Deep cleaning steps

Mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste, apply it to stuck-on spots, let it sit, then scrub gently with a soft brush and wipe everything clean with a damp cloth.

1. Start with a cool, unplugged waffle maker. Add 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl and slowly stir in just enough water to form a spreadable paste.
2. Use a spoon or soft toothbrush to spread the baking soda paste over any baked-on food or stains on the waffle iron grid, whether the plates are removable or fixed.
3. Let the paste sit on the irons for about 10 minutes so it can loosen the stuck-on residue.
4. Gently scrub the paste with a soft old toothbrush or non-abrasive sponge, working along the grooves while avoiding any tool that could scratch the non-stick surface.
5. Wipe away the baking soda and loosened grime with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap, then rinse or replace the cloth and wipe again until no paste or soap remains.
6. Leave the waffle maker open to air-dry completely before you store it, and save this deep cleaning method for times when regular cleaning does not remove all the baked-on debris.