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Cleaning and maintaining your electric frying pan/skillet can prolong its lifespan significantly. It also prevents grease residues from building up, which can cause staining.
Although some of these are completely dishwasher safe, others require a careful hand wash instead. This should be done as soon as possible after use, to keep your electric frying pan at its best.
Here are the tips and tricks to keep your pan in ship-shape, durable and hygienic.
How To Clean Electric Frying Pan?
When choosing the appropriate utensils to remove food and grease from your pan, be mindful of the non-stick interior. Don’t use metal or anything that could scrape or scratch the surface. Resort to cleaning utensils made from wood, nylon or plastic.
What can I use to clean an electric frying pan?
You will need:
- Dish soap or cleansers (but do not use those containing chlorine or bleach)
- a sponge or cloth
- warm water
- wooden spoon/toothpicks
- Nylon scrapper
- Dishtowel
Staying Safe
Before you begin cleaning your electric frying pan, always read the instruction it came with as some pans may be submersible, while others may not. If you find it can be submerged in water, unplug it and remove both the electrical cord and connector from the pan. Be sure to keep the connector entry out of the water.
Cleaning the Interior
To start, turn on your electric frying pan to low-medium heat to warm up the food remaining in the pan. This will make it easier to remove. Carefully take out any food, being sure not to scratch or scrape the pan interior. Do not add cold water to the pan when it is hot, as this can warp and damage the pan.
After removing excess residue, place your pan into hot soapy water (if the instructions allow this) and remember to keep the connector entry point out of the water. Use a good cloth or sponge to clean the inside entirely.
Rinse the electric frying pan when you have finished, and place it on a rack or drying cloth.
If the an is dishwasher proof, remove excess food, rinse it and simply put it straight into the dishwasher.
If your electric frying pan is not designed to be submerged in water, discard excess grease and debris and then clean with a damp paper towel and hot water. A cloth will also work. Simply add some soap and gently scrub until it’s clean. After, you can rinse the cloth and wipe away the remaining soap.
Cleaning the Exterior
Wipe down the outside of the pan using a soapy sponge or cloth, to remove any grease or grime. Wring out the cloth as it gets dirty, and refresh it with more soap and water. Repeat this until the appliance is clean, and then remove the soapy residue with a damp cloth. As water may destroy the appliance, be careful the sponge is not too wet, and does not get inside the connector entry point of the pan.
Carefully clean the cord and connector entry point
You may use a damp sponge or cloth to carefully wipe down the connector cord and the outside of the electric connector opening on the pan. Use a toothpick to carefully take out any debris that may have accumulated in the connector opening.
Cleaning the Lid
The lid of an electric frying pan is usually dishwasher safe. If preferred, you can wash it by hand in a sink of hot, soapy water. You may use a soft bristle scrubbing brush to gently scrub away more stubborn residues.
Drying Your Pan
Be sure to dry each part thoroughly before storing your pan. It is advised that electric frying pans are given the time to air-dry, as this ensured all water particles evaporate. When storing the dry frying pan, you can reinsert the electric connector to the pan, or store it inside.
Deeper cleaning for stubborn dirt and debris
If the food build-up calls for a deeper clean, there are several ways to remove the harder stains and food pieces.
Boiling Water
fill the pan with water and bring it to the boil for a while. Allow it to sit for as long as you think necessary. Then, remove the water and scrub it with a non-abrasive pad. The residue should now be easy to remove.
Baking Soda
get rid of grease by generously sprinkling baking soda over it and adding a little water to form a paste. Let it sit, and scrub with a non-abrasive pad. The debris should come away easily with a cloth after. This is a great trick that can be used to clean all sorts of cookware, without causing damage to the surface of the pan.
Use a Cleanser
select a powdered cleanser that does not use any chlorine or bleach, as this damages stainless steel. Sprinkle a think layer over the pan, and rub it in with a nylon scrubber or cleaning pad. Powdered cleaners are also useful for removing discoloration in the pan caused by heat exposure.
After each of these techniques, you will need to then rinse, wash and dry as mentioned earlier.
Maintenance
To keep your electric frying pan in nick condition and give it a long life, you need to care for it properly. Here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Give your pan a good wash before its first use
- Always clean your pan as soon as you can after using it
- Do not leave food in it overnight
- Do not leave plastic cooking utensils in the appliance while cooking i.e. plastic spatulas
- Remember not to put hot pans into cold water
- Avoid using metal utensils on the pan
- Do not use abrasive cleaners and cleaning products that could damage the non-stick coating
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the ways to look after your electric frying pan. These appliances are convenient, quick and easy to use. They also save us space on our countertops as they can be stored away after use. Once you know the tips and tricks, your cleaning routine will be just as straightforward. Keeping on top of grease and grime will save a lot of stress and scrubbing in the future, so consistently check and clean your appliance. Taking care of your pan and following these simple steps will extend its life, as well as keeping your cooking safe and hygienic.