Non-stick griddles are great for cooking eggs, pancakes, and many other dishes. But if they’re not well maintained, you could end up with a pan that’s caked in burnt-on grease.
Not only is that gross to look at, but it’s also hard to scrub off and. When cooking at high temperatures, the grease can release toxic chemicals.
Cleaning your griddle is a necessary chore to keep it in good condition and extend its life. This article will give you an overview of how to clean the most common types of nonstick griddles.
People find that certain scrubbers work for them, while others use water and elbow grease. No matter what type of griddle you have, there are some straightforward ways to clean it. Let’s talk about those so you can have your griddle in tip-top shape.
How to clean non stick griddle?
Don’t change the temperature too quickly
The most common mistake is running your nonstick griddle in cold water. I know the burnt residue will harden when it cools, and it will be hard to remove. But this sudden temperature change can cause the cookware itself to warp or crack because of thermal shock.
Before wiping down with soap and hot water, let the surface go through its natural cooling process. This way, you can avoid gradient temperature spots on your griddle in the future.
Clean up the burnt mess with Baking soda
Getting rid of a stubborn residue takes a lot of work. Baking soda, an inexpensive household product for most kitchens, can help in these situations.
Put baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water on the griddle, depending on how big of a mess you have or what size burn you have. You might need to adjust how much mixture you use at a time (add more if you need to).
Put the griddle back on medium heat in the oven, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes before turning down to low-medium temperature. After 1/2 minute, take it out, let it cool down, then wash it with soapy water.
Use Vinegar to get rid of the grease
Cleaning a nonstick griddle is the same as cleaning any other dish. What you will need for this job are vinegar and warm water. The vinegar helps remove grease, while the warm water removes food particles left behind by breakfast or lunch preparation earlier in the day.
If that isn’t enough, then you can also add soap to your mixture of vinegars and warm water to make it more potent! The process is similar to using baking soda.
First, fill the griddle with a mixture of water and vinegar (1 cup). Since oil takes up more surface area than grease does, we mix in an extra amount too – around 2 cups total.
Then put it back on the stove and let simmer for about 5 minutes while watching closely so that nothing burns. When bubbles start forming all over the top of your liquid, right before boiling point, turn off the heat.
Then pour out into sink filled with warm water one side down which will cause most fats/oil floating on its surface. Slowly change the temperature to cold and wash your griddle with a sponge and soap.
Please give it a hand wash; avoid dishwasher
It’s easy to clean nonstick cookware, but don’t just put it in the dishwasher. Many companies advertise their nonstick pots and pans as safe for washing with high heat and harsh detergents.
However, over time, the coatings degrade, making them less effective at preventing sticking when used with foods like eggs and tomato sauce.
You can prevent food residue from staining your pan by handwashing it with mild soap. You’ll have peace of mind knowing it will last longer before you have to replace it. They’re more durable if you wash them by hand instead of in the dishwasher.
Use wooden utensils instead of metal
Avoid using metal utensils for cooking. When you cook, use wooden utensils to avoid scratching the nonstick surface of your pan used in everyday life.
If residue is left on the surface after boiling vegetables, be careful not to scrub it off and potentially scratch away any coating which protects against food from sticking easily. Never scrub the nonstick surface with scouring pads or stiff brushes.
Instead, try sponges or microfiber cloths like I did when removing hardened bits of rice stuck on my non stick. They’re great at getting baked-on foods out without damaging surfaces!
Please make sure you store it right
After you’ve finished washing the griddle, make sure to hang it dry. Storing it in a compartment is trickier than one might think. If there are other sharp objects around, then be mindful of not scratching or scraping your dishware.
However, if space is limited and stacking them with cookware becomes necessary, ensure that they have some padding (paper towels work well) between each piece to avoid unnecessary damage on both your equipment and kitchen surfaces alike.
Make your griddle better by oiling it. Nonstick pans need a little seasoning, but they can use less oil, thanks to their nonstick surfaces. Brush a teaspoon of oil on it before and after you use it to keep its protective coatings intact.
Should I use cooking vinegar or cleaning vinegar?
Either of them will work. Both contain acetic acid, which cuts through grease the way a kitchen knife would cut through the meat. And it has a fairly neutral pH level, so it won’t harm the protective coating.
How often should you clean a griddle?
You should clean your non-stick griddle every time you use it to prevent bacteria and grease from building up. If you only use it occasionally, you can still clean it that way.
Final words
As you can see, cleaning a nonstick griddle is easy. Just remember to use mild soap and warm water. Avoid dishwashers if possible. Dry it after washing with paper towels in between each piece of cookware. Oil the pan before or after using.
Never scrub the surface with scouring pads or brushes. Store your griddle carefully by hanging it up without scratching surfaces on other items nearby. You’ll be able to cut down on grease buildup and keep food from sticking as easily.
That’s it, and it shouldn’t get any more complicated. I hope you enjoyed this reading.
