If any food residue is left behind on the cooking plate, simply push it into the fire using the spatula. Rub the cooking plate down with an oiled cloth frequently, and it will be spotless again. We recommend that you do not allow a thick layer of residue to build up, because it will be hard to remove. It is better to scrape down the cooking plate frequently. If nevertheless thick layers of residue have built up, put ice cubes one the plate and scrape it with the spatula and the residue will disappear quickly.