How to Clean a Waffle Maker – The Easy Way
One of the keys to the best-tasting and best-looking waffles is a clean waffle maker!
- June 28, 2020
Waffle makers are great and fun kitchen appliances. They allow you to make a fresh, fluffy waffle in a matter of minutes. All you need to do to use one is plug it in, turn it on and pour your batter in – it’ll do the rest.
However, making waffles can create a big mess and as we all know dirty waffle irons aren’t only unpleasant to look at; stuck-on food and a stubborn film of baked-on oil interfere with cooking and releasing your waffles, making what’s supposed to be a fun tradition disappointing and frustrating.
Luckily, there’s a trick to keep it clean without spending too much time.
How Often to Clean a Waffle Iron
A waffle iron should be cleaned after every use. This will remove food particles that can allow bacteria to grow. A more detailed cleaning after several uses will remove any excess oil that can turn rancid and spoil the taste of the next batch of waffles. If you only use your waffle iron occasionally, the deeper cleaning should be done before storing the appliance.
What You”ll Need
- Paper towels or a soft-bristled brush
- Rags or microfiber cloths
- Tongs with plastic or silicone tips (optional)
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Toothpicks
How to Clean a Waffle Maker With Non-Removable Plates
Instructions
Step 1: Unplug your waffle iron and allow it to cool. You definitely don’t want to burn yourself trying to clean a piping hot waffle iron. Instead, unplug it before enjoying your waffle. By the time you’re finished and ready to clean, it should be cool.
Step 2: Remove loose crumbs. Use dry paper towels or a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose crumbs. Don’t use any abrasive tools, as they could damage the nonstick surface of your waffle iron plates.
Step3: Remove excess oil with a dry paper towel. There may be little grease and oil on the plates. You can dab these up with a dry paper towel. It may be helpful to fold the paper towel into a point, so that you can push it between the ridges of the iron.
Step 4: Loosen the hardened bits with oil. To remove the really-stuck-on batter, douse the baked-on batter with cooking oil. Wait 5 minutes for the batter to soften. Dab the batter off with a paper towel or cloth.
Step 5: Wipe down the inside of your waffle iron. Take the rag or microfiber cloth and apply a small amount of dish soap to it. Then wipe down the inside of your waffle iron. If necessary, you can use tongs to help guide the rag into the nooks and crannies of the waffle iron.
Step 6: Really dig in: Scrape a toothpick through any small cracks that have accumulated waffle batter or crumbs.
Step 7: Clean the exterior of the appliance. Use a microfiber cloth and some dish soap to wipe down the exterior of the waffle maker and be sure to follow-up with a rinsing wipe.
Step 8: Dry the Appliance. Use a soft cloth to completely dry the inside and outside of the appliance. Never store a damp waffle maker.
Also Read
How To Deep Clean the Waffle Maker
If any burnt-on food or stubborn oil spots remain, make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply the paste onto the grates and let it sit for at least a couple hours.
Clean off the paste. After some time, the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste will turn brown as it absorbs the dirty oil that’s been stuck to your waffle iron. Wipe the paste off your waffle iron grates with a clean, wet rag. Swap out your rag and wipe again until any and all residue is removed.
How to Clean a Waffle Maker With Removable Plates
If your waffle maker has removable plates, unplug the machine and allow it to cool. Wash the plates in warm, soapy water or place in the dishwasher if recommended by the manufacturer. Follow the same tips for cleaning the outside and removing build-up for the plates as recommended above.
How To Deep Clean the Waffle Maker
- Go through the cleaning instructions as indicated on the manual. The manufacturer may indicate specific cleaning instructions depending on the type of waffle you own.
- Do not scrub with abrasive or rough materials, such as steel wool, metallic spatula, knives, spoons, etc.
- Never immerse the waffle iron inside water. You’ll ruin the electrical appliance by doing so.
- Do not treat the waffle iron with cooking spray. If you use aerosol spray, a yucky residue builds up on the grills. When preparing your waffle, spray or apply a few drops of cooking oil, it loosens especially when you notice your waffles are sticking on the grills.
- Do not use soapy water or chemicals to clean your waffle maker. Harsh chemicals are corrosive to the grilled surface. Also, it poses a health risk because once used, rinsing the chemical away is not easy, especially for appliances with non-detachable plates.
