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How to Clean Commercial Hot Plates: What’s Possible and What’s Not

by Samantha Campbell in Cleaning Guides

In the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, hot plates are the workhorses of the cooking line. Over time, though, these high-heat surfaces develop dark patches, burn marks, and discoloration that leave many wondering: Can this be cleaned? Or is it permanent?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Those Marks on Commercial Hot Plates?

If you’re staring at a plate covered in:

  • Brown or black patches

  • Irregular heat stains

  • Areas that won’t budge no matter how much you scrub...

…you’re likely dealing with carbon burns, heat damage, and oil residue that’s been baked into the surface over time.

These marks form when:

  • Oils and fats aren’t wiped up immediately

  • Food particles are left to cook and re-cook into the plate

  • The surface is cleaned while still hot, causing mineral deposits and discoloration

  • Harsh abrasives or improper tools scratch and damage the metal

What Can Be Cleaned Off

While not everything is reversible, here’s what can often be improved:

  • Grease and grime buildup: This can be broken down with a strong degreaser like SHYN Degreaser.

  • Surface staining: You may reduce the appearance using SHYN Paste and a steel scrub.

  • General dirt or soot: Usually removable with a proper soak, scrub, and dry method.

Try This Method:

  1. Let the plate cool completely.

  2. Spray with SHYN Degreaser (diluted 1:1 with water for safety).

  3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

  4. Scrub using SHYN Paste + a heavy-duty steel scrubber.

  5. Wipe clean and dry with a SHYN Drying Cloth.

What Can’t Be Cleaned Off

Unfortunately, some marks are here to stay:

  • Heat stains and discoloration: These are chemical changes to the metal from high temps — not dirt.

  • Etched-in carbon burns: These deeply bonded marks often need industrial tools or resurfacing to remove.

  • Pitting or wear: Damage to the surface caused by harsh abrasives or corrosion is usually irreversible.

Even the strongest cleaner can’t remove physical or chemical damage once it’s set into the metal.

Should You Try Oven Cleaner?

Heavy-duty oven cleaners (sodium hydroxide-based) can work for deep carbon, but they must be used:

  • With extreme caution

  • On a completely cool surface

  • In a well-ventilated space

  • With protective gloves and eyewear

And even then — it’s not guaranteed the original silver shine will return.

The Bottom Line

Hot plates are built to perform, not stay spotless. A stained surface doesn’t mean it’s dirty — it means it’s been well-used.

Focus your cleaning on removing food and oil residue for hygiene and safety. For cosmetic stains, manage expectations: they’re normal, especially in commercial environments.

And if you’d like to try giving your plate a bit of a refresh, we’re here to help with SHYN’s safe and powerful degreasing tools.

Tags: cafe commercial hot plates
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