How to Clean a Cookie Press

Cookie presses are simple devices that make it possible to manipulate cookie dough to form a specific shape for a cookie. The presses are often equipped with a barrel that holds the dough, a piston that forces the dough from the barrel, and several different disks that help to shape the cookies as the dough is expressed from the device. Fortunately, a cookie press is as easy to clean as it is to use.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Dish washing liquid
• Sponge
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Make note of the materials used to manufacture the cookie press. The components may be made of durable plastic, stainless steel, or a combination of the two. Understanding the type of materials used will provide you with clues as to what type of cleaning products would be appropriate for use.

2. Determine how the press is constructed. Many versions are not built as one solid unit, but rather several components that can be separated if necessary. Often, the separation involves nothing more than loosening a threaded section by turning it counter-clockwise.

3. Read the instructions that come with the press. Some cookie presses may be dismantled and placed in an automatic dishwasher. Other models may require hand washing. If you have lost the instructions, hand washing is the way to go, since all types of cookie presses can be washed in hot soapy water.

4. Dismantle the cookie press. This means detaching the disks, and separating the piston from the barrel. Depending on the design of the cookie press, there may be a couple of other components to separate.

5. Initiate the cleaning process. If the press can be placed into an automatic dishwasher, place all the components in the flatware tray. This will ensure they are cleaned and dried evenly If using a dishwasher is not recommended or is not practical, fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the components, adding dishwashing liquid as the water runs. Place the components in the water and allow them to settle for a moment or two, then clean thoroughly with a soft sponge. Place in the flatware tray of the dish drainer to air dry the components, or wipe the components dry with a soft clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Generally, stainless steel cookie presses are dishwasher safe. Some plastic models are also dishwasher safe, but if there is any doubt, always go with hand washing the components in the sink.

• Failure to rinse off the components soon after use will result in a hardened mess to be cleaned. Even if you plan on cleaning the components in a dishwasher, use running water to rinse off as much of the residue as possible. This will eliminate the potential for having to run the components through the cycle a second time.