What do you clean a sandwich toaster with?

The plates are wiped, unplugged and while warm, with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid; the detergent residue is then removed with a clean damp cloth and the plates are dried.

Can a sandwich toaster be washed?

The body of a sandwich toaster is not submerged in water. Only removable plates can be washed with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid; they go in the dishwasher only if the manufacturer allows.

How do you clean grease off a sandwich toaster?

Grease on the plates is wiped off with paper towel while warm, and the plates are wiped with a damp cloth and dishwashing liquid. On a darkened layer of grease, a small amount of gel dish detergent is left briefly and then removed; the grease drip tray is emptied and washed.

Guide · Kitchen and dishes · October 20, 2026

How to Clean a Sandwich Toaster

Melted cheese, breadcrumbs and grease build up on the plates of a sandwich toaster with every use and darken over time. Because the plates touch food, they are cleaned with dishwashing liquid, while the electrical body is not put in water. This guide explains how to clean the plates and grill of a sandwich toaster, what to watch out for on granite, non-stick and cast iron plates, and how to look after commercial contact grills in cafés.

Before cleaning

Unplug it: unplug the sandwich toaster before you start cleaning.
Let it cool to warm: residue comes off more easily while the plates are warm; do not touch hot plates.
Read the user manual: check whether the plates can be removed and whether they can go in the dishwasher.
Do not submerge the body: the body and cable of the sandwich toaster must not be put in water or held under the tap.

How to clean a sandwich toaster: step by step

Remove residue: lift off cheese and bread residue with a plastic or silicone spatula.
Remove the grease: wipe the grease off the plates with paper towel.
Wipe: wipe the plates with a well-wrung soft cloth or sponge dampened with lukewarm water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
Remove the detergent: wipe the plates several times with a clean damp cloth to remove the detergent residue.
Dry: dry the plates with a dry cloth and leave the lid open until they are completely dry.
Empty the drip tray: if there is a grease drip tray, empty it and wash it with dishwashing liquid.

How to clean sandwich toaster plates?

Remove removable plates from the appliance and wash them with lukewarm water, dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge; if residue is stuck, leave the plates in lukewarm soapy water for a while and remove it with a small amount of gel dish detergent. Clean the grill grooves with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and dry. Clean non-removable plates in place with a damp cloth and a brush; do not pour water onto the plates.

Granite and non-stick sandwich toasters

Plates with a granite or Teflon (non-stick) coating are sensitive to scratching and wear. Do not use metal spatulas, knives, steel wool or abrasive cream on these plates; the coating peels and food starts to stick. Use only lukewarm water, dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge. For details, see the non-stick and granite sections of how to clean a frying pan.

How to clean a cast iron sandwich toaster?

Clean cast iron plates while warm with a stiff non-metal brush and lukewarm water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Do not leave cast iron plates in water and do not put them in the dishwasher; cast iron rusts quickly. After cleaning, dry the plates immediately and thoroughly; follow the manufacturer's recommendation for care.

Darkened and burnt sandwich toasters

If a darkened layer of grease has formed on the plates, apply a small amount of gel dish detergent while the plates are warm, leave it briefly and remove it with a sponge suited to the coating; then wipe several times with a clean damp cloth. Do not use strong products such as degreaser or oven spray on the plates of electrical appliances that cannot be rinsed with plenty of water. For plates with peeling or damaged coating, contact the manufacturer or an authorised service centre.

What not to do

Submerging the sandwich toaster in water or holding it under the tap.
Using metal spatulas, knives and steel wool on a non-stick coating.
Using degreaser or oven spray on the plates.
Cleaning while plugged in or while the plates are hot.

How to clean a commercial contact grill?

Commercial contact grills in cafés, snack bars and canteens run all day. Remove residue with a plastic spatula during the day, empty the drip tray every day and, at the end of the day, unplug the appliance and wipe the plates while warm with a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid; then wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry. Follow the plate material and the manufacturer's instructions. TETİK Dishwashing Liquid is produced in 750 g, 5 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg packs and TETİK Gel in 200 g, 10 kg and 35 kg. For product lists, see restaurant cleaning supplies and the school cleaning supplies list; request a quote for bulk purchases.

Prepared by: Tetikoğlu Kimya — cleaning chemicals manufacturer since 1997. When using products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the pack.