If you want to find out how to clean a waffle iron, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to give you all the tips, tricks and advice you need to know about waffle maker cleaning.

How to Clean a Waffle Machine
Kids love waffles! They love experimenting with toppings just to make their favorite waffles more delicious (Need a Recipe? Check out our Basic Waffle Recipe here). This is the reason why a lot of parents invest in a high-quality waffle maker.
And since this kitchen gadget is something homemakers use frequently, it should be managed properly. One way of proper management is to know how to clean a waffle iron. It’s not enough that one washes it with soap and water. There are cleaning materials appropriate for appliances like this.
It is not enough too, that you wipe the waffle iron with soap. There is also a proper way to clean it. Here, we teach you and all the waffle maker owners the proper way on how to clean a waffle iron. We’re also giving some tips and tricks so as to avoid damaging their equipment.
Don’t do this When Cleaning a Waffle Maker:
- Don’t clean the waffle iron while hot. It has to cool completely.
- Don’t dunk the entire machine in water. This can cause serious damage to the electrical components of it.
- Don’t use steel wool, abrasive or scouring pads for cleaning. This can damage the finish of it.
- Don’t use any pointed object or even a knife to clean the waffle iron.
As earlier mentioned, there are specific cleaning materials for waffle irons. Usually, these are indicated in the manual that comes with the machine.
Here’s How to Clean a Waffle Iron:
- Remove any puddle of oil using a dry paper towel.
- Using an old toothbrush or soft-bristled kitchen brush, brush away the crumbs.
- Remove the batter that’s stuck into the iron using a rubber spatula.
- If the batter is still stuck on the iron, remove it by putting some cooking oil and setting the ‘baked’ on. Wait for 5 minutes until the batter softens. When it does, wipe the batter off using a cloth or a paper towel.
- To avoid long-term buildup of oil or staining, wipe down the baking irons using a paper towel or damp cloth.
- Make sure the waffle iron is dry before storing it.
To clean the exterior, wipe the handle and housing well with a damp paper towel.
Learn More about Cleaning a Waffle Iron
Helpful Tips to Keep your Waffle Maker Clean:
- Avoid coating the baking plates of the nonstick waffle maker with cooking spray. If the waffle maker manufacturer indicates in the packaging that its plates are nonstick, they truly are. Therefore, you won’t need the oil other than for cooking the waffles.
- Never use soap to clean the baking plates. Soap is most of the time, an enemy of any nonstick surface. This is when you need the oil. Oil can create a thin layer to help maintain the nonstick feature of the waffle iron.
- Let it completely cool before cleaning.
- Make sure it’s completely dry before storing to avoid any mold.
- Refer to the instruction manual that came with your machine for specific information related to it.
- If you can’t get into the dips to clean out the oil, use a wooden chop stick and paper towel on the end. Metal can damage the non stick surface so avoid this.
Or try this method:One thing you can try it to let it cool slightly. Then, put a damp paper towel and close it up for a few minutes. The steam will clean it in no time. It’s worth a try!
All About Waffle Makers:
While these are helpful tips, it is still best to consult the user manual that comes with the waffle maker. And for those who have not invested in waffle makers yet, now is the best time to get one. Forget about the hearsay that waffle irons are difficult to use, manage and clean.
Now that we have taught you how to clean a waffle iron, everything will be easy for you now from cooking the waffles to cleaning the machine! Check out our Top 5 Waffle Makers and see which one suits your waffling needs.
The Easy Way to Clean a Waffle Maker
Our #1 Pick for Waffle Iron:
Or, just go with our #1 pick here on Kitchen Gadget Reviews, the Presto Flipside Waffle Maker. It’s a top-quality waffle iron at a reasonable price. You can easily get it on Amazon today:
How to Clean a Waffle Iron FAQs
There are a number of common questions that people have about cleaning a waffler maker. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.
What is the easiest way to clean a waffle iron?
The easiest way to clean a waffle iron is to use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior. Then, pour a few drops of vegetable oil onto baked-on bits of waffle. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes and then wipe away with a soft, damp cloth. If you have removable plates, soak them in warm, soapy water, rinse and allow to air dry.
Can you wash a waffle iron in the sink?
You cannot wash a waffle iron in the sink if it’s electric (most are). This will destroy the electrical parts. Instead, use a soft cloth, wooden chopstick, or pastry brush.
How do you clean the outside of a waffle iron?
To clean the outside of a waffle iron, use a soft, damp cloth. If it’s greasy, use a very small amount of dish soap and then wipe again with a clean cloth to remove any soap residue. Wait until the unit is cool before doing this.
How do you clean a cast iron waffle iron?
To clean a cast iron waffle iron, do not use soap on it. Use a soft cloth, toothbrush or sponge to remove any grit or baked-on waffle. Then, pour a very small amount of oil onto the plates and spread with a paper towel to season it.
Have your Say about How to Clean Waffle Maker
Any tips or tricks for the best way to clean a waffle iron? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
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