How to Clean a Waffle Maker Properly

There are few small appliances that provide…

…as much tasty fun as a waffle maker.

Why aren’t more people using this cool kitchen tool?

Because it’s a drag to clean a waffle maker!

Do you agree?

Both the interior and exterior of baking plates are likely…

…to accumulate food debris and grease, which should be removed…

…after every use to avoid unpleasant odors or even burning your next batch. 

If your waffle maker doesn’t recommend it, you shouldn’t use…

…ordinary dish soap to clean the baking plates since it will…

…gradually remove their non-stick coating over time.

By using the right supplies and techniques, you can easily eliminate..

…leftover batter and crud-the way you approach the task depends…

…on whether your unit has removable or non-removable baking plates.

If you’re not sure, consult the manual, then read on to see…

…how to clean the appliance quickly and let it take its…

…rightful place in your breakfast routine.  

Here is Ariel’s experience…

I have a waffle iron in the back of a drawer, and even though I love making waffles..

I rarely use it. What is the reason? Those shoes were filthy…

My waffle iron has never been cleaned properly. Please don’t judge…

Those built up grease deposits were just too difficult to remove!

However, I decided that a dirty waffle maker is not worth giving up waffles for…

So I went on a quest to find the best and easiest way to clean it…

Waffles that are made with whole grains and high benefit oils, or no oil, are a wholesome food and could be included in a healthy diet. 

Is Waffle Healthy?

Let’s start clean a waffle maker…

How to Clean a Waffle Maker Removable Plates

 Tools and Materials

• Plastic or rubber spatula
• Plain water
• Gloves
• Soft sponge or softbristle brush
• Drying rack

This is how to Clean a Waffle Maker step by step..

Steps

• To clean a waffle maker, lift the lid of the waffle maker and remove any waffles from the baking plates with a plastic or rubber spatula. The non-stick coatings on many models can be damaged if used with metallic utensils.
• Turn the temperature control dial to off or 0 if your waffle maker has one. Let the machine cool completely for at least 30 minutes after unplugging it.
• Make sure the kitchen sink is clear of dishes before inserting the drain stopper. Warm tap water should be filled halfway in the sink.
• Each cooled baking plate should be removed by pressing down on the corresponding plate release button located on the exterior of the unit. In a two-plate unit, for example, press the plate release button on the left to remove the leftmost plate. As soon as the plate pops up from the unit’s base, use both hands to lift it out and immediately immerse it in the sink. For each plate, repeat this process. Let the plates soak in the water for 10 minutes to loosen grease and caked-on batter.
• When you have donned gloves, lift one plate from the water bath and gently wipe the grooves and edges of the plate using a soft sponge or a soft-bristled brush. (Do not use scouring pads or other abrasive cleaning supplies that may erode the non-stick coating.) Once the groove-side of the plate is clean, flip it over and gently wipe the other side.
• Clean the top and bottom of the plate under running water to remove any remaining crumbs, then air-dry on a drying rack. Once all the baking plates are cleaned and dried, remove your gloves.
• Some waffle makers have baking plates that can be cleaned in the dishwasher without causing damage. Consult the manual for instructions on safe cleaning techniques. When in doubt, avoid dishwashing the baking plates to prevent denting.
• Clean and dry each baking plate, then place it in its corresponding slot in the waffle maker’s plate housing. Allow the plate to click into place by pressing it down with both hands. Use the procedure “How to Clean a Waffle Maker’s Exterior,” below, to clean the exterior of the waffle maker.

We also have compiled a guide that will help you…

…choose waffle maker with removable plates, if you are looking for the best one.

How to Clean a Waffle Maker’s Non-Removable Plates

 Tools and Materials:

• Plastic or rubber spatula
• Plain water
• Paper towels
• Cloth hand towels (2)

Step 1

Remove waffles from the waffle maker by lifting the lid…

…and using a plastic or rubber spatula.

Turn the temperature control dial to the off or 0 position if the unit has one.

Once the waffle maker has cooled completely, unplug it..

…from the power source and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Wipe down the grooves and edges of each baking plate…

…at the base of the appliance with a dry paper towel or cloth…

…hand towel to absorb grease and remove trapped batter debris.

Step 3

Any residue remaining should be soaked with warm water…

…wrung out until damp but not dripping, then placed directly…

…on top of the baking plates and closed for three to five minutes.

When you use a towel to remove stubborn residue..

…the heat will help loosen it.

Step 4

Wipe away any lingering residue from the grooves…

…and edges of each waffle maker plate with a damp cloth after lifting the lid.

Step 5

Wipe each baking plate in the unit one final time…

…with a clean paper or cloth towel, soaked with warm water and wrung out.

Open the lid of the waffle maker for at least 10 minutes…

…to allow the plates to completely dry.

How to Clean a Waffle Maker’s Exterior

 Tools and Materials:

• Paper towels
• Cloth hand towels (2)
• Plain water

Here is the steps to clean a waffle maker exterior:

Step 1

If the interior plates are clean and the unit is cool, unplugged…

…and set to off/0, use a clean, damp paper towel…

…or cloth to wipe down the lid, handle, and base of the waffle maker.

Wipe away from electrical components such as the cord port…

…and the cord itself when wiping the base of the unit.

Do not immerse the unit in water; it could seep into the base..

…and corrode the metal heating elements on the underside of the baking plates.

Step 2

Dry the lid, handle, and base of the unit a second time with a fresh towel…

Step 3

When not in use, close the lid, wrap the power cord…

…around the power cord bracket (usually located at the base of the lid)…

…and place the unit upright on a flat, clean, dry surface away…

…from children and pets — the shelves of a high cabinet are ideal.

More things to note when you clean a waffle maker…

How Often to Clean a Waffle Maker

A waffle iron should be cleaned after every use to 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.

Tips to Keep Your Waffle Maker Clean Longer

• An electric waffle maker doesn’t require any seasoning. Each time you make waffles, brush some vegetable oil on the plate with a pastry brush to prevent them from sticking.
• Cooking spray should not be used to coat the grid plates. Over time, it will build up and leave a sticky residue.
• On the surface of your waffle maker, do not use metal or sharp utensils (stainless steel knives or spatulas). Waffles will stick to the waffle maker if there are scratches on the finish.
• You should never submerge a waffle maker in water.

Tips for Removing Really Stuck-On Waffle Mess

It is sometimes more challenging to clean an older waffle maker…

Over time, the protective coating can wear off, making the surface less…

…resistant to sticking. Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide…

…to clean your waffle maker if it is especially dirty. Close the lid on the cooled…

…unplugged waffle maker plate. After the peroxide and baking soda…

…have worked for an hour, let it rest. Then wipe it clean with…

…a wet cloth and dry it before storing it.

Some tough waffle maker messes can also be cleaned by pouring…

…vegetable oil onto the cooled waffle maker plates and letting the oil…

…soften the stuck-on batter. With warm water and soap, it can easily be removed.

Sum Up

You don’t usually think about clean a waffle maker after using it…

…since it isn’t something you use daily. A waffle iron, however…

..can easily become caked up if it’s not cleaned properly, after every use.

To keep your waffle iron gleaming, simply follow this method after you’ve used it…

Conclusion

What method you use to clean a waffle maker??

If you find this helpful, be sure to leave a comment!

Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always…

…do my best to respond to each and every comment.

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