Domakihub How to Clean a Sandwich Press — the Right Way
Keep your grill plates spotless, odour-free, and ready for the next toastie.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A sandwich press is one of the hardest-working appliances in any Greek kitchen, holiday rental, or hotel breakfast station — and one of the most neglected when it comes to cleaning. Baked-on cheese, oil residue, and bread crumbs build up fast, affecting both taste and hygiene. The video above walks through the process visually; the steps below give you everything you need to do it properly, safely, and without damaging the non-stick plates.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Grease and food residue left on sandwich press plates do not just affect flavour — they create smoke, unpleasant smells, and over time degrade the non-stick coating. In rental properties and hotel rooms with a kitchenette, a dirty press is one of the most common guest complaints and a hygiene inspection risk.
A quick wipe-down after every use takes less than two minutes and prevents the kind of baked-on build-up that requires significant effort to remove. Even so, a deeper clean every one to two weeks is worthwhile for any press that sees daily use.
What You Need Before You Start
You do not need specialist products. A soft cloth or paper towels, a small amount of washing-up liquid, warm water, and a toothpick or wooden skewer for tight corners will cover most situations. For stubborn grease, a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water is highly effective without scratching the plates.
Avoid steel wool, abrasive sponges, or harsh chemical sprays — these strip the non-stick surface. Never submerge the press body in water or run it through a dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly states the plates are dishwasher-safe and removable.
5 Steps to a Clean Sandwich Press
- 1
Unplug and let it cool completely
Never clean a press while it is still warm. Unplug it and leave it open on a heat-safe surface for at least 20 minutes. Cleaning a hot plate risks burns and can warp soft cloths or melt plastic tools. This is also the moment to drape a damp paper towel over the open plates — the residual warmth helps loosen baked-on residue before you start.
- 2
Wipe away loose crumbs and debris
Tilt the press over a bin and gently tap the hinge to dislodge loose crumbs. Then use a dry paper towel or soft brush to sweep out anything remaining from the grooves. For a press with removable plates, remove them now and shake or brush them out separately before moving on.
- 3
Clean the grill plates with a damp cloth and mild soap
Dip a soft cloth or folded paper towel in warm soapy water and wring it out well — you want it damp, not dripping. Wipe each plate thoroughly, applying light pressure in the direction of any ridges. For stuck-on grease, apply a small amount of baking-soda paste, leave it for two to three minutes, then wipe clean. Rinse the cloth and go over the plates again to remove any soap residue.
- 4
Clear the hinge, drip tray, and exterior
Grease often collects at the hinge and along the edge where the two plates meet. Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to clear these gaps, then wipe with a damp cloth. If your press has a removable drip tray, wash it with warm soapy water and dry it completely before reinserting. Finish by wiping down the exterior casing with a damp cloth.
- 5
Dry thoroughly and store open
Use a dry cloth or fresh paper towel to remove all moisture from the plates and the casing before you close the press. Storing a damp press closed encourages mildew and can cause the plates to stick together. Leave the press open or slightly ajar until you are certain it is completely dry, then store it in a well-ventilated spot.
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FAQ
- Can I put my sandwich press plates in the dishwasher?
- Only if the manufacturer explicitly states the plates are removable and dishwasher-safe — check your model's manual. Most fixed-plate presses must be cleaned by hand. Dishwasher detergents and high heat can strip non-stick coatings even on plates marked as dishwasher-safe if cycled too frequently.
- How do I remove burnt cheese that is completely stuck to the plates?
- Make a thick paste from baking soda and a little water, spread it over the affected area, and leave it for five to ten minutes. The mild alkalinity breaks down carbonised residue without scratching. Then use a soft cloth to rub gently in circular motions. Repeat if needed. Do not use a knife or metal spatula — these will gouge the coating permanently.
- How often should a sandwich press be cleaned in a holiday rental?
- After every guest stay at minimum, and ideally after every use if the rental has onsite management. A quick wipe-down (Steps 1 to 3 above) takes under five minutes and prevents the build-up that requires a full deep clean. Include the press in your standard changeover checklist alongside the oven and microwave.