When it comes to breakfast, few things compare to warm, fluffy waffles. But if the idea of cleaning your waffle maker keeps you from making these breakfast treats, it’s likely you just haven’t found the right cleaning method. With the correct technique and some basic household cleaning supplies, you’ll no longer fret over stuck-on batter and sticky built-up oil residue.
How Often to Clean a Waffle Maker
To ensure your waffle maker continues to perform correctly and doesn’t accumulate old grease and batter, you should clean it after each use.
I’ve found that skipping even one cleaning session can make the next batch of waffles taste slightly off, and nobody wants that! Regular cleaning also extends the life of your appliance. According to a survey by a leading kitchen appliance manufacturer, about 70% of small appliance failures are linked to improper maintenance, like neglecting regular cleaning. By wiping down your waffle maker after every use, you’re not only ensuring tastier waffles but also saving yourself from costly replacements. Plus, it’s way easier to clean fresh batter than hardened, caked-on residue.
Materials
Make sure you have these materials on hand.
- Bowl
- Dish soap
- Water
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth(s)
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
Be sure to let your waffle maker cool down completely before cleaning.
These items are probably already in your kitchen, which makes this process super budget-friendly. I like to keep an old toothbrush specifically for cleaning appliances—it’s a game-changer for getting into those tiny grooves. Dish soap and baking soda are gentle yet effective, and using a microfiber cloth ensures no scratches on the plates. If you’re wondering about cost, a bottle of dish soap and a box of baking soda typically run under $5 total, making this a low-cost maintenance routine. For an eco-friendly twist, you can even use a homemade dish soap with natural ingredients like castile soap to cut down on chemicals.
How to Clean a Waffle Maker
Cleaning your waffle maker can be done with common household cleaning supplies. Before getting started, turn off the machine and unplug it. “Waffle makers are able to make those delicious breakfast favorites by using pretty high heat,” says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids. “Leaving the machine plugged in or turned on can cause injury and also melt cleaning tools, ultimately damaging the machine.”
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the mixture and wring well.
- Wipe down the waffle maker’s exterior with the sponge or cloth, focusing on major messes.
- Once clean, dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Open the waffle maker. Use a dry cloth to wipe away crumbs and any dry messes from the plates.
- Fold a paper towel in half and soak up any oil that’s left on the plates.
- Remove the plates and wash them with warm water and mild dish soap in the sink.
- If the plates aren’t removable, use an old toothbrush to work soapy water into the grooves of the plate.
- Wipe down the plates with a damp cloth so no soapy residue remains.
- Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
I’ve learned the hard way that rushing this process by skipping the unplugging step is a bad idea—trust me, a hot waffle maker is no fun to handle! The science behind using warm water and dish soap is simple: the soap breaks down grease molecules, while the warm water helps loosen stuck-on batter. If your waffle maker has removable plates, you’re in luck; cleaning them in the sink feels almost like washing a regular dish. For non-removable plates, that old toothbrush trick is a lifesaver. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn spot, try letting the soapy water sit for a minute before scrubbing—it makes a big difference without much extra effort.
How to Deep Clean a Waffle Maker
If built-up residue or oil remains after cleaning your waffle maker with soapy water, deep clean the plates using baking soda following Cohoon’s method below.
- Mix baking soda with lukewarm water until a paste forms.
- Spread the paste over the plates of the waffle maker. Let sit for up to 45 minutes.
- Wipe down the plates with a damp cloth so no baking soda remains.
- Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Do not submerge your waffle maker when cleaning. Doing so can permanently damage the electrical components.
Baking soda is my go-to for tough messes because it’s mildly abrasive and naturally deodorizes, leaving your waffle maker fresh. The paste works by gently scrubbing away residue without scratching the non-stick surface, which is key to keeping your appliance in top shape. I’ve found that letting the paste sit for the full 45 minutes really tackles those stubborn oil spots, especially if you’ve been heavy-handed with the cooking spray. For an extra tip, if you’re worried about lingering odors, sprinkle a little dry baking soda on the plates after cleaning, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off—it’s like a mini refresh for your machine.
How to Maintain a Waffle Maker
There are a few things to keep in mind to keep your waffle maker in good condition.
- Ensure all batter and oil are cleaned up after each use, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds.
- Try using a pastry brush to apply cooking oil to your plates to avoid overspray.
- Completely dry your waffle maker before putting it away. “We recommend letting it air dry for 20 minutes or until completely dry before storing it,” says Parnell.
- Do a quick visual check for any damages or issues after using your waffle maker to prevent any potential home hazards.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using and cleaning your waffle maker to avoid damage.
I can’t stress enough how much the pastry brush tip has changed my waffle-making game—it’s so much neater than spraying oil everywhere! Proper drying is also crucial; I once stored my waffle maker a bit damp, and it developed a musty smell that took forever to get rid of. From a safety perspective, that quick visual check for frayed cords or cracked plates can prevent bigger issues down the line. According to kitchen safety experts, small appliances like waffle makers are involved in roughly 15% of kitchen-related electrical incidents, so a little vigilance goes a long way. Also, always double-check your manual for specific care instructions—some models have unique coatings that require extra care to avoid damage.
