How Often Should You Clean a Waffle Maker?

Regular cleaning keeps your waffle maker safe, sanitary, and easy to use. A simple wipe-down after every batch prevents baked-on buildup, while occasional deep cleaning handles stubborn residue.

Clean it every time you use it

After you finish making all the waffles in a batch, clean the waffle maker so it is ready for the next time. Wipe out crumbs, soak up excess oil, and clean the plates with a damp, soapy cloth followed by a clean rinse so residue does not bake on.

Save deep cleaning for stubborn buildup

Use the deep cleaning method with baking soda paste only when regular cleaning does not remove all the baked-on debris. This protects the non-stick surface and avoids unnecessary wear on the appliance.

Clean a new waffle maker before the first use

Before you use a new waffle maker for the first time, give it a gentle cleaning to remove any dust, factory residue, or oils from manufacturing. Wipe the plates and exterior with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap, then wipe again with clean water and let everything dry completely.