Emilie Meyer
Cleaning an integrated non-stick griddle pan can be a challenge, but it's important to do it right to ensure the pan stays in good condition for a long time. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your non-stick griddle pan effectively:
- Allow the griddle to cool down completely before cleaning.
- Pour out any grease or oil into a container and dispose of it in the trash. Avoid pouring grease down the drain as it can cause clogs.
- Add some baking soda or mild dish soap to the pan. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and effective at removing grease and grime.
- Pour in some hot water and use a brush with nylon bristles to mix the baking soda/soap and water. This will create a toothpaste-like consistency.
- Scrub the pan in circular motions, covering all parts of the pan and griddle. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching the non-stick surface.
- Rinse the pan in the sink. If there is still food debris or grease, repeat the scrubbing process.
- Apply a small amount of olive oil to the pan using a soft microfiber cloth or kitchen rag. This helps to protect the pan and ensure it lasts longer.
- Dry the pan thoroughly before storing it. Leaving the pan wet can cause rusting.
- Store the pan properly. If storing with other pans, place a dry dish towel or washcloth between the pans to prevent scratching.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to clean | As soon as possible after cooking |
| How to clean | Pour out grease, add baking soda and hot water, scrub with a brush with nylon bristles, rinse, dry, apply olive oil |
| What to clean with | Baking soda, hot water, olive oil, mild dish soap, vinegar, salt, lukewarm water, dish soap |
| What not to clean with | Metal utensils, abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, scouring pads, scouring sponge brushes, cooking sprays, high heat, cold water |
| How to store | Hang on hooks, lace a dry and clean towel between the surface of pans if stored in a stack |
What You'll Learn
Let the pan cool down
Allowing your integrated non-stick griddle pan to cool down is an important step in the cleaning process. By letting the pan cool down, you can avoid the negative effects of thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when a hot pan is subjected to cold water, causing a rapid temperature change that can lead to warping and cracking of the pan. This can result in an uneven cooking surface, with hot and cold spots that affect the performance of your pan.
To prevent thermal shock, always let your non-stick griddle pan cool down naturally before cleaning it. This means waiting for the pan to reach room temperature or allowing it to cool down gradually. Avoid the temptation to speed up the process by running cold water over the hot pan or placing it under the cold faucet, as this can damage the pan over time.
While waiting for the pan to cool down, you can prepare the cleaning supplies. Gather mild dish soap, a soft sponge or cloth, and a silicone scrubber or a brush with nylon bristles. You may also need baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice for stubborn residues.
Once the pan has cooled down, you can start cleaning it by adding lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes before gently scrubbing the surface. Remember to avoid using abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, or metal utensils as they can scratch or damage the non-stick coating.
By letting your integrated non-stick griddle pan cool down before cleaning, you are not only preserving the lifespan of your pan but also ensuring that it continues to perform optimally without warping or cracking. This simple step can make a significant difference in maintaining the quality of your cookware.
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Use baking soda and vinegar
To clean an integrated non-stick griddle pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:
Firstly, let the griddle pan cool down completely before cleaning it. Then, add enough water to the pan to cover the bottom and bring it to a boil. Place the pan in the sink, without discarding the water, and add a cup of white vinegar. The vinegar will help to neutralise odours and loosen burnt-on food.
Next, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing mixture. Leave this to sit for a few minutes while the pan cools. The fizzing action will help to lift caked-on food residue.
Then, using a non-abrasive sponge or scrubbing brush, scrub the inside of the pan, focusing on any stained or burnt areas. Once you have finished scrubbing, empty the pan and rinse with hot water. Wash the pan with dish soap and a clean sponge, then dry with a clean dish towel or kitchen roll.
If your pan still has some stubborn stains, you can try a baking soda paste. Mix equal parts baking soda and hot water in the pan, creating a light abrasive paste. Scrub the problem areas with a sponge until the stains lift. You may need to add more paste as you go. Once complete, empty the pan, rinse with hot water, and wash with dish soap and a clean sponge. Dry the pan with a clean dish towel.
