Domakihub How to Clean a George Foreman Grill in Minutes
Keep your contact grill grease-free and food-safe with these simple steps.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A George Foreman grill is a workhorse in any busy kitchen — from Athenian apartments to holiday villas in Crete — but leftover grease and charred bits build up fast. The video above walks you through a quick visual demo, while this guide breaks down every step so you can keep your grill hygienic and cooking evenly for years. Whether you manage a rental property or simply want a reliable weeknight cooker, ten minutes of proper cleaning after each use makes all the difference.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Residual grease on contact grills does not just smell unpleasant — it burns onto the non-stick coating at high heat, gradually degrading it and leaving a bitter flavour on food. For rental properties and hotel kitchenettes in Greece, a grimy grill is also a hygiene risk that can earn bad reviews.
Cleaning while the plates are still warm (but not scorching hot) is far easier than tackling dried, carbonised residue the next day. Building the habit saves you from needing aggressive scrubbing that damages the coating.
What You Will Need
You do not need specialist products: two or three folded sheets of paper towel, a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and a wooden or silicone spatula for stubborn bits. Avoid steel wool, abrasive pads, or anything that scratches the non-stick surface.
If your grill has removable plates, those can go in the dishwasher — but confirm this on the underside of the plate first, since older models have fixed plates that must be wiped down by hand.
How to Clean a George Foreman Grill: Step by Step
- 1
Unplug and let the grill cool slightly
Switch the grill off and unplug it from the wall as soon as you finish cooking. Wait around five minutes — the plates should be warm to the touch but not burning hot. Cleaning at this stage means grease has not had time to set hard, making the whole job easier and safer.
- 2
Wipe the plates with paper towels while warm
Open the lid and press two or three folded sheets of paper towel onto the lower plate. Close the lid gently so the upper plate presses down on the paper. Hold for about 30 seconds, then open and wipe in one motion toward the drip tray. The warmth loosens grease and the paper absorbs it. Repeat with a fresh sheet if needed.
- 3
Clean the drip tray
Slide out the plastic drip tray — it collects most of the rendered fat. Empty the contents into the bin (never pour grease down the sink), then wash the tray with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse and dry before sliding it back in.
- 4
Tackle residue with a damp sponge and soap
For any stuck-on food, dampen a soft sponge with warm water and a small drop of dish soap. Gently scrub in the direction of the ridges on both plates. A wooden or silicone spatula can dislodge stubborn bits without scratching. Avoid soaking the grill body, as water can damage the electrical components.
- 5
Rinse, dry, and store
Wipe both plates with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then follow up with a dry cloth or paper towel. Leave the lid open for a few minutes to air out before closing and storing. If your model has removable plates, check whether they are dishwasher-safe and run them through a standard cycle for a deeper clean.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted cleaning pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- Can I submerge a George Foreman grill in water to clean it?
- No — the grill body contains electrical heating elements and should never be submerged or held under running water. Only the removable plates (on models that have them) can be washed in water or a dishwasher. Always wipe the main unit with a damp cloth instead.
- How do I remove burnt-on grease that paper towels cannot shift?
- Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, apply it to the cooled plates, and leave it for five to ten minutes. Then scrub gently with a soft sponge. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda lifts carbonised grease without scratching the non-stick coating. Wipe clean with a damp cloth afterwards.
- How often should I clean a George Foreman grill in a rental property?
- After every single use. In a rental or hotel setting, you cannot predict how the next guest will leave the grill, so the safest approach is a full wipe-down between each stay. A quick clean while warm takes under five minutes and keeps the grill hygienic and performing consistently for all guests.