On Sunday morning the waffles smell wonderful; by the afternoon, batter is stuck in every groove. Some has usually overflowed, and in the toastie maker melted cheese has baked onto the plates. When people set out to clean a waffle maker, they tend to reach for a knife or a scouring pad – and scratch the non-stick coating that makes the appliance usable in the first place.
Yet less force works better: residual heat, a little oil, steam and soft tools will loosen almost any crust. Here is how to clean a waffle maker and toastie maker safely and gently.
Why waffle makers crust up so quickly
Waffle batter contains sugar, eggs, milk and fat. At high temperatures the sugar caramelises and burns into the grooves, especially when batter runs over the edge onto the hot outer surfaces. In a toastie maker, cheese and sauces add to the mess, running out and then hardening.
The longer residue is left, the harder it is to remove. At the same time, the non-stick coating is delicate: scraping with metal damages it for good, and after that every waffle sticks. The same applies to non-stick pans, as our guide on how to clean a burnt pan explains.
1. Before you clean a waffle maker: unplug and let it cool
A waffle maker is an electrical appliance with very hot plates. The Swiss fire prevention advice centre (BFB) recommends unplugging electrical kitchen appliances after use – and that is also the first step before any cleaning.
- Unplug it: don't just switch it off. Many appliances have no on/off switch and keep heating as long as they are plugged in.
- Let it cool until warm: warm residue comes off more easily than cold, but hot plates will burn your fingers. Wait until you can touch them safely.
- Never in water: water inside the housing or on the cable can damage the appliance and become dangerous. The same goes for the toastie maker.
2. Remove crumbs and loose batter
While still warm, loose residue is easiest to remove:
- Sweep coarse crumbs out of the grooves with a dry pastry brush or soft brush.
- Wipe the plates with kitchen roll to soak up excess fat.
- Dip a microfibre cloth in warm water, wring it out very well and wipe the plates – the cloth must not drip.
- Go over grooves and corners with an old, soft toothbrush.
- Finish with a dry cloth.
With regular care, this is all you need after each use.
3. Loosen burnt-on crust with oil or steam
Stubborn spots need time rather than force. Two tried-and-tested methods:
- Oil dab: put a few drops of neutral cooking oil on the crusted areas and leave for a few minutes. The oil soaks into the crust and softens it. Then lift it off with kitchen roll and the brush.
- Steam method: place a damp, well-wrung cloth between the warm plates and close the lid for a few minutes. The moist heat softens dried-on residue.
- Bicarbonate paste: for particularly stubborn spots, apply a thin paste of bicarbonate of soda and water with a soft cloth, leave briefly and wipe off thoroughly with a damp cloth.
Lift softened residue with a wooden or silicone spatula. Other small appliances deserve the same gentle approach – see our guide on how to clean a toaster.
4. Protect the non-stick coating
The coating is the most valuable part of the waffle maker. Scratches cannot be repaired. This overview shows what is allowed:
| Suitable | Off limits |
|---|---|
| Pastry brush, soft brush, old toothbrush | Steel wool, metal scourers |
| Wooden or silicone spatula | Knife, fork, metal spatula |
| Microfibre cloth, soft sponge | Scouring sponge, cream cleaner |
| A little mild washing-up liquid | Oven or grill cleaner |
| Cooking oil, bicarbonate paste | Holding under the tap, soaking |
5. Removable plates, housing and toastie maker
Removable plates: once cool, take them out as described in the manual. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be washed in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. Let them dry completely before refitting them so that no moisture gets into the appliance.
Housing and hinge: batter that has run over the edge and onto the hinge comes off with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid while it is still soft. Wipe stainless steel surfaces dry in the direction of the grain. Make sure no water runs into the ventilation slots or controls.
Toastie maker: let melted cheese cool slightly until it is firm but not yet hard. Then lift it off in one piece with a silicone spatula. Soak up grease with kitchen roll.
For storage, place a sheet of kitchen roll between the dry plates. This keeps them dust-free and absorbs any remaining grease.
The most common mistakes
- Scraping with a knife: it destroys the coating permanently.
- Holding the appliance under the tap: water does not belong inside an electrical appliance.
- Cleaning it hot: risk of burns – warm is ideal.
- Cleaning it stone cold: cooled residue is hard; better to start as soon as it has cooled to warm.
- Using oven spray: it is corrosive and unsuitable for surfaces that touch food.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get burnt-on residue off a waffle maker?
Unplug it, let it cool until warm and put a few drops of cooking oil on the crust. After a few minutes the residue comes off with a brush, kitchen roll and a wooden or silicone spatula.
Can you clean a waffle maker with water?
Only with a well-wrung damp cloth. The appliance itself must never be immersed in water or held under the tap. Removable plates can be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Why does my waffle maker stick despite the coating?
Often, grease and batter residue has built up on the coating, or it is scratched. Clean it thoroughly, grease the plates very lightly before baking and avoid metal utensils.
How do I clean a toastie maker?
Just like a waffle maker: unplug, let it cool slightly, lift off the cheese with a silicone spatula and wipe the plates with a damp cloth. Never immerse the appliance in water.
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