There are few comfort foods as popular as waffles, and they're having a moment, with home cooks across the country pairing them with unexpected (and delicious!) savory dishes, from sautéed mushrooms to pulled pork. With the growing popularity of this brunch staple, waffle makers have been disappearing from shelves. The only problem? They get so dirty! Luckily, there are easy ways to clean a waffle iron without having to scrub it. Read on for expert tips on how to do it quickly.
Why waffle irons are very difficult to clean
Anyone who has used one knows that it is difficult to show off the device. What exactly makes it such a challenge? "The heating plates of a waffle iron have deep cavities and crevices where batter and other sticky ingredients collect," says cleaning specialist Muffetta Krueger of Muffetta's Domestic Assistants . "In addition, the heat released during cooking causes the food to harden and stick to the surface of the dishes, making it difficult to scrape off particles. "No fear! The first step to cleaning your waffle maker is to identify the material it is made of."
How to clean a cast iron waffle maker: Sprinkle some salt on top
It's known for its ability to retain heat, but cast iron can also retain cooked crumbs. "No worries! Cleanup is pretty easy," says Heather Quinlan , product manager at Hamilton Beach Brands , which specializes in waffle makers. The simple instructions: First remove loose particles from the panels with a soft brush and dry them. Next, moisten a sponge with warm water and wipe the surface. Then sprinkle some coarsely ground salt on top and gently scrub off any remaining residue with the sponge.
Once all waffle residue is removed, dry the dishes completely to prevent them from rusting. And to avoid mess in the future, consider this simple step: Pour in 1 tbsp. Put a little olive oil on a dry cloth and rub it on the dishes; Let the waffle iron heat up again for about 15 minutes before letting it cool down. This seals and re-seasons the dishes so the surface doesn't stick the next time you have brunch.
Advice! While using soap on cast iron is questionable, all experts agree on one thing: Do not put cast iron in the dishwasher or the material will rust.
Related: Hardware Expert: It's OK to wash cast iron with soap
How to clean a nonstick waffle iron: Apply some dish soap
The easiest surface to clean is of course the non-stick surface, but there are still some best practices to keep in mind: "Always allow the waffle iron to cool completely before cleaning." Not only is it safer; It also helps loosen stuck-on food particles more easily," says Quinlan. "The non-stick coating can also be damaged if you try to put cold water on the plates while they are still hot." Then remove and throw away any excess crumbs. You can usually clean nonstick dishes with water and regular dishwashing liquid: just wet a sponge and apply a small amount of soap. a little is enough.
Clean the dishes, then rinse them and let them dry. If your dishes still have stubborn residue, apply a small amount of cooking oil (olive, vegetable, or whatever you have on hand) and let it sit for a few minutes. Quinlan explains: "Oil attracts oil, so you can remove surface residue with a simple wipe. Then wash again briefly with soap and water, let it dry and your hair will be golden brown.
Important Note : Avoid using metal utensils or scrapers on the non-stick waffle iron as they may scratch the surface. If you damage a non-stick cooking surface, including pots and pans, you should replace it as this will allow traces of the non-stick material to be absorbed into the food.
To clean a steel waffle iron: Try using baking soda paste
"Dish soap (and water) cleans normal dirt from stainless steel," says Krueger. However, if there are stubborn residues, he recommends adding 2 tablespoons of water. baking powder until a paste forms. "Apply it to the plates and quickly scrub the surface with a damp sponge. The baking soda will do most of the work for you, but is gentle enough not to scratch the steel." When you're finished, wipe off the paste with a clean, damp cloth. Allow to dry completely before storing.
Advice! For steel waffle irons, plan a longer preheating time. Since metal is denser than others, it takes longer to reach the ideal temperature.
Related: Why does food stick to stainless steel pans? (And an easy way to avoid this)
How to clean an aluminum waffle iron: Spray this combination
Because it heats up quickly, aluminum comes into play when you're in a hurry to satisfy your waffle cravings, but it can be difficult to clean. The solution: "Mix one part white vinegar or lemon juice with one part warm water and about 1 tablespoon warm water. cream from tartar; Rub it on the waffle iron with a clean cloth," says Krueger. Both vinegar and lime are slightly acidic, so they break down and leave a residue. You can then polish the dishes with a little vegetable oil; It's best to "season" aluminum like cast iron to prevent food from sticking the next time you use it.
Advice! Like cast iron, aluminum cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher as this will ruin the finish and discolor the material until it appears gray or black. Although the panels are removable, it is best to clean them by hand.
Related: 13 Brilliant Uses for White Vinegar Guaranteed to Make Your Life Easier
How do I clean cheese from a waffle iron?
Savory waffles are one of the hottest trends right now. People prepare scallions, bacon, potatoes, ham and more. ! – directly into the dough. One of the most popular ingredients for this type of waffle is cheese, which can present its own unique culinary challenge.
"Cheese becomes hard when cooked for too long on a surface like a waffle iron," says Krueger. "If so, let the waffle iron cool and then use a plastic or silicone spatula to gently scrape off as much as you can. Dip a cloth in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water and let it sit on the dishes. She explains that the acids in the vinegar help break down the fats in the cooked cheese, making it easier to remove from the bowl after about 20 minutes.
To prevent waffle irons from getting dirty
"Through the many waffles I've baked for my young family, I've learned valuable lessons about how to make them," says stay-at-home mom Sam Thomason , founder of Simple Everyday Mom . "First let the waffle iron preheat completely. It will likely have a light or buzzer to let you know when it's finished. If you skip this step when applying the paste, the panels will not be hot enough to seal the outside, causing the paste to leak everywhere. He adds that a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray between servings prevents dishes from sticking and minimizes baked-on messes. Last but not least: give the device a quick wipe with a damp cloth every few waffles to prevent residue from forming.
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