With somewhat infrequent use and a buildup of food residue, it often seems difficult to thoroughly clean a waffle iron. As a rule, you don't necessarily make waffles every day, which can lead to dough sticking to the plates of the device. Even if you don't use an appliance like the toaster that often, it can get exceptionally dirty. This scares most people away from even using it. However, dirty waffle irons are not just visually unpleasant. Sticking food and a stubborn layer of baked-on oil interfere with the preparation and release of the waffles. This can make what is supposed to be a fun tradition disappointing and frustrating. Luckily, there are some quick and easy cleaning methods you can try at home to prevent this from happening. Below you will find practical tips and instructions for cleaning the small device using common household remedies.
How do you clean a dirty waffle iron and make it ready for use?
In most cases, the plates of the practical kitchen appliance can be useddo not clean in the dishwasher. Whether sweet or savory, waffle batter tends to expand and flow out of the waffle iron as it bakes. However, the sticky residue is just one thing you should remove from your waffle iron. A waffle iron should be cleaned after each use to remove food particles that can allow bacteria to grow. A more thorough cleaning after multiple uses will remove excess oil, which can go rancid and spoil the taste of the next batch of waffles. If you only use your waffle iron occasionally, more thorough cleaning should be done before storing the device.
Additionally, a well-maintained waffle iron can last for years and produce delicious, golden-brown creations every time. There's no better way to start your morning than with a plate of fluffy waffles, but how do you clean the waffle iron after you're done? Can you just run water on it or use dish soap and howget the burnt oneFat gone?
The trick to cleaning a waffle iron is timing. It shouldn't be hot, but don't put it off either and don't forget to clean your kitchen gadget. Make it a habit to care for the device once it has cooled down and you should have no problems using it. For this purpose, you can use the following cleaning accessories:
- Brush with soft bristles
- Microfiber cloth
- sink
- Non-abrasive sponge (optional)
- Chopsticks (optional)
- Backpinsel (optional)
- Kitchen paper or paper towels
- toothpick
- Dishwashing detergent
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
Waffle Iron Cleaning Guide
If the waffle iron 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 maker 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 the water and a sponge or brush designed for a nonstick surface. If the surface is not non-stick, you can use a little dish soap, but avoid using 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 iron.
A waffle iron with plates that you can't remove is a little more difficult to clean, but it's still not a chore. Wait until it cools completely. Waffle irons 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.
Follow simple steps and clean waffle iron
- Brush off food residue– After the waffle iron has cooled, use a dry paper towel or a soft-bristled brush to remove any stuck-on food particles or crumbs. If some of the dough has baked on, 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 off excess oil from the grid panels– If you can see oil, absorb it with a paper towel and wipe it away. 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.
- Prepare 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 wring it out to prevent dripping.
- Clean the coated surface of the panels– Use the microfiber cloth to wipe the board surface, making sure to get between each grid line. Rinse the cloth with clean water and finally wipe the panels to remove any soap residue.
- Clean the outside of the waffle iron– Use the same cleaning solution to wipe down the exterior of the device. Then treat it with a dishcloth.
Dry the device – Use a soft kitchen towel to completely dry the inside and outside of the waffle iron. Never store a wet waffle iron.
Tips for thoroughly cleaning the kitchen appliance with home remedies
Even if you have cleaned the waffle iron after each use, surfaces can still become sticky and will need to be cleaned more thoroughly.
- First, mix a paste of baking soda and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. This can cause bubbles.
- Then use paper towels, a paper towel, or a pastry brush to coat the surfaces of the plates and even the outside of the appliance with the home remedies if they feel oily or sticky.
- Then let the paste sit on the surfaces for an hour or longer. It may turn brown if it absorbs excess oil.
- First, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste and dirt.
- Then, use a toothpick to remove debris caught in hard-to-reach areas such as crevices.
- Finally, let the waffle iron dry before putting the device back in a cupboard for storage.
How to care for your waffle iron and keep it clean for longer
A good waffle iron that you know and trust is a great tool in the kitchen. With a few tips and tricks you can ensure that it stays in top shape and functions well. Most waffle makers on the market today clearly state that they should not be submerged in water, so wiping is usually the best cleaning method. Otherwise, the following instructions can help you maintain and care for the kitchen appliance.
- Protect your countertop when using waffle irons– Before you start making waffles, you can place a sheet of aluminum foil or baking paper under the waffle iron to catch waste and crumbs. When you're done, simply throw away the soiled sheet.
- Protect the non-stick coating of the device– Sharp kitchen utensils or abrasive cleaning tools risk scratching the non-stick coating of your waffle iron, which then turns into a sticky spot. So skip the metal utensils and instead use a wooden chopstick to reach under a waffle and lift it out when it's finished baking.
- Avoid use with cooking spray as a non-stick agent– Most manufacturers’ instructions recommend oiling the panels with a greased paper towel before first use. Afterwards, 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 on them and affect the nonstick coating.
- Use damp cloths and clean the waffle iron by evaporation– Once you have baked the waffles, you can turn off the waffle iron and immediately afterwards place a few damp, but not wet, paper towels on the base plate. Then close the lid and leave the device like this while you eat. The residual heat through steam helps transfer all the dirt to the paper towels and prevents crust formation.
- Remove stubborn food residues selectively– While the waffle iron is still slightly warm, use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water to pick out any remaining dirt in the wells. Also check the amount of dough used each time to prevent excess residue that can stick together.
