If you’ve ever tried to clean a gunked-up waffle maker, you know it can be a real pain. With some practice and simple tricks, you can keep your waffle iron looking brand new.
The first step is to refer to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for specific product-care instructions. This will eliminate a lot of guesswork and ensure your appliance isn’t damaged.
Remove the Drip Tray
A waffle maker is a handy kitchen appliance that makes quick, tasty meals. However, like all appliances, it needs to be cleaned occasionally.
To make cleaning easy, remove the drip tray from your waffle maker before beginning. This will ensure that any excess batter stays in the tray, preventing it from spilling onto your countertop.
Once the drip tray has been removed, wipe it down with a damp sponge or paper towel to remove any leftover food debris and grease. Then, spray the interior of your waffle maker with a nonstick cooking spray to help prevent any more residue from sticking.
Next, use a clean paper or cloth towel to wipe down each baking plate in your waffle maker. Wet the towel with warm water, wring it out until damp but not dripping, and then pass over each plate’s grooves and edges to wipe it clean.
Wipe Down the Exterior
While a waffle maker is great for cooking tasty waffles, it can also get dirty. That’s why wiping it down regularly is essential to keep it looking good.
When you’re ready to clean the exterior of your waffle maker, it’s a good idea to refer to your owner’s manual for specific product-care instructions. This will eliminate much guesswork and make the cleaning process more manageable.
Use a soapy rag to wipe down the outside of your waffle maker, getting in between nooks and crannies as needed. For particularly hard-to-reach areas, use a toothbrush or nail brush to help you clean.
If you see any burnt-on food or stubborn oil spots, try making a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This paste will absorb greasy residue and make it easy to wipe off. After it’s absorbed, wash it away with a clean wet rag. You can repeat this process if necessary. This will help you keep your waffle maker clean and prevent the buildup of a sticky, greasy mess that can cause health problems.
Wipe Down the Interior
After using your waffle maker, wiping down the interior is a good idea. This will help remove any sticky food residues stuck to the surfaces and prevent bacteria from growing.
For easy and thorough cleaning, take a paper towel or soft cloth, soak it in hot water, wring it out, and quickly pass over the grooves of each cooking plate.
You can also use a dry paper towel or a soft-bristled brush to remove loose crumbs and sop up any excess oil pooling on the grid plates.
When you’re done, let the appliance surfaces air-dry before putting it away. This will ensure that no moisture remains inside, which can affect the life of the device.
Clean the Grates
Whether you have a non-stick waffle maker or one with removable plates, you need to clean the grates regularly. It will prevent food residue from forming and keep your waffles looking and cooking great.
Start by soaking the grids in warm water with a small amount of soap. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the surface of the grids to remove any built-up grime or stains.
After rinsing the cloth, dry the waffle maker thoroughly. Never leave it damp or store it with it still wet.
If the grates are still clogged with food residue, make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Let the mixture sit for at least a few hours to help loosen stubborn spots. Then, gently use a soft-bristled brush to scrape away any remaining scum or gunk. This will allow your waffles to come out more easily next time.
