The secret to making perfect waffles boils down to cleaning your waffle iron and watching what comes into contact with the waffle plates when baking. However, even though modern waffle irons have nonstick plates, most have a nondetachable grid which makes cleaning such a daunting task. Even the best waffle iron can become a mess. No need to forego making waffles, though. Here is a step by step guide on how to clean your waffle iron without damaging the electrical components.
How to clean a waffle iron with non-detachable plates
1. Unplug the waffle maker and allow it to cool
Most modern waffle makers have nonstick plates that are easy to clean without being immersed in water. But before you begin cleaning, unplug the appliance and allow it to cool. It should be cool by the time you finish enjoying your waffles.
2. Use a paper towel to remove the excess oil
If your waffle iron is nonstick, you probably did not use any oil. But if you did, there may be puddles of grease. In this case, use a dry paper towel to wipe them.
Tip
Fold the paper towel into a point so that you can push it between the ridges of your appliance.
3. Brush away the large crumbs
Usually, there will be bits of dried batter stuck between the ridges or even dripping on the sides. Brush away these crumbs with a soft bristled kitchen brush or an old toothbrush.
Ensure that the bristles of the brush you use are soft to avoid scratching the nonstick surface.
4. Use a hot cloth to loosen the hardened bits
If the batter has dried on the iron, it can be difficult to loosen it without scratching the nonstick surface. In this case, first, soften the batter.
To do this, soak a dish towel in hot water squeeze it out gently so that it is still wet but not dripping.
· Place the cloth on the waffle maker and close the lid to let the steam do the work.
· Open the gill after about 5 minutes and remove the damp dish towel -the heat and moisture will have softened the crumbs making them easy to wipe away.
· Use a rubber spatula to remove the remaining batter
A rubber spatula is ideal for cleaning a waffle iron because it will not scratch the surface and it is thin enough to get in between the rows of the waffle maker.
After softening the batter, use a rubber spatula to scrape off the remaining batter. You can also use a sponge but ensure that it is specifically designed to clean nonstick surfaces.
5. Use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the wafer iron
Again, dip a soft dishcloth in hot water, squeeze it leaving it damp but not wet. Clean the outside of your appliance taking care not to get water into the electrical parts as it can make you to get shocked when you turn it on or damage the wafer iron altogether.
Ensure the waffle iron is completely dry before using it.
How to clean a wafer iron with removable plates
1. Unplug your waffle maker and allow it to cool
Once your waffle iron is cool, carefully remove the plates as per the manufacture’s instruction if you still have them. The grid plates detach easily from the sides.
2. Dip the plates in warm water
It is easier to do this in the kitchen sink, but you can also fill a shallow basin with warm water. Do not use any soap as it will deteriorate the nonstick surface.
3. Clean the plates with a brush or a sponge
Again, ensure that the brush has soft bristle, and the sponge is designed to clean nonstick surfaces. You do not want to scratch the surfaces when cleaning.
4. Rinse the waffle iron plates
Fill another basin with warm water and immerse the grid plates. Turn them vertical and run the water through the ridges rinsing any spots that you may have missed with the sponge or brush.
5. Allow the plates to dry
Set the grid plates on a drying rack. If you are in a hurry, you can use a paper towel or dry cloth to dry them quickly. Ensure that the plates are completely dry before snapping them back into the iron.
6. Clean the outside of the waffle iron
Using a damp cloth, clean the exterior of the iron. Again, be careful not to get water in the electrical parts as it can damage the appliance or result to shock when you plug in.
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