How to clean a waffle maker – follow these simple steps and keep the appliance clean without any effort!

With somewhat infrequent use and accumulations of food residue, it often seems difficult to clean a waffle maker thoroughly. Waffles are not made every day, which can result in batter sticking to the plates of the device. Even if you don’t use the device that often, it can get exceptionally dirty. This discourages people from using it at all. However, dirty waffle makers are not only visually unpleasant. Sticky food and a stubborn layer of baked-on oil will interfere with the preparation and release of the waffles. This can make what is supposed to be a fun tradition disappointing and frustrating. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy cleaning methods you can try yourself at home to prevent this from happening. Below you will find practical tips and instructions for cleaning the small device with common household products.

How to clean a waffle maker and get it ready for use?

In most cases, the plates of the practical kitchen appliance can not be cleaned in the dishwasher. Whether sweet or savory, waffle batter has a tendency to expand and flow out of the waffle maker during baking. However, the sticky residue is just one thing to remove from your waffle maker. A waffle maker should be cleaned after each use to remove food debris that can allow bacteria to grow. A more thorough cleaning after multiple uses will remove excess oil, which can go rancid and spoil the flavor of the next batch of waffles. If you only use your waffle maker occasionally, a thorough cleaning should be done before storing the unit.

In addition, a well-maintained waffle maker can last for years, producing delicious golden-brown delicacies every time. There’s no better way to start the morning than with a plate of fluffy waffles, but how do you clean the waffle maker after you’re done? Can you just run water on it or use dish soap and how do you get rid of the burnt grease?

The trick to clean a waffle maker is timing. It shouldn’t be hot, but don’t put it off either and don’t forget to clean your kitchen helper. Make it a habit to take care of the device once it cools down and you shouldn’t have any problems using it. For this purpose, you can use the following cleaning accessories:

• Soft bristle brush
• microfiber cloth
• Sink
• Non-abrasive sponge (optional)
• chopsticks (optional)
• pastry brush (optional)
• kitchen paper or paper towels
• toothpick
• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water
• baking soda
• hydrogen peroxide

Waffle Maker Cleaning Guide

If the waffle maker has removable plates, you can remove them after they have cooled. Some waffle makers have plates that can be washed in the dishwasher, making cleaning a waffle iron super easy. Check the manufacturer’s manual if you still have it, or find it online. Instead, place them in warm water in the sink and clean them with water and a sponge or brush, suitable for a non-stick surface. If the surface is not non-stick, you can use a little dish soap, but skip it if the plates are non-stick. After cleaning, rinse the plates thoroughly and then dry them with a tea towel before placing them back in the waffle maker.

A waffle maker with plates you can’t remove is a little more difficult to clean, but still it’s not a chore. Wait for it to cool down completely. Waffle makers get extremely hot during the cooking process. They are usually brushed with oil before use, and hot oil can easily cause burns. Unplug your device and allow it to cool completely before attempting to clean it.

Also read: How to clean the dishwasher and disinfect it? Tips and home remedies that work well!

Follow these simple steps to clean a waffle maker

• Brush off food residue – After the waffle maker has cooled, use a dry paper towel or soft-bristled brush to remove any stuck food residue or crumbs. If some of the dough is baked, dab it with a few drops of cooking oil. The oil will soften the hard dough after a few minutes and make it easier to wipe off.
• Wipe excess oil from the grid plates – If you can see any oil, wipe it with a paper towel. Fold the paper towel into a square and use the tip to get into each crevice. You can also use a paper towel wrapped around a chopstick to follow each grid line.
• Make a homemade cleaning solution – Mix two cups of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dampen a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge with the solution and squeeze it out to avoid drips.
• Clean the coated surface of the plates – Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the plate surface, making sure to get between each grid line. Rinse the cloth with clean water and finally wipe the plates to remove soap residue.
• Clean the outside of the waffle maker – Use the same cleaning solution to wipe down the outside of the device. Then wipe it with a dishcloth.
• Dry the appliance – Use a soft kitchen towel to completely dry the waffle maker inside and out. Never store a wet waffle maker.

Tips for thorough cleaning of the kitchen appliance with homemade cleaner

Even if you have cleaned the waffle maker after each use, surfaces can still become sticky and need to be cleaned more thoroughly.

• First, mix a paste of baking soda and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. This can cause bubbles to form.
• Then use kitchen paper, a paper towel, or a pastry brush to brush the surfaces of the plates and even the outside of the appliance with the homemade cleaner if they feel oily or sticky.
• Then leave the paste on the surfaces for an hour or more. It may turn brown as it absorbs excess oil.
• First, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste and dirt.
• Then use a toothpick to remove deposits  caught in hard-to-reach areas like crevices.
• Finally, let the waffle maker dry before putting it back in a cupboard for storage.

This is how you take care of your device and keep it clean for a longer time

A good waffle maker that you know and trust is a great tool in the kitchen. With a few tips and tricks, you can keep it in top shape and working well. Most waffle makers on the market today clearly state that they should not be submerged in water, so wiping is often the best cleaning method. Otherwise, the following instructions can help you with the maintenance and care of the kitchen appliance.

• Protect your countertop when using waffle makers – Before you start making waffles, you can place a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper under the waffle maker to catch any spills and crumbs. When you’re done, simply throw away the dirty sheet.
• Protect the non-stick coating of the device – Sharp kitchen utensils or abrasive cleaning tools may scratch the non-stick coating of your waffle maker, which then turns into a sticky spot. So avoid the metal utensils and instead use a wooden chopstick to get under a waffle plate and lift it out when it’s done baking.
• Avoid using cooking spray as a non-stick agent – Most manufacturers’ instructions recommend oiling the plates with a greased paper towel before first use. After that, you should not oil them again with cooking spray during preparation. Too much grease builds up over time and leaves a sticky residue. Nonstick cooking sprays also contain chemicals that can burn onto it and affect the nonstick coating.
• Use wet wipes and evaporation to clean a waffle maker – When you’ve finished making the waffles, you can turn off the waffle maker and immediately place a few damp, but not wet, paper towels on the bottom plate hen close the lid and leave the appliance like this while you eat. The residual heat, through steam, will help transfer all the dirt to the paper towels and prevent a crust from forming.
• Spot clean stubborn food residue – While the waffle maker is still slightly warm, use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water to scoop out any remaining dirt in the indentations. Also check the amount of batter used each time to prevent excess residue that can stick.