People love waffles. But not everyone loves cleaning waffle makers. In fact, many people avoid using their waffle maker because they do not want to clean it afterword. Waffle makers can be a great appliance to have in your kitchen, but only if you know how to keep them clean. If your waffle maker isn’t cleaned regularly, then you’re going to start having problems with it. You might think that cleaning a waffle maker is easy and quick, but there is more to it than that.

Unplug the waffle maker

Waffle makers are convenient for making breakfast, but they can be a pain to clean. Here’s how to get your waffle maker sparkling again in no time. Unplug the waffle maker.

Spray or brush on a thick layer of baking soda

Some people prefer to clean the waffle maker with soap and water. However, the waffle maker is a lot easier to clean if you use baking soda.

• Spray or brush on a thick layer of baking soda. Let it sit for 15 minutes. If you don’t have baking soda on hand, you can also use vinegar or lemon juice as alternatives.
• Scrub off any stuck-on food with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
• Rinse the waffle iron thoroughly with hot water once you’re done cleaning it.If you have an electric waffle iron, make sure to unplug it before cleaning it because the heating elements can stay hot for up to 30 minutes after use.

Wipe off the baking soda

Wipe off the baking soda.This step is optional, but will help remove any remaining residue from the waffle iron. Wipe down the surface of the iron using a paper towel or cloth dipped in water to get rid of any excess baking soda.

Store your waffle maker properly

Once you’re done cleaning, it’s time to store your waffle maker. If you have a cordless model, make sure that it is fully charged before putting it away. If there is no cordless option, make sure to let it cool completely before storing otherwise you run the risk of melting plastic parts or damaging internal electronics.

After cooling completely and unplugging the appliance, cover it with its original storage bag or place it back in its original box if available. Never leave your appliance uncovered when not in use because this could allow dust or other particles to settle inside the machine which can cause problems later on down the road.

Gently wipe out any visible crumbs and residue

Gently wipe out any visible crumbs and residue.Put a little water in the waffle iron and use a soft sponge to scrub it down.Remove any stuck-on food with a toothpick, or just soak the iron in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.

Use a damp paper towel to wipe the rest of the wax off of the waffle maker

Waffle makers are easy to use, but they can be difficult to clean. The best way is with a damp paper towel.Use a damp paper towel or sponge to wipe the rest of the wax off of the waffle maker. If you have any stubborn spots, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub them away.

Once your waffle maker is clean, fill it with water and run it on high for about 5 minutes. This will help rinse out any leftover oil, soap or wax. When you’re done rinsing, dry it off with a clean towel before storing it away in a cool place.

Dampen a clean paper towel with water and wipe down the waffle maker again

Waffle makers are easy to clean and maintain. If you have a waffle maker with removable plates, the easiest way to clean it is by washing the plates in hot, soapy water. Alternatively, you can wipe down the plates with a damp cloth or sponge.

If your waffle maker is not dishwasher safe (check its manufacturer’s instructions), you can still clean it using this method:Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently rub off any remaining food debris from inside the waffle maker.Dry the outside of your waffle maker thoroughly with a clean, dry paper towel before storing it away for later use.

Avoid putting waffle maker in a dishwasher

Always clean your waffle maker after use. Even if you’ve only used it to make one or two waffles, you’ll want to give it a quick wipe down. The easiest way to do this is by running warm water over the plates, then wiping with a damp cloth.

If there are any stubborn bits of batter that haven’t come off with just water, grab some soap and run the same warm water over the plates again. Use a sponge or soft scrubby to remove any remaining residue and dry thoroughly before storing in its original box or on a shelf above eye level.

Avoid putting waffle maker in a dishwasher because the high temperature and harsh chemicals could damage the nonstick coating and other parts that are not dishwasher safe.Never use bleach or harsh cleansers on your waffle maker as they can strip away any protective coating that may have been applied during manufacturing and cause corrosion over time.

If you have an older model where the heating coils are exposed at the bottom of your waffle maker, be sure not to place anything (like paper towels) directly on top of them while they’re being heated up so you don’t get burned.

Conclusion

It really is easy to clean your waffle maker.Waffle makers get dirty quickly so you want to be prepared to clean it within the next 24 hours. Soaking it in warm water is the easiest way because you can use soap and scrub off any excess food that might prevent you from getting your waffle maker back into shape.