Say goodbye to leftover dough: Cleaning the waffle iron
Waffles are one of favourite desserts. They would probably be eaten even more often if it weren't so annoying to clean the waffle iron afterwards. Many waffle enthusiasts are at a loss when it comes to cleaning the waffle iron, especially when there is dried-on dough residue. It is not uncommon to use the wrong tools and methods, which can damage the waffle iron.
Fortunately, however, there are a few tips and tricks that ensure that not only baking and enjoying the waffles is a pleasure, but that the subsequent cleaning of the appliance is just as easy.
Contents
- How to clean the waffle iron properly
- Donts: What to avoid when cleaning
- Tips for preventing soiling
How to clean a waffle iron correctly?
The correct method for cleaning the waffle iron depends, among other things, on the type of waffle iron. With modern waffle irons, the baking plates can often be removed. This makes the cleaning process much easier. But don't worry: if you have an old waffle iron without removable plates, the following tips will help you to clean it easily and without any problems.
List of materials
- Kitchen paper
- Plastic brush/toothbrush
- Cleaning cloth
Preparation
First switch off the waffle iron and unplug it. Then let the waffle iron cool down first so that you don't burn yourself during the cleaning process. It is best to let the waffle iron cool down until it is still lukewarm. This prevents the batter from drying and making it difficult to remove. Later cleaning can be made easier if a piece of kitchen paper is placed in the waffle iron while it is cooling down to soak up any excess fat.
Cleaning
Once the appliance has cooled down sufficiently, you can first remove light soiling with kitchen paper. Coarser soiling is best removed with a soft plastic brush so as not to damage the coating of the waffle iron. A toothbrush works very well for this step. Brushed-off dirt can then simply be wiped off with a damp cloth. If this does not produce the desired results, carefully apply a little water to the baking plates to soak up the dried-on dirt.
Another cleaning method that produces very good results with little effort is the preparation of a so-called cleaning waffle. To do this, simply mix baking powder with a little water until you have a mixture that is slightly drier than the usual waffle batter. The mixture is then simply baked in the waffle iron like a waffle and absorbs fat and other impurities thanks to the baking powder it contains. If the waffles bake easily in your waffle iron, it may be a good idea to add a little fat to the mixture to prevent it from burning.
Once you have cleaned the inside of the waffle iron, you can simply wipe the outside of the waffle iron with a damp cloth or sponge and a little washing-up liquid to clean the outside as well.
Don'ts: What to avoid when cleaning
In order not to damage the non-stick coating of the waffle iron and not to ruin the next waffle, you should always refrain from cleaning the appliance with hard, sharp or pointed objects. Rough dishwashing sponges are just as taboo as steel sponges or metal objects, as the coated surface is very sensitive and can easily be damaged. You should also avoid using aggressive cleaning agents, as these may leave residues. As a rule, it is not even necessary to use washing-up liquid to clean the waffle iron if the tips listed are followed.
Tips for preventing soiling
If you want to make sure that the difficult-to-remove soiling does not occur in the first place, it is best to ensure that the baking plates can be removed when purchasing the waffle iron. It is also helpful to rub the waffle iron with sufficient oil or other grease before use so that no dough residue sticks to it. A special cooking spray is particularly suitable for this, as it is easy to apply and greases the entire surface of the baking plates.