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Avoid the dishwasher
Even if the manufacturer says your non-stick griddle pan is dishwasher-safe, it's best to avoid putting it in the dishwasher. The dishwasher may get the job done, but it will reduce the pan's overall durability and degrade its coating over time, making it less effective at preventing food from sticking.
Handwashing your griddle with mild soap prevents food residues from staining the cooking surface, and your griddle will last longer and serve you better.
To hand-wash your griddle, first, allow it to cool down completely. Then, pour out all the grease into the trash or a container. You should avoid pouring grease down the drain as it can cause clogs. Next, add some baking powder (or mild dish soap) and hot water to the pan. Use a brush with nylon bristles to mix the water and baking powder, and scrub the pan in circular motions. Make sure not to apply too much pressure when scrubbing.
After scrubbing, rinse the pan in the sink. If there is still food debris or grease present, repeat the scrubbing process. Leaving food debris on the pan can be detrimental to its longevity.
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Rinse and scrub
Once you have removed the excess grease and burnt food from the griddle, it's time to rinse and scrub the surface.
Rinse the griddle under running water to get rid of any remaining food particles. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly, as any remaining food particles can hinder the effectiveness of the subsequent scrubbing.
After rinsing, scrub the griddle with a sponge or washcloth. Use circular motions in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions to ensure that you cover all parts of the griddle. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when scrubbing, as non-stick pans can get scratched and damaged quite easily.
If your griddle is severely burnt, you may need to scrub with some elbow grease. In such cases, you can use baking soda or vinegar to weaken the tricky areas. However, be cautious not to leave the baking soda on the griddle for too long, as it can damage the non-stick layer.
After scrubbing, rinse the griddle again to remove any leftover food particles or soap residue. It is important to ensure that there are no traces of detergent left on the griddle, as it can damage the surface.
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Dry thoroughly
Once you have cleaned your non-stick griddle pan, it is important to dry it thoroughly before storing it. Leaving water on the pan can cause rusting. Keep the pan out in the open for an hour or two to air dry. If you don't dry the pan thoroughly, it may also develop white residue from hard water. If this happens, you will need to remove the stains by rinsing the pan with distilled or filtered water and drying it again.
To speed up the drying process, you can first wipe the pan with paper towels or a cloth to absorb any excess water. However, make sure that the pan is completely dry before putting it away.
If you have limited storage space and need to stack your griddle pan with other cookware, place a dry and clean dish towel or washcloth between the surfaces of the pans to prevent scratching. You could also use reusable paper towels or any other soft material.
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Frequently asked questions
First, let the pan cool down completely. Then, pour out any grease into the trash (do not pour it down the drain). Next, add some baking soda, followed by hot water, and scrub the pan with a brush that has nylon bristles. Rinse the pan, and apply a small amount of olive oil to the surface with a microfiber cloth or kitchen rag. Finally, let the pan air dry for one to two hours before storing it.
No, it is best to avoid putting your non-stick griddle pan in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says it is dishwasher-safe. Washing it by hand and avoiding abrasive cleaning tools will help increase the pan's durability and lifespan.
If there is burnt-on food, let the pan cool down completely, then fill it with hot water and let it soak. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to help break down the grease. After soaking, use the rough side of a dish sponge to scrub the pan clean. Avoid using anything too abrasive, as this can scratch and damage the coating.
To remove grease, create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in the pan, then bring it to a boil. Stir the mixture for about five minutes, then let it cool completely. After it has cooled, discard the vinegar solution and rinse the pan with warm water.
Yes, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Always let the pan cool down completely before cleaning it to avoid damaging the non-stick layer.
- Avoid using metal utensils, abrasive sponges, or scouring pads as these can scratch and damage the coating.
- Do not stack your non-stick griddle pan with other pans to avoid scratching. Instead, hang it on a hook or use paper towels between each pan when storing.
