Looking to Know How To Clean Built Up Grease On Waffle Iron? Waffle irons are a terrific tool for generating the greatest waffles imaginable, with crispy outside shells and soft, steaming inside every time – but after a while, they can accumulate a coating of grease on the waffle iron plates, which isn’t ideal.
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The good news is that there are some basic cleaning solutions available, such as using a paper towel to absorb and remove excess grease and dish detergent to clean the insides of a waffle iron. We’ll go over numerous techniques for cleaning built-up grease on the waffle iron, as well as why you should clean your waffle iron on a regular basis.
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Why Should I Clean My Waffle Maker?
Waffle irons, like everything else that cooks food, will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Nobody likes to eat old grease with their wonderful fresh waffles, and it can ruin both the texture and flavor of your meal (or lunch).
Little pieces of trash from earlier batches of waffle batter will cling to the fat and slowly transform to carbon as they are fried again and again. Even if you can’t see the specks, this can adhere to your meal and make it taste bitter and burned.
Inadequate cleaning of your waffle iron might also reduce its performance. The grease accumulation will insulate the elements, trapping heat against the electrical components rather than allowing it to reach your waffles.
How To Clean Built Up Grease On Waffle Iron?
Because your waffles will not be forced against such a heated surface, they will be less crispy, and it may also harm the waffle iron in severe circumstances, causing the electronics to overheat. A clean waffle iron will perform far better.
Now that you know why you should clean it, let’s have a look at how to clean built-up grease on a waffle iron.
How to Clean a Removable Plate Waffle Iron
Many waffle machines have detachable plates; they are easier to clean, so we’ll start with these.
To begin, unplug your waffle iron and wait till it is totally cold before cleaning it. Begin by sweeping any crumbs or loose dirt away. To get between the ridges of the iron, use any soft-bristled brush.
Remove the plates and soak them in hot, soapy water. You’ll be leaving them there for at least 10 minutes.
Turn your focus to the main iron while the plates soak. Wipe off any crumbs or scrape off any grease spots with a moist cloth (not a wet cloth; you don’t want water in the electrics). Although the trays should have collected the most of the dirt and filth, it’s still a good idea to clean beneath them.
After your plates have been thoroughly soaked, use a sponge to wipe between the grids and remove any remaining food. Even burnt-on food should have been softened and easily removed by the water.
You may put your waffle maker plates in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Scrub the plates with nothing abrasive, since this will damage the coating. If you are unable to remove some food, we will discuss a more aggressive cleaning approach shortly.
Before returning the plates to the iron, completely dry them and make sure the space beneath the plates is dry.
How to Clean a Waffle Iron That Doesn’t Have Removable Plates
Cleaning your waffle maker might be more difficult if it does not have detachable plates. Before starting, make sure it’s unplugged and cold, then clean off any crumbs or loose food.
Then, using a dry paper towel, wipe away and absorb up any remaining grease. Fold your paper towel up to give a rougher surface to massage with if you need a little extra “grit.” To clean the waffle maker, avoid using abrasive sponges.
If you can’t get rid of caked-on food by wiping and rubbing, rinse a towel in hot, soapy water and wring it out thoroughly until it’s only moist. Spread this evenly on the waffle iron, ensuring sure it comes into touch with the food.
Close the lid and allow it for 5-10 minutes to press the cloth down. The wetness in the fabric should have loosened the food by the time you return. Wipe it clean. You may also use a silicone spatula to get a little extra “scrub” without risking scratching the surface.
Before using the waffle iron again, make sure it is completely dry.
Cleaning Method Using Baking Soda
A waffle maker with detachable plates may be cleaned using baking soda and vinegar. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, then put it over the plates and let it for several hours.
Spray some vinegar onto the trays with a spray bottle and let them fizz for a few minutes. Rinse the plates and use a sponge or silicone spatula to scrape away any residual food. Before using the waffle iron, allow everything to completely dry.
De-Greasing Waffle Maker with Hot Steam
Steam is a very strong cleaner, and you can use the heat of your waffle iron to your advantage while cleaning it – just make sure it’s unplugged first, and be cautious not to burn yourself if you’re working with a hot waffle iron.
Run a cloth under hot water and wring it out until it is slightly moist. Place this in your hot waffle iron and close the lid to push the cloth between the two hot plates. Allow it to gently steam for a few minutes.
This should loosen any muck enough to remove using a silicone spatula or a soft-bristled toothbrush. A little baking soda might also provide some minor abrasion.
How to Prevent Grease Buildup
As with other cleaning chores, you’ll have a better experience if you don’t allow your waffle iron get too dirty in the first place – which means cleaning it after almost every usage. This, however, does not have to be a huge problem; think of it as cleaning a dish.
When you’re done cooking your waffles, unplug your iron and set it aside to cool while you enjoy them. When you return to the waffle iron, wipe it clean with a moist, gently soapy towel to remove any traces of waffle batter or oil.
Rinse the soap off the cloth and give the grids another wash to remove any soap residue before storing the waffle iron for future use.
You don’t have to do this every time you use the waffle iron, but it will cut down on the number of “deep cleans” you have to perform and ensure your waffles are consistently excellent and crispy. It may help extend the life of your waffle iron.
Conclusion
You now know how to clean your waffle iron and get it immaculate even if it has burnt-on food and sticky grease streaks. Avoiding spray-on cooking sprays, which tend to leave more residue than pour-on oils, can help to decrease grease accumulation.
Overall, a light, regular clean will be both easier and better (for both you and the waffle iron!) than infrequent, rigorous clean-ups that may result in scratches or annoyance.
