Non-stick griddle pans are a great tool for getting the flavor from a grill but using your burner.
Moreover, the non-stick element allows you to reduce the amount of oil you put into the pan. Such a pan is a useful accessory in the kitchen.
However, it can be a challenge to clean it after cooking. You must clean it the right way to ensure it stays in your kitchen for years.
Thus, this article explains how to clean a non-stick griddle pan the right way.
Cleaning a Non-Stick Griddle Pan (Step-by-Step)
It’s best to clean your non-stick griddle pan as soon after cooking as possible.
The non-stick material prevents food from sticking only for some time.
So, waiting allows the grease and food debris to stick onto the pan. As a result, it can be more challenging to clean.
Step 1. Pour Out All Grease Present in the Non-Stick Griddle Pan
When you’re cleaning up, pour out all grease present in the non-stick griddle pan into the trash. You can also put the grease in a container and throw it out later.
You should, however, avoid pouring the grease down the drain. Grease can cause clogs in your drain, which means you’ll be spending a lot of time (and perhaps money) to fix it.
It’s best to avoid putting your non-stick griddle pan in the dishwasher.
The dishwasher may get the job done. However, it will reduce the pan’s overall durability.
Avoid dishwasher use even if the pan’s manufacturer says it’s dishwasher safe. This will further help increase the age of your pan.
Step 2. Add Baking Powder on the Non-Stick Griddle Pan
It’s best to use baking powder for cleaning your non-stick griddle pan.
Baking powder is mildly abrasive and effective against removing grease and grime. It is also effective at removing cooked-on grime and burnt-on grease.
If you don’t have baking powder, use mild dish soap instead. Stronger soaps can damage the non-stick layer on the pan.
Also, make sure that the dish soap you use cuts through grease.
Step 3. Add Hot Water to the Non-Stick Griddle Pan
Pour a bit of hot water into your non-stick griddle pan.
Soon after that, use a brush with nylon bristles to mix the baking powder and the water.
This step will transform the mixture’s consistency to that of toothpaste.
Step 4. Scrub the Non-Stick Griddle Pan
Use the same brush to scrub your non-stick griddle pan.
Move the brush in circular motions in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. This way, you’ll cover all parts of the pan and the griddles on it.
Don’t Apply Too Much Pressure When Scrubbing
Make sure not to apply too much pressure while you’re scrubbing. Non-stick pans tend to get scratched and damaged quite easily.
Therefore, you must be careful when cleaning it to extend the pan’s lifespan.
Inspect the Pan to See if the Grease Is Still Present
It may take longer by cleaning it gently, but it’s worth it. Keep inspecting the pan while you’re scrubbing it.
Look for parts of the pan that require more attention and focus on scrubbing there.
You will quicken the process if you don’t waste time cleaning parts of the pan that are already clean.
Step 5. Rinse the Non-Stick Griddle Pan
After you are satisfied that you have adequately scrubbed your non-stick griddle pan, rinse it in the sink.
If you see some food debris or grease still present on the pan, repeat step 4. Leaving food debris on the pan can be bad for your pan.
Step 6. Apply Olive Oil to Your Non-Stick Griddle Pan
It’s not enough to clean and leave the non-stick griddle pan as is.
You must use a soft microfiber cloth or a kitchen rag to apply olive oil on the surface of the non-stick griddle pan.
Consider this as a part of re-seasoning the pan. While it’s true that non-stick pans don’t need any seasoning, doing this will make sure your pans last longer.
Coat All Interior Parts of the Pan with Olive Oil
You only need to coat the interior part of the pan. In addition to that, make sure to coat the sides of the non-stick griddle pan too.
This process will ensure that the non-stick griddle pan stays in good condition for a long time.
The olive oil prevents the non-stick griddle pan from rusting.
Use a Limited Amount of Oil
You simply have to coat the non-stick griddle pan. Therefore, you only need to use about a teaspoon or half a tablespoon of oil.
The amount of oil required will depend on the size of your non-stick griddle pan.
Wipe Off the Excess Oil with a Paper Towel
Make sure that there’s no oil dripping from your non-stick griddle pan.
If there is, use a paper towel to wipe off all of the excess olive oil.
Step 7. Dry the Non-Stick Griddle Pan Thoroughly
You must make sure that your non-stick griddle pan is completely dry before storing it. Keep it out in the open for an hour or two to air dry it.
Storing it right away can leave the water on it for a longer period. That, in turn, can cause the non-stick griddle pan to rust.
Step 8. Store the Non-Stick Griddle Pan Properly
You’re likely to store your non-stick griddle pan among other pans.
In that case, make sure to lace a dry and clean dish towel or washcloth between the surface of all pans.
This step will ensure that the surface does not get scratched during storage.
You could also consider placing reusable paper towels between each pan. Any soft material that will keep the pans safe is good.
Things to Keep in Mind When Cleaning a Non-Stick Griddle Pan
There are a few things you should make a note of when cleaning your non-stick griddle pan.
This knowledge can ensure that your non-stick griddle pan lasts long. As a result, you can save money and time on getting a replacement.
Avoid Using Abrasive and Metal Cleaning Pads
You should avoid using abrasive and metal cleaning pads to clean your non-stick griddle pan.
Such pads include steel wool, plastic scouring pads, and scouring sponge brushes.
Abrasive cleaning equipment can remove the non-stick layer on the pans. As a result, such equipment will compromise the pan’s primary function.
Use Oil Sparingly When Cooking with a Non-Stick Griddle Pan
A non-stick griddle pan is designed to be used without oil.
Therefore, you should oil sparingly and when necessary.
On the other hand, don’t think that you don’t need any oil at all. While non-stick pans are good and not letting your food stick, using a little bit of oil will help and make sure the pans retain the non-stick coating for a longer duration.
Consider Using a Bit of Vinegar to Remove Tough Oil Layers
Depending on what you’re cooking, you may find that some layers of oil are harder to remove than others.
In such cases, you could consider using a bit of vinegar to remove the oil.
Fill Some Water in the Non-Stick Griddle Pan Soon After Cooking
In many cases, you may not be able to clean your non-stick griddle pan when it cools right after cooking with it.
Therefore, you should fill some water in the pan. Let the water rest in the pan until you start cleaning it.
Doing this will prevent grease and food residue from drying onto the pan’s surface as a result.
Do Not Use Cooking Sprays with Non-Stick Griddle Pans
Cooking sprays can leave residue on your non-stick griddle pan. This residue can be challenging to remove.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid using cooking sprays when working with non-stick griddle pans.
Try Not to Cook with the Non-Stick Griddle Pan at High Heat
Cooking at high heat frequently with a non-stick griddle pan can lead to discoloration and stains.
Vary your cooking style when grilling food in your non-stick griddle pan.
Look for Traces of White Residue on the Non-Stick Griddle Pan
After cleaning your non-stick griddle pan, take a close look at it. If you spot white residue on the clean pan, that is residue from hard water.
In that case, you will have to remove the stains by rinsing the pans with distilled or filtered water.
Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly after that. If you suspect the layer of olive oil has come off, add more of it onto the pan.
Rinsing your non-stick griddle pan with distilled water is a temporary solution. Instead, you should consider installing a water softener in your home.
There are many other advantages to installing one.
Last Few Words
Non-stick griddle pans and other non-stick pans are useful tools to reduce your oil consumption.
However, these pans are more delicate than other types of pans available.
That is why you must take utmost care to ensure that they last. Non-stick pans are also more expensive than regular pans.
Therefore, you may end up spending too much money on replacements if you don’t clean and store your non-stick griddle pan properly.
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