How to Clean a Waffle Iron

By Hannah Stephens

November 12, 2024

Nothing beats fluffy, freshly cooked waffles, but the thought of cleaning a waffle maker is enough to put many home cooks off their breakfasts.

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Fortunately, removing baked-on batter and grease isn't rocket science once you know the correct technique.

Step-by-Step Waffle Maker Cleaning Guide

Cleaning a waffle maker is easy with the right tools and know-how. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfectly clean waffle iron.

Things You’ll Need

First, ensure you have the right tools and materials on hand to clean a waffle iron. You'll need to gather:

  • Paper towels

  • Dish soap

  • Cleaning sponges and cloths

  • Old toothbrush

  • Cooking oil spray

  • Dish towels

Step 1: Check Your Manual

While these tips will work for most waffle makers, it's important to defer to your manufacturer's instructions. Cleaning your waffle maker incorrectly could void the warranty and damage the internal components, and your manufacturer may offer tips specific to your make and model.

Step 2: Unplug and Cool the Waffle Maker

Washing a waffle maker while it's plugged in can lead to electric shocks, so you should unplug your machine at the outlet before getting started. Allow the waffle maker to cool first to prevent burns and avoid damaging your cleaning implements.

Step 3: Clean the Exterior

Next, wipe down the outside of your waffle maker with a damp sponge or cloth. Remove any major spills and dry the machine's casing with a dish towel.

Step 4: Tackle Crumbs

Open your waffle maker and remove any crumbs with a dry cloth. If you see excess oil, soak it up with paper towels.

Step 5: Remove Stubborn Residue

Remove baked-on waffle batter by applying cooking oil to the plates. It's easy to apply too much oil if you pour it directly from the bottle. Therefore, it's worth using a cooking oil spray to give you more control.

Allow the oil to soak into the residue for a few minutes, and then wipe the softened batter away with paper towels. Repeat this process until you've tackled all the stubborn areas.

Step 6: Wash the Plates

If your waffle iron has removable plates, take them off and wash them in the sink with warm water and dish soap. You can clean non-removable plates by scrubbing them with a cleaning sponge dipped in a water and dish soap solution. Rinse removable plates in clean water, and wipe down non-removable plates with a damp cloth to remove the dish soap suds.

Never wash your entire waffle maker in the sink. While it may be tempting to submerge a waffle maker with non-removable plates, getting the electronic components wet can irreparably damage your machine and increase the risk of electric shocks and house fires.

Use gentle sponges and cloths to avoid damaging the surface of the plates. An old toothbrush is also ideal for removing batter residue from your waffle maker's grooves. Scraping your waffle plates with steel wool and other metal implements can leave scratches in the surface and encourage waffle batter to stick in the future.

Step 7: Dry the Waffle Maker

Storing a wet waffle maker can damage the internal parts and allow mold to flourish. Allow your waffle maker to air-dry until no moisture remains to keep it in good working condition.

Step 8: Repeat After Every Use

Keeping your waffle maker clean prevents germs from building up and keeps your machine working properly. It also stops batter from accumulating, making waffles less likely to stick to the plates. Therefore, you should clean your waffle iron thoroughly after every use.

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How Do You Deep-Clean a Waffle Maker?

Dish soap and warm water may not be enough to tackle the toughest baked-on stains. You should deep clean your waffle maker if you still notice stubborn patches after cleaning your waffle iron.

Baking soda is the ideal cleaner for removing baked-on mixture because it gently lifts stains without damaging nonstick surfaces. Create a DIY waffle iron cleaner by mixing baking soda with warm water to make a thick paste. Cover your waffle plates with the baking soda and allow it to soak in for around 30 minutes.

Remove the baking soda solution and batter residue by wiping the plates with a damp cloth. Alternatively, rinse removable plates under the faucet until no baking soda remains. Allow the plates to air-dry thoroughly before reattaching them and storing your waffle maker.

Cleaning a waffle iron can be hard work, but the right knowledge lets you remove batter easily. Now you know how to clean a waffle iron with these step-by-step instructions.

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