag on the bottom grill. Lay the soaked cloth on the bottom portion of the panini grill. It should completely cover the bottom grill to ensure that the entire grill is steamed. Be sure to keep the cloth away from any exposed electrical components.^{[11]
X
Research source}
4
Close the grill. You’ll hear sizzling sounds when the grill closes and the wet rag meets the hot top of the grill. Check that the cloth is placed so that it it covers the entirety of the bottom and top parts of the grill.^{[12]
X
Research source}
5
Let the cloth sit for five minutes. Stay near the grill and keep an eye on it. You should see some steam, but if you see or smell smoke, remove the rag immediately.^{[13]
X
Research source}
6
Open the grill and wipe it down. Open the grill and remove the cloth after five minutes. Most of the caked on residue should now be easier to remove. Allow the grill to cool slightly (but not too much, as this will cause the residue to harden again). Then dip a cloth in clean, clear water, and wipe down both portions of the grill, starting with the top.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You can also use the baking soda solution for this step if it has been quite some time since you cleaned your grill.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Removable Plates

1
Check the grill’s manufacturer instructions. Each grill has specific cleaning guidelines. Before you wash removable plates, check the instructions or owner’s manual for the water temperature and type of soap you can use, and whether the plates are dishwasher safe.^{[15]
X
Research source}
2
Run them through the dishwasher. If the manufacturer instructions allow it, you can run the grill plates through the dishwasher. Place them in the same area of the dishwasher where you would put regular dinner plates and use your normal amount of dishwasher soap for a regular load.^{[16]
X
Research source}
3
Let the plates soak. If you can’t run your removable plates through the dishwasher, you can wash them by hand. Fill your sink with hot water and a few squirts of mild dish soap. Let your plates soak for about five minutes.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- You might want to let your plates soak longer than five minutes if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned them.
4
Clean with a cloth or soft sponge. Once you’ve let your plates soak, wipe away the residue with a cloth or soft sponge. Don’t use anything abrasive like Brillo pads or steel wool as they can strip the non-stick coating.^{[18]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I get off stubborn stains?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

You can soak a sponge in liquid dish soap and water and scrub the grooves to remove stubborn stains.
Question

How often should I clean my panini grill?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

The best way to keep your panini grill stain-free is to clean it after every use.
Question

Which is more effective, steam or baking soda?

Community Answer

Baking soda with a little bit of water to create a thick paste will be a better solution. Let the paste sit for several hours, then scrub it off with a clean brush.