How to Clean a Waffle Iron: Quick and Easy Tips

Since waffle irons aren't typically used every day, you might find yourself wondering how to clean a waffle iron. Never fear! The steps to cleaning a non-stick and cast iron waffle maker are pretty simple! Learn how to clean your waffle maker and your waffle maker trays with ease through these simple tips.

How to Clean a Waffle Iron Easily After Each Use

A waffle iron isn't something you use daily; therefore, you typically don't think about how to clean it after using it. However, a waffle iron can get caked up if you don't clean it properly every time you use it. Here is the easiest and best method for cleaning a waffle maker after you use it to keep it gleaming:

Supplies

• Paper towel or cloth

• Grease cutting dish soap (Dawn recommended)

• Sponge

• Towel

• Pastry brush

Cleaning Your Waffle Iron

1. Unplug your waffle iron.

2. Use a pastry brush to brush out any crumbs.

3. Use the paper towel or cloth to get rid of any residual grease on the trays and around the outside.

4. Fold the cloth or paper towel and work around the squares and tight spots.

5. Wet a sponge with some soapy water and wring it out. (You don't want excess water).

6. Wipe down the inside of the waffle iron.

7. For caked-on bits, wet a dish towel and wring it out.

8. Place the towel over the grates and close the lid.

9. Let it sit for 5 or so minutes to loosen up those bits.

10. Close the waffle iron and use a soapy sponge to wipe the outside off.

11. Use a towel to dry off the inside and outside of the waffle maker.

How to Clean a Waffle Maker With Removable Plates

Some waffle makers, like Oster, have removable trays, which makes your job even easier. Follow these tips for how to clean your waffle iron trays and under them.

1. Make sure your iron is unplugged.

2. Once cooled, pull out the trays.

3. Put them in a bit of soapy water to soak.

4. Use a cloth to wipe down underneath the trays.

5. Use a sponge to wipe any gunk out of the trays.

6. Let the trays completely dry.

7. Put them back in the machine.

If your plates are dishwasher safe, you can put them in there as well.

How to Clean a Waffle Maker With Baking Soda

Caked-on and grease residue on your waffle maker might require more powerful cleaning methods like baking soda and vinegar.

Supplies to Grab

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Paper towel

• Spray bottle

• Credit card or plastic spatula (optional)

Baking Soda Method Steps

1. Unplug the waffle iron.

2. Create a paste of baking soda and water.

3. Lather a cool waffle maker in the mixture.

4. Allow the mixture to sit on the waffle maker overnight.

5. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle.

6. Lightly coat the dried baking soda with the vinegar one section at a time. (Don't saturate the griddles).

7. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away the residue.

8. For any remaining gunk, gently scrape at it with a plastic spatula or credit card.

9. Wipe everything down and allow it to dry.

How to Clean Built-Up Grease on a Waffle Iron

When it comes to cleaning any burnt-on bits and grease, use the heat of your waffle iron to your advantage.

Supplies to Grab

• Towel

• Plastic spatula

• Pastry brush

• Soft toothbrush

• Sponge

• Dish soap

• Paper towel

Removing Grease Build-Up From a Waffle Iron

1. Unplug the waffle iron.

2. When it is still warm but not too hot to touch, use a paper towel to wipe any grease off the machine.

3. Wet a towel.

4. Add the towel to the still-warm waffle iron and shut the lid.

5. Allow the towel to sit for about 20 minutes to steam the grease.

6. Open the iron.

7. Use the toothbrush and spatula to remove the softened grease residue.

8. Once everything is removed, use a soapy sponge to wipe everything out.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Waffle Maker

To clean your cast iron waffle maker (like the kind you use for camping), you'll want to grab the Crisco. It wouldn't seem like adding more grease would get it clean, but in this instance, it helps to grease it up.

What You Need

• Grease (Crisco)

• Cloth/sponge

• Baking soda

• Paper towel

• Plastic scraper

Steps to Cleaning a Cast Iron Waffle Maker

1. To a still-warm waffle maker, use the paper towel to apply Crisco.

2. Let it melt and sit on the waffle iron for about an hour.

3. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on it.

4. Use the sponge to work away the grime.

5. A plastic scraper can be used to remove any stuck-on bits.

6. Wipe away as much of the mixture as possible with a paper towel.

7. Use a damp towel to wipe everything down.

8. Allow everything to dry.

9. Consider re-seasoning your waffle iron for its next use.

Tips for Waffle Maker Maintenance

It's important to keep your waffle maker in tip-top shape through proper maintenance. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your waffle maker clean:

• Never put an electric waffle maker in the sink with water. This will ruin the appliance.

• Don't saturate the iron when cleaning.

• Never use dish soap with a cast iron waffle maker as this removes the seasoning.

• Avoid using cooking sprays on the waffle iron since this can lead to residue, opt for cooking oils instead.

• Don't use harsh chemicals on your waffle iron since this comes in direct contact with food.

How to Clean a Waffle Maker

Keeping your waffle maker clean is important to ensure it's there for you to use for years to come. With the knowledge in your hands, start cleaning your waffle maker.