How to Clean a Sticky, Burnt Waffle Maker in Under 10 Minutes

The Waffle Maker Cleaning Dilemma

Waffles are a breakfast favorite, but the cleanup is often enough to make you leave the appliance in the back of the pantry. Because of the deep grid pattern and the delicate non-stick coating, traditional scrubbing with abrasive sponges or harsh soap can permanently ruin your waffle maker. Fortunately, you can harness the power of steam to lift away burnt-on batter and sticky grease in under 10 minutes without any heavy scrubbing.

What You Will Need

• Paper towels
• Water
• A silicone spatula or wooden chopstick
• A soft-bristled toothbrush or pastry brush
• A few drops of vegetable oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to the Steam-Clean Hack

Follow these simple steps to restore your waffle maker to pristine condition:

• Step 1: Prep and unplug. Safety first. If your waffle maker is completely cold, plug it in for 1 to 2 minutes until it is warm to the touch, then unplug it. Never attempt to clean a plugged-in appliance.
• Step 2: Create a steam chamber. Dampen two sheets of paper towel with water. Squeeze out the excess so they are wet but not dripping. Open the warm waffle maker, lay the damp paper towels flat across the bottom grid, and gently close the lid.
• Step 3: Let it steam. Leave the lid closed for 2 minutes. The residual heat from the grids will turn the water in the paper towels into steam, softening the hardened batter and loosening baked-on grease inside the channels.
• Step 4: Wipe down the grids. Open the lid. Use the warm, damp paper towels already inside to wipe the grids. To get into the deep crevices, wrap a paper towel around the tip of a wooden chopstick or a silicone spatula and slide it through the grooves.
• Step 5: Tackle stubborn residue with oil. If you encounter dry, burnt-on spots that won't budge, apply a few drops of vegetable oil directly to the spots. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the residue, then gently brush it away with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Step 6: Wipe the exterior. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and a drop of dish soap to wipe down the outside of the machine. Dry everything thoroughly with a clean towel before storing.

How to Prevent Sticky Buildup in the Future

Now that your waffle maker is clean, keep it that way with these preventative tips:

• Ditch the aerosol cooking sprays. Commercial non-stick sprays contain chemical propellants and lecithin, which leave a sticky, gummy residue that bakes onto the grids and is nearly impossible to remove.
• Use real fat instead. Brush the grids lightly with melted butter or a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or vegetable oil) using a silicone pastry brush before pouring your batter.
• Let your batter rest. Allowing your waffle batter to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking helps the flour absorb the liquid, resulting in cleaner releases and fewer crumbs.