A waffle maker that hasn't been cleaned in a while smokes, sticks, and produces increasingly worse waffles. The cleaning routine takes 5 minutes after each use — but if you've missed a few, here's how to bring it back.
Step-by-step
Unplug and let it cool fully
Wait 30 minutes after the last waffle. Hot waffle irons can warp under water and burn you when scrubbing. Never use water on a hot iron.
Scrape off cooked-on batter immediately after use
A soft silicone spatula or a soft-bristle waffle brush removes 90% of residue while the iron is still warm (not hot). Hot batter wipes off easily; cold batter is glued on.
Wipe the plates with a damp microfiber cloth
A slightly damp cloth removes oils and light residue without scratching the nonstick coating. Don't soak the cloth — water in the heating elements can damage the iron.
For removable plates, dishwash or hand-wash
Models with removable plates (Cuisinart WAF-F30, KitchenAid) come out for easier cleaning. Top-rack dishwasher is fine, but hand-washing with warm soapy water extends the nonstick life dramatically.
Remove burnt-on batter with baking soda paste
For stubborn baked-on residue, mix baking soda with a few drops of water into a paste. Apply to cooled plates, let sit 10 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush. Wipe clean with damp cloth.
Re-season nonstick plates monthly
Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the plates using a paper towel. Heat the empty iron for 2 minutes, let cool. This restores the nonstick performance that washing degrades over time.
Recommended Gear
The gear we'd reach for. Prices shown on Amazon at click-through.
OXO Good Grips Waffle Iron Cleaning Brush
budget-friendly
Soft-bristle brush designed for waffle grids — gets between ridges without scratching nonstick.
Check Price on Amazon →
Goo Gone Kitchen Degreaser
budget-friendly
Cuts the baked-on butter-and-batter varnish around the hinge and drip channels that dish soap won't touch — spray on the cool exterior, wipe clean, done.
Check Price on Amazon →
HOTEC Silicone Basting & Pastry Brushes, 2-Pack (600°F)
budget-friendly
Heat-proof to 600°F, so you can re-oil hot waffle plates between batches without melting bristles — and the two-pack keeps one brush for sweet, one for savory.
Check Price on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean a waffle maker?
Wipe after every use — batter sets up and gets harder to remove the longer it sits. Deep clean (baking soda + scrub) every 4–6 uses or whenever waffles start sticking. The waffle's release performance is the signal: if it sticks more than usual, it needs cleaning.
Can you put water in a waffle maker?
Only on removable plates (not the heating element). Most waffle makers have non-removable plates with electrical components in the body — water shorts them. A damp cloth is fine; submerging the unit is not.
How do you remove baked-on batter from a waffle iron?
Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the cooled plates, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. For really stubborn buildup, repeat the process. Avoid steel wool, metal scrubbers, or scraping tools — they ruin the nonstick coating permanently.
How often should you clean a waffle maker?
Wipe after every use — batter sets up and gets harder to remove the longer it sits. Deep clean (baking soda + scrub) every 4-6 uses or whenever waffles start sticking. The waffle's release performance is the signal.
Want to dig deeper? See our guides to Best Waffle Maker (2026), and How to Clean an Air Fryer.