How to Clean a Waffle Maker (Without Endlessly Scrubbing All Those Little Squares)

It’s Saturday morning and you’re ready to whip up the crispiest, crunchiest, fluffy-on-the-inside waffles the family has ever seen. (Pass the syrup and the bacon, please.) Weekend brunch time is fun, but the cleanup? Not so much. Especially if you find yourself picking out burned batter bits after breakfast while everyone else is hanging out on the couch in a food coma. Lucky for you, we chatted with some cleaning experts on how to clean a waffle maker, and the process is so simple you’ll be on the couch for Saturday morning cartoons faster than you can say “Tom and Jerry.”

Meet the Experts

• Carol Mehas is the founder of arbOUR, a company that creates natural, effective cleaning products from Soapbark.
• Angela Lee is the content manager at Hellamaid, a top-rated, award-winning cleaning company in Ontario, Canada that specializes in residential properties.
• Allison Evans is the co-founder of Branch Basics, a non-toxic household cleaning brand.

If your waffle maker has removable plates, simply pop them out and wash with warm water and soap, drying thoroughly. If the iron and plates are one unit, don’t fret. Cleaning can still be an easy process, even if the waffle iron plates aren’t removable. The first thing you should do is allow the appliance to cool so that you avoid the risk of burns.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies:

• Paper towel, soft sponge or pastry brush
• Dish soap or Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner
• Toothbrush or small, stiff brush

Note: If your iron is nonstick (and most are), Mehas stresses that you should avoid anything that’s abrasive (coarse sponges, scrub brushes) that could damage the surface. Instead, opt for something like a dishcloth, paper towel or soft sponge.

Once the waffle iron is cool, follow these steps.

1. Remove Crumbs

Go over the waffle maker with a pastry brush, paper towel or other gentle tool to brush away any residual loose crumbs and soak up any lingering oil.

2. Apply Non-Abrasive Cleaner

Lee recommends cleaners that are specifically designed for waffle irons, such as the Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner, which will help dissolve grease, grime and food. “Some other products that are safe to use for cleaning waffle irons include vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap,” she adds. “However, it’s important to avoid utilizing abrasive and acidic cleaners that can damage your waffle iron’s surface.” After applying, let it sit on the surface for a few minutes.

3. Scrub

Gently, everyone. Scrub gently and do not use something like steel wool—you will scratch and destroy the plate. Evans advises using a toothbrush or small, stiff brush to work on the grooves.

For particularly difficult stains and burned food, you can follow up the cleaning product with a baking soda paste. (To make it, start with a half cup of baking soda and add water until it has a spreadable consistency.) Lee advises allowing it to sit on the problem area for a few minutes before scrubbing away. “Rinse” the waffle iron by going over it with a damp cloth, then dry and store.