Waffles are a staple breakfast food.
They’re inexpensive, delicious, and easy to make.
There’s just one downside, though – making waffles can lead to a big mess. Especially when you have batter spilling over the side of your waffle iron, and of course, the inevitable few burnt on pieces.
The good news is that whether your waffle iron has removable plates or not, clean-up is easy. Here’s how to clean a waffle iron so that it looks new again.
How to Clean a Waffle Iron: Step by Step
Cleaning a Waffle Iron with Removable Plates
If your waffle iron has removable plates, clean-up is pretty straightforward.
Start by making sure your waffle iron is off and completely cool. Then, remove the plates and put them in the sink with hot soapy water. Wash with a dishcloth and use a soft-bristled brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas or stuck-on food.
Allow the plates to completely dry before snapping them back into place.
Cleaning a Waffle Iron without Removable Plates
If your waffle iron doesn’t have removable plates, you’re not doomed to have stuck on batter burning for the rest of your life.
Instead, you just have to clean with the plates on – and it’s easy to do.
First, make sure your waffle iron is unplugged and fully cooled down. Now, use a microfiber cloth dipped in soapy water and wipe everything down. For the burnt pieces that won’t come off, use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in soapy water and gently scrub until clean.
Afterward, you can fully dry your waffle iron by wiping it down with a dry cloth.
Cleaning the Outside of the Waffle Iron
To clean the outside of your waffle iron, make sure it’s cooled down and unplugged. Dip a microfiber cloth in soapy water and wipe the outside of the waffle iron. Lightly scrub any hard-to-clean areas.
Dry with a clean cloth.
Related topics: How to Clean a Scorched Pan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submerge my waffle iron in water?
No, you shouldn’t submerge an electric waffle iron. It’s not safe to submerge any electrical appliance in water.
Instead, if your waffle iron doesn’t have removable plates, you can clean it up by scrubbing it with a microfiber cloth or toothbrush and dish soap. Afterward, dry with a clean cloth.
How do I get baked on grease off of a waffle iron?
The best way to get baked on grease off a waffle iron is to gently scrub the plates with Dawn dish soap using a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.
You can prevent baked-on greases by wiping your waffle maker down after each use.
Can I clean my waffle maker with baking soda?
Yes, baking soda is slightly abrasive, so it can be an excellent way to clean burnt spots on a waffle maker when nothing else is working.
To clean your waffle maker with baking soda, simply mix baking soda with water until a paste is formed. Now, using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush the paste all over the waffle maker plates. Thoroughly rinse the plates afterward.
(If your plates aren’t removable, wipe down the waffle maker with a wet rag until the baking soda has been removed.)
Conclusion
Cleaning a waffle maker is pretty simple. And, by doing a quick wipe down each time you use your waffle iron, you’ll be able to prevent grease and gunk build-up.
Just remember never to submerge your waffle iron in water and avoid using hard-bristled brushes to clean it so that you don’t damage the outer coating.
