How to Clean and Season a Waffle Iron

Caring For Your Waffle Iron

Waffles are a delicious breakfast treat, and can be fun to make. Whether you own a cast iron waffle maker, or an electric one, it's important to properly clean it to remove crumbs or baked-on residue after each use. Seasoning your cast iron waffle maker prior to each use helps create a non-stick surface. Most electric waffle makers have non-stick grids built into the unit and do not require seasoning, but you may, however, coat the grids with a non-stick spray before each waffle.

Things You'll Need

• Cast iron or electric waffle iron Cooking oil, such as vegetable or corn oil Old toothbrush Non-abrasive sponge or cloth Dry towel

Instructions

How to Clean and Season a Waffle Iron

1. For electric waffle irons with a non-stick finish, you don't need to season the grids. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for preparing waffles.

2. For cast iron waffles, season before each use by lightly rubbing the baking surfaces with oil. Wipe off any excess oil and then heat the iron. Repeat this process prior to each waffle. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for preparing waffles.

3. After you remove the last cooked waffle, unplug the waffle iron or remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

4. After the iron has cooled, wipe it down with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

5. If any crumbs or cooked-on batter remain on the grids, use a non-abrasive cloth or an old toothbrush to gently remove them. For cast iron waffle irons, rinse completely and then towel dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To protect its surface, do not use abrasive cleansers or scrubbing tools on an electric or cast iron waffle maker. Do not submerge electric waffle irons in water.

References

• Joy of Cooking; Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker; 1997.
• BellaOnline