Easy to Follow Tips for Cleaning a Waffle Iron

Homemade waffles are a definite treat during that lazy weekend morning. Nothing can compare to the aroma and taste created by preparing a batch of these waffles in your own kitchen. Every good treat usually comes with a cost. The price to pay when preparing waffles is cleaning the waffle iron. The time and effort required to clean such appliances can deter many of us from even considering making such delectable treats often. Follow these easy tips to clean a waffle iron and you will not refrain from making them again in the very near future.

Prevent Sticking

One way to keep clean up to a minimum is in the preparation of the batter. If you like extra treats in the waffle batter such as berries or chocolate chips, rest assured there is going to be some residue sticking to those hot iron waffle plates. If you really enjoy your waffles with extras such as chips, nuts or berries, consider topping them on the waffle after they have been removed from the iron. Your clean up time will be greatly reduced.

Most waffle recipes also call for the oils to be added directly into batter. That being said, there is no need to oil up the iron with either vegetable oil or cooking spray. It is imperative to avoid cooking sprays at all costs as this product will develop a strong caked on film that is very difficult to remove.

Scraping

Once the batch of waffles has been prepared and everyone has eaten, it is time to clean. Do not commence cleaning the waffle iron when it is still hot and plugged in. First step involves removal of any caked on batter or debris from the grates. The best item to use is a thin narrow rubber spatula. Most waffle irons have specially treated cooking surfaces that will get easily damaged using any metallic or sharp objects. Stick to plastic, rubber or wood scraping utensils to remove debris. If the caked on grime is still resistant, apply a small drop of vegetable oil on the area and let it absorb for a minute or two then try and scrub off.

Scrubbing

Once the scraping has been completed, it is time to scrub. Some waffle irons have plates that are removable and can be soaked. Most waffle makers do not have removable waffle iron plates and should not be immersed in soapy water as this is an electrocution hazard as well as it will destroy the waffle iron.

Once the scraping step is done, take an old toothbrush and dip it in warm sudsy water and brush the grates clean. If there is no toothbrush, use a damp wash cloth and work in between the grids. Once the scrubbing is completed, simply take a few paper towels and dry the unit.

Exterior of the waffle iron

The cleanup for the exterior of the waffle iron requires nothing more than a good warm to hot sudsy sponge or wash cloth. Wipe the top, sides and underneath with application of a little elbow grease if necessary. Follow the cleaning with a towel dry.