Waffle makers and sandwich makers are practical kitchen appliances that allow you to prepare delicious snacks in a few minutes. However, cleaning them can be a problem. Sticky food residues and grease are not only an aesthetic issue, but also a health issue. Fortunately, there are proven ways to clean a waffle iron or sandwich maker at home.

How often should you clean your waffle maker and sandwich maker?

Regular cleaning of kitchen appliances is important for their longevity and for our hygiene. Both the waffle maker and the sandwich maker should be cleaned after each use. Even if the surface appears clean, the remains of dough or food particles can leave an invisible dirt, which is burned each time the device is used. This process produces harmful, carcinogenic compounds.

In addition, old grease can turn yellow and attract pests, as well as become a habitat for bacteria and mold. All of this is harmful to our health and makes baked wafers or toasts smell unpleasant. It is therefore better to thoroughly clean the waffle iron or sandwich maker after each use after it has cooled down.

Cleaning the waffle iron – home remedies

Under no circumstances should the waffle maker be completely submerged in water. If your equipment can remove Teflon plates, your task is easier. Take them out and wash them in water with a little detergent using a soft cloth. If the manufacturer allows it, you can put them in the dishwasher. Dry the discs thoroughly before inserting them into the device.

If the device does not allow you to remove the plates, clean your waffle maker at home:

  • Make sure the waffle maker has cooled down completely. Touching a hot surface can be dangerous and cause damage.
  • Remove loose dirt with a silicone or wooden spatula;
  • Turn on the waffle maker for a minute and during this time prepare a solution of half a glass of water and a spoonful of vinegar. Pour the mixture into the running device and close the lid;
  • After five minutes, unplug the appliance and use a kitchen towel to remove any remaining water and vinegar, remembering that the mixture may still be hot;
  • You can wipe the inside of the waffle iron again with a soft cloth and dishwashing liquid and clean its outer surface and all corners.
  • Finally, wipe it all down with a dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning the sandwich maker

When cleaning a sandwich maker, you can follow the same rules as when cleaning a waffle maker. Do not use sharp tools or strong chemicals here either. Heating a solution of water and vinegar will deal with the problem of grease and residues, because the vinegar dissolves them and also has a disinfecting effect. If you only have a sandwich maker with a flat plate, we have another great trick for cleaning it:

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons of potato starch;
  • a spoonful of baking soda;
  • half a glass of water.
  • Mix all the ingredients together until smooth and pour on the grill plate.
  • Close the device, plug it in and fry the mixture for a few minutes.
  • Then unplug the sandwich maker and open it. Inside will be a baked cake of potato starch and baking soda that has absorbed all the impurities.
  • Gently roll the dough into a roll and throw it away and wipe the entire device thoroughly with a cloth and water. Dry the sandwich maker thoroughly before storing.

A burnt and greasy pot can be cleaned without chemicals. In 15 minutes it will be like new