How to Clean a Waffle Maker (Non-Stick, Electric, and Commercial) | No Scrubbing Mistakes

Unplug the waffle maker, let it cool completely, brush out crumbs, then wipe the plates with a damp cloth and mild soap only if your manual allows it; never immerse the base.

For the full breakdown, see our best Waffle Maker guide.

A metal spatula dragged across a hot non-stick plate can wreck the coating in one stroke — and that damage is permanent. The safe routine takes about five minutes and keeps the non-stick surface releasing batter cleanly for years.

This guide covers residential non-stick electric waffle makers and commercial flip units, because the two have different rules. Every manual differs on removable plates and dishwasher parts, so your own manual wins when it disagrees. Below is the exact sequence, the mistakes that ruin coatings, and model-specific exceptions.

The Step-By-Step Cleaning Routine

Unplug the unit first and let it cool fully before touching the plates — this prevents almost every cleaning injury and coating failure. Breville’s BWM520 manual says to “allow your waffle maker to cool slightly before cleaning” and to clean it after every use. Then:

1. Unplug and leave the lid open so heat escapes.
2. Cool completely — Waring’s X Series booklet says to switch off, remove the plug, and let the unit cool before wiping.
3. Brush out crumbs with a soft brush or dry paper towel while plates are dry.
4. Wipe the plates with a damp cloth. For stubborn batter, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive plastic scouring pad or nylon brush.
5. Clean the drip tray and removable plates separately if your model has them.
6. Air-dry everything before closing the lid or storing.

For baked-on residue, several manuals recommend leaving a small amount of cooking oil on the plate for about five minutes to soften batter before wiping. That beats scraping every time.

Non-Stick, Electric, and Commercial Units Differ

Cleaning chemistry and disassembly rules change by unit type, and using the wrong one kills coatings. Non-stick residential makers want mild soap and soft tools; commercial makers often restrict cleaners further; removable-plate models change the workflow.

Hamilton Beach’s Model 26031 is a removable-plate design: its Durathon ceramic nonstick grids and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, and hand washing in warm soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge works too. If your model has no removable plates, everything comes back to the damp-cloth method — never submerge the base. When replacing a worn-out unit, see our tested waffle maker roundup before you buy.

Commercial units follow similar logic with more caution. Hatco’s FWM flip manual says to wipe crumbs and oil from both cooking plates, clean the swivel and hinge areas with a non-abrasive damp cloth, and wipe the exterior with warm water and mild soap, finishing with a warm-water wipe only. One commercial manual warns against alkaline cleaning agents and recommends mild detergent instead, and some warn against cold water on warm plates because of thermal shock.

Five Mistakes That Ruin Coatings

• Cleaning while hot. Wait for plates to cool.
• Immersing the appliance. Never submerge the base unless a part is detachable and dishwasher-safe.
• Using abrasive pads or metal utensils. Scouring pads, steel wool, and metal spatulas scratch non-stick coatings.
• Reaching for oven cleaner or harsh chemicals. Explicitly warned against; mild soap is standard.
• Storing before it is fully dry. Reassembling a damp unit traps moisture and invites odor and residue.

Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth and skip abrasive cleaners entirely. That habit keeps the finish looking new and avoids scratches that make batter stick.